Discovery Park Beach and Highlands Loop, Discovery Park Loop Trail — Monday, Jan. 18, 2016

Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area

For urban parks, Discovery Park is hard to beat. The only other park that I've found that rivals its expansiveness and diversity is Point Defiance Park, in Tacoma. Both of them are great for regular ol' hiking or trail running. I wasn't feeling too great and I decided to pass on heading to the mountains due to avalanche danger, but I was itching to get outside. I figured I'd run the beach trail and loop back through the center of the park to put in close to 5 miles on the trail. For running, this is a hard park to beat. The terrain is varied, and can be as challenging or easy as you want it. The trail was in great condition for running, with no downed trees or other obstacles. It was a bit wet, so spots were muddy and the bridges and stairs were just a bit slick, but it didn't slow me down much, if at all. If you're running this, know that if you descend to the beach either via the south or north beach trail you're going to have some serious stairs getting back up to the bluff. It's a great workout. My favorite section of the trails is in the heart of the park on the Loop Trail. It winds through the woods, and in winter the leafless deciduous trees let in lots of light. There are a few ups and downs, but no killer climbs, and you can really cruise through here. Tons of fun. Run or walk, this park is absolutely worth spending a few hours in wandering. The lighthouse is always a popular destination, but I prefer the bluffs and woods. Check it out!