We had a great hike through Discovery Park today and along a low tide beach. A couple cars were in the lot next to the visitors center when we pulled in at 8:15.  The indoor bathrooms were not open at this time but a Porta Potty needing service sat adjacent to the lower lot. It was 63 degrees with overcast skies and sun forecast later in the day.  We followed the loop trail in a counterclockwise direction. The entire route north is shaded under the deciduous canopy.  Along the trail many wildflowers are in bloom and on the bank above the beach.  We saw bleeding heart, yellow leaf avens, fringe cup, yarrow, ocean spray, lupine, wild rose, wild blackberries and berries too. A coyote pair scampered across the road on the bluff  before we descended the stairs down to the beach.  This time of the year the north stairs section was dry and several stretches have new metal decking and handrails.  The tide was 30+ yards out when we went down to North Beach, so we decided to walk the route around the lighthouse to the sandy bluffs.  The beach, water and air was filled with wildlife.  Clams we spouting up water everywhere, mini crabs scurried across the exposed sand, heron were hunting on the shore, gulls, terns and heron were flying overhead and seals were in the water 15’ offshore checking us out.  A large cave area has formed in the sandy bluff due to erosion and wave action. Several log structures have been built above high tideline, one you might seek shelter in from the sun or rain.  The sun started peaking out at 10:00 as we continued the loop back up the bluff overlook trail.  We shed layers knowing the uphill stair step section would heat us up even more.  All the old viewing platforms in this area have been closed off by plywood as the look badly in need of repair. The bathroom facility in the woods by the meadow was open, clean but lacked hand soap. Trail traffic was fairly light, we more folks were down on the beach and sandy bluff part of the loop trail.    My All Trails App read 5.4 miles when we walked back to our vehicles at 11:45.  Another fantastic day out in nature with friends.

It was a beautiful morning to do some media capturing with our friends at Montlake Futures and UW Athletics! The East Parking Lot was about half full when we arrived around 7:30 a.m. The visitor center was closed at this hour, but there were a few portapotties along the way that were useable.

Highlights of the day were wildflowers, foggy views of the Salish Sea and even some light berry picking (it'll still be a couple of weeks before the thimble berries are ready to eat). 

The hike was only a few miles long, but it was great to see the good people of Seattle out jogging, hiking and walking their dogs. Speaking of dogs... GO DAWGS!

I recently walked the Discovery Park Loop Trail with my 5-year-old, and it was an incredibly easy and kid-friendly experience. The 2.8-mile loop is perfect for little ones, with well-maintained paths and a safe environment throughout. My child enjoyed the diverse scenery, from the beautiful views of Puget Sound to the lush forests and open meadows. We felt secure the entire time, and it was easy to extend our trip by exploring some of the multiple routes connected to the inner loop. Overall, it was a fantastic outing that I highly recommend for families with young children.

On June 16th, our family enjoyed a delightful hike at Discovery Park in Seattle. The very easy trail made it perfect for a relaxing outing, and despite being in the city, it felt like a serene escape. The stunning views on the west side were breathtaking, offering a perfect spot for a family photo. One of the highlights was accessing the lighthouse up close, which fascinated our children and provided a glimpse into Seattle's maritime history. In the forested area, we came across a very old oak tree that our son loved climbing, adding a touch of enchantment to our adventure. Overall, Discovery Park offered a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical interest, making our day unforgettable and highly recommended for families seeking nature within the city.

Nice easy walk before going over to the Folklife festival. The parking lot was mostly empty at 8:45. The Lupine are blooming at the south end of the Loop Trail. We also saw a pair of river otters frolicking in the pond next to the North Beach trail. They disappeared before I could get a picture.

4.5 mi, 450 ft