Duwamish Hill Preserve

Bleakly urban, curiously varied; this trail is dramatically unique despite its diminutive stature. Two short walks, side by side depart from this trailhead. One ascends 94 feet among a unique landscape of rounded, bald rock outcrops, and Madrona trees with their sublimely smooth and colorful skin.

The second is clearly former river bottom and native planting with much information on local Duwamish culture.

This small eight and one half acre parcel was somehow forgotten in the crushing development of Tukwila and the Duwamish River bottom. Before venturing out on this hike do yourself a favor and look at a map, focusing on the topography.

Think about how the Duwamish, originally fed by the Green, White, and Black Rivers, is now solely fed by the Green River. Look at what was once wetland and river floodplain and note how this little hill sits right at a bend in the Duwamish. For extra credit, figure out why the Black River is no longer the outlet for Lake Washington.

The hill of this hike is a dome of bedrock which somehow escaped the destruction of the ice age. The plants here including paintbrush, yellow cedar, and Madrona trees. Much of the hill is accessible on a paved wheelchair ramp. Many benches have been installed to take in the views of Mount Rainier and the hustle and bustle of Tukwila.

The trail on the river bottom is a relatively new garden of native plants. Hardscaping has created some small wetlands. Informative signs make for a well-rounded outing.