Completed this hike per instructions and enjoyed it thoroughly. South Beach was windy with lots of driftwood piled up. North Beach was calm with great smooth sand. Most trails were dry with only a few muddy spots as we climbed back up from the beaches.

I love this place. It's beautiful. Some parts of the trail are a bit slippery, like the stairs. When it rains it can get a bit muddy too. The beach can be very windy sometimes so make sure to bring warm clothes just in case. I think the trail is generally easy except for the moment you get to go uphill, but easy in general nonetheless. Some birds and little animals can be seen along the trail and in the beach some sea creatures as well, like little anemonies in the sand by the shore (be careful and don't step on them!), jellyfishes too. This is a very enjoyable hike, good for children too!

An oldie, but goodie for Seattlites. Lots of paths, trails. I wouldn't call this area a "hike." It's good place to walk your dog, go to the beach, find adventures, and find photographic moments. Wasn't real into going back here, but I can cross it off the list. The stairs to get to the beach are always good therapy. Visitor Center records 3.2 miles to and from the Lighthouse, using the "Loop" trail first to then follow signs for South Beach Trail. Other reports from other locations indicate 2.8 miles. I read there is a free parking permit for parts of the beach now, as well as a shuttle for those in need. The loop trail starts immediately on the left out of the Visitor Center "South" parking lot. You pass over the streets and parking lot of Oregon Ave., and stay left on the "loop." I type "loop" because to me, a loop is a one road that loops around in a circle. I discovered in Discovery Park, there are many little twists and turns. There are sign posts in the park, and I'm always afraid by the time I see one, I'll have gone 1-2 miles the wrong direction. About .4 mile up, the trail splits to a wide left or right, and there's a small path sorta left. I asked a gentleman as I started walking the "sorta left" path off of the wider road. He gave me the wrong information... Thankfully, my instincts were correct in continuing on that path. I found and took the little stroll to the "Viewpoint" on the right where the chapel? resides. Not worth it... I did discover apple trees ripening though. Going back where I was before the lil path to the Viewpoint, the Loop/South Beach Trail leads out to a second viewpoint. This viewpoint is where everyone hangs by the bank to get their selfie. You'll find the viewpoint on the right when you see sand ahead on your path, right after you pass by a lil spot where the dragonflies hang out, picnic tables, dogs playing in the sand...cute area. (You'll see other paths, no idea about those yet...think they go to the historical spots, treatment plant, and an Indian cultural spot, as well as the chapel) has many stairs. (This is where I saw blueberries...) I think I lost count at about 25 the zig zag down to the beach. I would have preferred returning up the stairs while it was still a cool morning, before the sun was beating down. It was a small unpleasant workout, but my glutes appreciated it. Of course, you have those people who run it!!! Since it was low-tide, I hiked 6.5 miles, enjoying a walk further along South Beach Trail, to the Lighthouse and beyond. Sat on the beach on the other side of the lighthouse, some people were picnicking there too. (There is a parking lot by the Lighthouse too) This was the highlight of my day: A Great Heron decided it was curious enough about me to walk from the water over to where I was sitting with my camera on the beach. It was really quite interesting to see how curious he was with me. Headed back from the lighthouse on South Beach Trail, I started to hike the N Beach Trail that is a sharp left off of South Beach Trail, figuring this was part of the "Loop." NO...would've taken me much longer...This is a way to the the Indian Cultural Center, and the NORTH parking lot. Think there's a cemetery and a playground at the end of that route as well. Would have passed Scheuerman Creek, where I think I hiked the last time I visited the park. I remember skunk cabbage grow like crazy around the boardwalk on that section. There is another viewpoint at the end of that section with another parking lot. Somewhere close to there is a group or boat tour or something to do with a Heron rookery. (One of these days, I'll remember to ask. ) I didn't see any of it this time as I opted to backtrack to the Visitor Center the way I arrived, using South Beach Trail and the Loop Trail. Overall, an enjoyable hike to the beach and lighthouse on a laid back low-tide morning between 12:30-3:30. The birds and bees out, flowers blooming, blueberries, blackberries ripening. Spotted total of three curious Herons all along the coast, and dodged some angry crows hiding in the trees at the South Beach Trail (near the pond.) Mid-afternoon mosquitoes started a bit of a feeding fest while I was trying to take a photo near stairs along the Loop Trail heading back to main parking lot at the Visiting Center.

I feel almost silly for writing a trip report for such an urban hike, so this is just to say that the trail is in good condition and the views from the lighthouse, lovely. I'm not sure if I did the beach and highlands loop exactly -- signage isn't perfect and there are lots of little trails at Discovery Park. There north parking lot was nearly empty when I arrived around 4pm today, and I spent about an hour and a half wandering to the beach trail and lighthouse and back.

First of all, if you live in Seattle and haven't been to Discovery Park, go now. No excuses. Now, this trip report is mainly to make a few comments about the park and trails, because even a seasoned visitor forgets and makes mistakes sometimes. See below. We dropped by in the evening to go for a trail run, waiting for the heat to dissipate from the unseasonally warm weather. I personally like to park in the south lot off of Emerson - there's a honey bucket there for your use if needed (but be warned that the door doesn't latch well and it's well used) and easy access to the Loop Trail. For a short loop, stick to the Loop Trail, crossing streets and other trails and through the tunnel under Discovery Park Blvd back to the parking lot. This is about 2.9 miles or so, but don't be fooled by the short distance - you'll start by descending about 150 feet and then spend the rest of the run re-gaining the elevation through many rolling hills in the park. The trail is in good condition, and there are the occasional park benches along the way in case you want to sit and enjoy the view. You'll also have solitude if it's a cloudy weekday or evening. If you are up for something a bit longer and steeper, do the outer loop. This begins as before on the Loop Trail, but then a left takes you on the South Beach trail, descending through the forest with occasional glimpses of the water and mountain to your left, down to the beach. Run along the beach for a bit and then explore the lighthouse, sticking to the outside (careful on the rocks!) of the point before joining up with the North Beach trail. From here you can see Golden Gardens and the marina just to the north, before the trail heads inland and you quickly gain back all that elevation in a series of unforgiving stairs. Try to run up all of them! I can't do it yet. When you hit the Loop Trail, follow it back to the parking lot for about 4.1 mile loop. This one is my favorite, as you can't beat the views along the water, and you certainly can't beat a sunset down by the lighthouse. As I mentioned earlier, we waited until later in the evening to run so that we could escape the heat. The coastal breeze and fading sun did the job, but don't forget that the Loop Trail is in the woods. Despite the nearly full moon, we had little light on the trail. Bring a headlamp if you'll be there at sunset/dusk. Also, you can't park down by the lighthouse. Yes, this means you have to walk a bit to see it (or take the shuttle on the weekends, but why do that when you can explore the park on your way?). You might get away with parking your car in front of all the No Parking signs for about 5 minutes, but almost every time I'm down there I see 1-2 cars get towed away.