Beautiful time of the day for an easy hike in Discovery Park. First hike at this park; amazing views towards the south.

This is a link to wta.org. 

Discovery Park - East parking to the Light House Trail . Started at 4:30 Pm & finished by 6:30 PM. Llovely views from the cliffs near South meadows. Lovely weather .

Quick walk around Discovery Park and down to the beach Sunday morning before the smoke got too bad.  We parked at Hiram Chittenden locks and took the super secret pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks to get to Discovery.  Parking at Discovery is free and relatively plentiful, (north lot was only about 25% full at 10am), the lot at the locks is free on Sundays.  Restrooms were open around Discovery as well as at the locks.  The trails are pretty dusty as expected and the north and south stairs down to the beach are getting a bit worn so just watch your step but nothing blocking or areas to avoid.  This lollipop loop starting at the locks is about 6 miles. 

Not many views today with the smoke but quite a bit of wildlife out - heron, osprey, raven, deer, etc.  Plus there currently is a large salmon run going through the locks right now - definitely worth a stop if you are in the area, more fish than I’ve ever seen there.  A super nice walk with lots to see.  

Link to more information about the natural history of Discovery Park - https://www.historylink.org/File/11161

Link to more history of the park - https://www.fodp.org/the-history-of-discovery-park/

Link to article about the recent big salmon run  - https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/a-big-salmon-run-at-seattles-ballard-locks-is-wowing-visitors/

Go on a sunny day — the views are absolutely beautiful!