I often forget how lucky some of us are to have Discovery Park in Seattle, where we can go, even if only for a moment, to escape the city's hustle and bustle and breathe deeply, connecting with nature for a brief moment.

Starting from the South Lot, I chose to go clockwise, but either direction works. For me, I like how this direction rewards you with a beautiful view of Puget Sound and the Olympics as you descend towards the westernmost part of the park, staying high above the beach with 180-degree views.

The trail winds back into a tree covered path that surrounds and hugs you in a way only nature can. You cross three roads heading east, the first two are not open to cars, but I always look both ways for bikes that may be coming up or down the road. The third, easternmost road, is open to cars so I always pay close attention at this crossing.

Looping south takes one back towards the (still closed) Environmental Learning Center (ELC), where there are a couple of porta-potties. Up until this point, the trip has been either flat or mostly downhill, so now it's time to climb, slightly and very manageable, back to the south lot (where there are porta-potties, including an accessible one).

This ~2.7-mile loop is a delight and can be done quickly, or you can take your time. I have seen foxes, eagles, owls, and even deer on this loop. The one downside is that I almost always encounter off-leash dogs. There are no off-leash dog areas in Discovery Park, so if your four-legged friend joins you please keep them leashed up!

Started following the loop trail clockwise from the south parking lot, but down by the lighthouse we took advantage of the low tide to hop on the beach and circumnavigate West Point, plus we shortcut the last part of the loop via the open meadow area.

Highlights. Some ripe salmonberries and trailing blackberries. Invasive blackberries are still blooming, and thimbleberries aren't quite ripe yet, either.

Crowds. Lots of people everywhere, but no congestion on the trails. The main parking lot was full at 11:30am, but there was plenty of space in the overflow lot. 

Went to Discovery Park to check out blooming lupines. Started at the south trailhead. Found lupines and more delightful wildflowers! We did not stick to the loop trail but wandered about looking for flowers. 

Decided to drive down and do the loop on a sunny and cool Sunday morning. Arrived to the Discovery Visitor Center Parking Lot around 10:30am and started on the regular loop. A short while after passing through the tunnel I came upon a number of downed wet tree branches most likely due to the huge rainstorm the day before. As a 5’2 human it was a bit tough climbing over them as they were quite slippery. Made sure to warn a few hikers further up the trail who were heading that way especially those with dogs and small children. Otherwise gorgeous day for a hike and clear views of the sound and mountains!

I had intended to get in a hike or workout today.  Later start view of traffic conditions to the foothills showed bad accident on I-90 east so I stayed in town.  Decided to hike with an overnight bag with some weight at Discovery Park on this beautiful day.  Started at the visitor’s center and did the loop trail counterclockwise but added the larger loop including the north and south beach trail walks with some steps down and up to the beach/bluff.  The wildflowers are blooming everywhere in the park so it added to the beauty and ease of just staying in town sometime.  I stopped on the south beach and read from a book I was carrying (out of interest and weight added), then snacked and headed up the bluff trail.  Kept a steady pace for a couple of hours.  Perfect for today.  Trail is in great shape as always.  A few hikers and runners out on this nice Monday afternoon.