South Seahurst Park Nature Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features River/Creek

A more recent addition to the nearby Seahurst Park Nature Trail to the north, the southern trail is more of the same: winding dirt singletrack, occasionally challenging, climbing into forest overlooking the Puget Sound.

Starting from the Shoreline Trail, the southern trail picks up near the covered picnic area after the footbridge. Look for a singletrack disappearing into the brush, making a quick climb up into the trees. After a short dip down, it's mostly climbing for the next half mile as the path twists and turns through the woods. Less popular than its northern cousin, this trail tends to be less maintained, with plants occasionally growing into the route. Watch out for thorns.

A shortcut can be found to the left around a third of a mile in, allowing hikers to bypass a short, steep segment a little ways ahead. As the path levels out, it turns north. Steer clear of the singletracks branching off to the south, which lead to private property.

The last quarter mile is a descent down to the upper parking area. Visitors can take advantage of picking up the trail from this end for an uninterrupted off-road route to the northern area. It can be tricky to find where the trail connects to the lot, so take advantage of the GPS track here to help out.

Seahurst plant life is typical of the wetlands and forests found along the Puget Sound. Grasses and ferns lie low along the trails, and watch for lilies, huckleberries, salal, snowberries, elderberries. Stinging nettles are an uncommon but present hazard. Tree varieties are dominated by evergreens, with several maples making appearances as well. English Ivy, English Holly, and blackberry bushes are problematic invasive species; feel free to pull out any you encounter along the way to help (though watch for blackberry thorns).

Both large and small birds are present in great numbers around Seahurst. Seagulls, eagles, woodpeckers, herons, and owls can be found here. Landborne animals are less frequently sighted, confined mostly to suburban woodland creatures like raccoons and mice. The creeks in Seahurst were once return routes for spawning salmon, and a hatchery near the Science Center researches their movements.