Discovery Park Loop Trail, Discovery Park Beach and Highlands Loop — Friday, Jan. 1, 2016

Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area

Happy New Year! Walked the Discovery Park loops and beach trail Friday morning starting by parking north of the Hiram Chittenden locks and entering the park on the back side. You get all the extra views of the locks and add only a mile or so to the whole trip. Total mileage including coming over from the locks is just a bit over 5 and the only elevation gain and dropping down to the beach and coming back up. The one potential trail related issue is some ice so watch your step for the next several days until things thaw out. I suppose we are spoiled around here with beautiful scenery but the views off the bluff and beach are simply spectacular. Look south from the beach and Mt Rainier hovers over the West Seattle bridge. Look west and the rugged Olympic are now covered in snow. The view north is more Puget Sound islands and Mt Baker popping out above Golden Gardens. Not unexpectedly many folks were out but everybody was cheerful with the new year. Looks like many folks starting resolutions or trying out new hiking/walking gear santa brought them. Thanks in particular to the father and son who recommended a few photo tips - I absolutely will try them. What a beautiful way to start 2016.