Location: West Seattle
Address: 5200 35th Ave. S.W.
Acreage: 68
Who knew you could go camping without leaving Seattle? Camp Long is a cool little West Seattle secret for those in the know. This 70-year-old park was envisioned as an urban spot for scouts to learn outdoor skills and for years kids could have campfires, hike and sleep over in cabins within just a few miles of their homes.
In the 1980s Camp Long was opened up to the public, and now everyone can enjoy this large wooded park. You can even rent a cabin, have your own campfire and pretend to earn your wilderness merit badge.
By far the coolest feature of Camp Long is Schurman Rock, which was the country’s very first man-made rock climbing structure built in the 1930s. Clark Schurman was a mountaineering guide and helped get this rock built for generations of future Jim Whittakers to enjoy. (Actually Jim himself practiced on this structure!) Climbing classes are taught in the spring.
This is also a great park for urban hiking with several miles of trails. It’s easy to lose yourself in this forest and forget you’re actually next door to a public golf course. From Schurman Rock, you can descend to the half-mile Middle Loop Trail or dip lower on the Lower Loop Trail for a slightly longer and hillier hike that abuts the West Seattle Golf Course. From the Lower Loop Trail it’s possible to connect to the Longfellow Creek Legacy Trail adjacent to the park’s southeast corner. As you hike, you’ll tramp through a forest of alders, birches, maples, Douglas firs, and cedars.
One more note: If you’re looking for a great venue to rent for a wedding or other party, check out the lodge at Camp Long. I was lucky enough to attend an amazing wedding inside the newly renovated lodge this fall. It’s a wonderful (and historic) building.
#215 (Visited 8/22/10)