The name Hemlock Clinic reflects more than just a love for trees — it embodies our values, our roots, and our vision for care.
Our family returned to the Pacific Northwest to be closer to the towering forests, clear lakes, and quiet beauty that make this region so special. We wanted our son to grow up surrounded by nature — and for our clinic to reflect the same sense of balance, vitality, and connection.
The Western Hemlock, Washington’s state tree, is known to be “resilient and crafted for living.” It often grows in the shadows of larger trees, developing intricate and powerful root systems — a reflection of its sheer will to live and thrive. To us, that spirit is deeply symbolic. It mirrors the quiet strength of primary care: foundational, enduring, and essential to long-term wellness.
At Hemlock Clinic, we’re inspired by the natural world around us. Our name is a reminder that health, like the forest, is nurtured through deep roots, resilience, and thoughtful care — all of which we strive to offer every day in the way we serve our community.
Interesting Fact: How the Western Hemlock Became Washington’s Official Tree
The Western Hemlock wasn’t always the obvious choice — but it became the meaningful one.
In 1947, schoolchildren across Washington were asked to vote for a state tree. The Douglas Fir, with its towering presence, was a popular contender. But it was the Western Hemlock that ultimately captured the hearts of many. Its quiet strength, adaptability, and deep roots in the Pacific Northwest landscape made it a fitting emblem for the state. The tree’s resilience in shaded, often overlooked environments resonated
with the spirit of Washingtonians — a people known for their independence, endurance, and connection to the land.
That same year, the Washington State Legislature made it official. The Western Hemlock was designated the state tree — not for its grandeur, but for its quiet, persistent beauty and its essential role in the life of the forest. At Hemlock Clinic, we find deep meaning in that story. Like the Western Hemlock, primary care may not always be the most visible — but it forms the essential groundwork of a strong, healthy community. Our name is a tribute to that legacy, and to the enduring, grounded care we strive to provide every day.
Hemlock Clinic - the Primary Care provider of choice for Seattle's Eastside Families.
We proudly serve patients across the Seattle Eastside including Redmond, Bellevue, Sammamish, Kirkland, and beyond. Whether you’re looking for expert preventive care or long-term chronic condition management, our clinic is here to support your health.
