Sometimes when I'm standing atop one of the cliffs in Discovery Park, I like to pretend what I'm seeing is what the first settlers experienced on their arrival; it's so refreshing and awe-inspiring.... More

Sometimes when I'm standing atop one of the cliffs in Discovery Park, I like to pretend what I'm seeing is what the first settlers experienced on their arrival; it's so refreshing and awe-inspiring. But then I remember that the coastline was a lot more forested and difficult to navigate back then, that a lot of grooming and maintenance is required to keep the park in the shape it is in. (How else would all the strollers, marathoners and dogs manage it?) Still, I think the magic about it keeps it among my favorite places in the city. Whether you're going on a hike, bird-watching, playing ultimate frisbee or doing a trail run, Discovery Park harbors a wealth of activity. You get basketball courts and a visitor's center, trails and water fountains, all side-by-side. The park is especially great with out-of-town guests; you get to enjoy nature without leaving Seattle city limits. I love how in the span of a few miles, I can hike through some small forest, walk along a sandy beach and stand in the middle of what feels like a mini prairie. Although many of the visitors travel in groups, I still find Discovery Park a great place for solitude. Depending on the day, you can spend an hour exploring and not run into anyone. And even if there are lots of people around--as is usually true on a sunny summer day--it's hard to beat the views. If you are going for a run in the rain, there's pretty decent tree coverage on the Loop Trail. If there hasn't been a lot of recent precipitation, the trails are usually manageable still, with limited pools of water to spoil your jaunt. If you're letterboxing, I will note that I've never been successful at finding any of the boxes. Perhaps I'm going at the wrong time, perhaps my navigational skills are that off. I have a sinking suspicion, though, park officials are diligent about removing any foreign articles found. I've never visited the park after sundown. I've heard interesting rumors about the goings-on once the sun has set, but I cannot confirm.
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We must have spent a day exlporing this place from the light house on the beach to the trails and the remaining houses. We even ventured over to the cemetery to see those who gave their lives for... More

We must have spent a day exlporing this place from the light house on the beach to the trails and the remaining houses. We even ventured over to the cemetery to see those who gave their lives for this country. Many opportunities for great pictures. Bathrooms were available as well as a visitors center where questions could be answered.
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Discovery Park is located at the west tip of Seattle's Magnolia neighborhood. If you want to see something amazing, go around dusk to watch the owls fly and dive in the vast fields in search of... More

Discovery Park is located at the west tip of Seattle's Magnolia neighborhood. If you want to see something amazing, go around dusk to watch the owls fly and dive in the vast fields in search of food. If you park at the South end of the park, walk in and go toward the water tower, you'll be at the top of a vast open field. At dusk, stand quitely and still, and watch the owls come from the trees (usually in the south), and circle in the field before diving into the grass. They usually make a full circle of most of the field, so you can see them anywhere. Just keep your eyes open and appreciate that we can participate in this in Seattle!
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Discovery Park is a good sized park located in Magnolia that offers the most breathtaking views of the Puget Sound, Mt. Rainier, the Olympics, and West Seattle of any park I’ve been to in Seattle... More

Discovery Park is a good sized park located in Magnolia that offers the most breathtaking views of the Puget Sound, Mt. Rainier, the Olympics, and West Seattle of any park I’ve been to in Seattle yet. They have many trails, some of which do not allow bikes, that take you around the park. The main “loop” trail is about 2 or 3 miles that’s just about perfect for a short run. Starting at the parking lot gets you to the cliff’s edge viewpoint a mile and a half through. It’s great to sit at the view point, watch the ferries and sailboats, see the sunset over the Olympics, or check out Mt. Rainier. You can also go down to the beach and play in the sand, bring a picnic, or go swimming. The beach even has its own lighthouse! Whenever someone visits me in Seattle, I bring them here because I think it gives a good representation of how beautiful this city is.
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Discovery Park is a great place to get away to nature for a day without having to drive an hour or more. The park has many different environments; woods, meadow and beach. All are easily accessed... More

Discovery Park is a great place to get away to nature for a day without having to drive an hour or more. The park has many different environments; woods, meadow and beach. All are easily accessed and explored using the many paths that criss-cross the park. Discovery Park is also an ideal introduction to nature for smaller kids. The paths are relatively wide and gradual, except the one to the beach. If your plans include taking small kids to the beach, stop by the Nature Center for a parking pass so you can drive rather than hike.
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