On this rare day where Scott and I happened to have time off and nothing planned at the same time, we decided to see how Discovery Park was faring. 

It was full. And overall, pretty OK, but there are some sections of slumping and erosion that seemed worth noting here. For what it's worth, we started from the East Lot, hiked around on the Loop Trail, then followed the South Beach trail out to the headlands, down to the beach via the staircase, around the lighthouse, along the north side of the park, and back in to the East Lot on the Loop Trail. 

• Tree down across the trail to South Beach less than a quarter mile from the Visitor Center. 
• Erosion along the headlands trail (but you already knew that)
• The staircases are really the biggest concern. I have attached some pictures, but the stairs coming down from the headlands to the beach are in serious need of some fixing. 
• On the North Beach Trail, hiking west from the lighthouse, past the water treatment, after the first set of stairs going back uphill into the forest, there is a structure that seems to be falling down the hill undermined by a creek, but is still surprisingly strong. I slipped on wet wood because it's sitting at a pretty steep angle, and a gentleman just behind me who was relying on trekking poles for balance had a hard time negotiating this part. 

Otherwise a really nice hike, and much longer than I anticipated it being. We timed it just right, finishing in the parking lot at dusk, and then heading out to the grocery store. What a life. 

You walk across the southeast corner of the park, head to the south lawn for a view, then go to the beach and enjoy a close-up of a lighthouse.If you are lucky you can see the American eagle.The beach is perfect for sitting down and enjoying.

Walked the Discovery Park loop and beaches counter clock wise from the north lot early Saturday afternoon.  Not very crowded and the trails were in good shape - just a little muddy in a few places descending down to the beaches.  Restrooms are open.  No whales out today but saw a seal in the water from the south beach and a bunch of smaller winter birds.  We had a fleet of sailboats out in Shilshole Bay tacking back and forth and a big tug pushing a gravel barge making its way north.  A beautiful late fall day.  The new-ish Figurehead Brewing off 21st Ave W makes a nice post walk stop.

Went with a 4 year old.  Went from the south parking lot to the South Beach.  He loved playing on the beach, and was excited about the views of the Sound.  The trail conditions were good, but the multitude of steps challenged him.  The way to the beach was mostly downhill, but we took the road for part of the way back to reduce the number of stairs.