Had to get out for some fresh air today and be near the water.  Looked for a window of less rain but hard to find so I just went.  Started at east visitor center about 11.  Several cars in the lot.  But the best thing was the group of preschoolers rambling around in the woods and jumping in puddles like rain was no concern.  Pure joy!  
The loop trail is in great shape with no blowdowns.  Some mud but no bad considering the rainfall.  Mostly it was dripping from the trees and some light drizzle.  No views of the water at the totally socked in bluff area so I took the trail down to the beach.  Better view down there and true pacific NW.  The steps were so saturated the red cedar was visible.  Great little outing and no traffic.

Being in Seattle again today, I wanted to get out in nature (and walk the dog) somewhere new for us in Seattle. The WTA hiking guide description for this location is the longest one I’ve ever seen…but quite interesting with its military and Native American history and influence. Overall it was a wonderful visit. Only thing I didn’t like was the smell from the treatment plant on the way to the lighthouse. Tons of other dogs being walked there, but didn’t see a single poo bag. There was no lack of bathrooms or portable toilets, and trash receptacles, which probably helped.

I admit it’s weird that my first photo is of an invasive plant called traveller’s joy or old man’s beard. I thought it was quite striking but putting it here in case someone reading this works on removing things like that from the trails. This was on a section of the South Beach Trail. Around the Fort Lawton Historic District there were quite a few apple trees loaded with apples. And along the North Beach Trail I saw some colorful waterfowl in the marsh area. That was pretty much it for me regarding wildlife. Signs said dogs are not allowed on the beaches and so I stayed off those. I had fully intended to do the Loop Trail clockwise starting from the east parking lot, but got drawn away from the trail by exploring the historic district and ended up doing a figure-eight route instead (parking to south loop trail to historic district to Capehart Forest to lighthouse via South Beach Trail to North Beach Trail to sand dunes near bluff and back to parking). This resulted in under 6 miles and 570 ft of elevation gain.

Absolutely gorgeous day at discovery. Not crowded at all, just wonderful conditions. Everyone’s out hiking in N cascades but don’t sleep on this hike in fall!! Such vivid water, gorgeous beach and color.

Calm. Lots of open space for dogs to run. Although leashes are required as posted. Saw a coyote.

What's more to like than an urban oasis? Discovery Park is a lovely treasure nestled in Seattle that offers beaches, panoramic views of Elliott Bay, trails, forested hikes, plenty of space to just relax and enjoy your day.

We started our hike around 11am and it took about an hour to do the entire loop + some detours.

The trails are very well maintained but busy with all types of people— runners, dog walkers, families, people with hiking poles, people just on a morning walk.

This was a mostly doable trail, but if you struggle with stairs then it may pose a challenge as there are several sections with a large amount of steps.

We started from the eastern entrance which is a very wooded area. The parking lot has a visitor center with a restroom although it was closed when we were there. Aside from a brief run in with a person smoking cigarettes and polluting the air for everyone around them, it was a relaxing and nice hike. The elevation gain is minimal and it was just a pleasant time.

All manner of berries, blackberry blossoms and sweet peas lined much of the early paths.

As we reached the top of the loop you're given a beautiful vista of the water below and the trail then becomes much less wooded and the paths become sandy.

At the top, to the left of the panorama frame was a couple getting married! We heard cheering and clapping and it looked like they were having a grand time. They couldn't have picked a better day or a nicer trail to have their ceremony. Congrats to them!

Happy hiking.