Going between Lindbergh High School and Renton Park Elementary and down a gravel path one, enters into a huge urban forest space. There are several access points from different directions. There are lots of old trees (including cedars and maples), bushes, ferns, plants (including nettles) and many paths. It is great for a short hike, walks, dog walking and even geocaching (of which I have 3 caches hidden here). 

It is a peaceful, relaxing place close to homes but in forest land. The sound many different birds drowns out the sounds of cars nearby. There are many fallen logs to sit on and also a bench in memory of someone to sit on when it is dry. The canopy of trees nestles you in a cozy forest space of many greens. The rains have made the gravel and dirt trails a bit mucky but also made things very green. 

I have been there before usually from a different entrance. Just being in this urban forest made me feel so peaceful and relaxed today of which I was not upon entering. I will use it more often for a quiet urban forest escape when I need to feel at peace and relaxed.

Benefits of these trees to the community: they prevent erosion, cool area with shade, provides habitat for birds and animals, offer beauty, and healing benefits from pine aerosol. But my favorite observation was a grade school age boy running through the trees with a sword and shield. The benefit of unplugging a child from screens and sparking his imagination is incalculable. 

The area was homesteaded in the 1840s and became part of Fort Steilacoom in 1849. Several of the fort’s original buildings are still standing—located north of Steilacoom Boulevard and west of Western State Hospital. In 1871 the fort was repurposed as an insane asylum ultimately becoming Western State Hospital. A good portion of the original fort grounds south of Steilacoom Boulevard were operated until 1965 as a farm for the hospital. Patients worked on the farm alongside staff. Several farm buildings are still standing as well as the orchard.