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.

My husband and I enjoyed spotting and hearing 40 bird species along the Loop and Shore trails this morning for Mother's Day. We arrived at 8:30 to a parking lot about .25 full; by 11:30 when we left the lot was full and people were parking on the streets. Porta-potties were in heavy use but well-stocked when I used them.

Among the sightings we enjoyed were 2 pigeon guillemots, some male American goldfinches, our first Caspian terns of the year, and lovely orange-crowned warbler song, a hairy woodpecker, northern flicker, and downy woodpecker, and four bald eagles including one with a juvenile companion on the shore while geoducks spouted fountains to a silent concert.

The park is obviously highly loved. We did a figure 8 loop so we'd walk the shore northbound where someone said marbled murrelets had been seen earlier in the day. The north path has some muddy spots and it looks like a few bridges are new - perhaps since windstorms late 2024? Bird blind/pullouts have been graffiti-covered and wood paths are in disrepair in spots. The park has a little something for everyone: joggers, birders, families enjoying picnics, dog walkers, beachcombers, photographers.

All in all a nice outing; I could have done without the heavy traffic (Ballard bridge was not on use) but I loved seeing all the birds in a park I don't visit very often. Only on special occasions.

Quick walk around the Discovery Park loop and beach trails Sunday morning.  We started over at the locks and took the super secret pedestrian bridge across the railroad tracks then made a messy clockwise loop around the park, down to the beach, back up past the north parking lot and back over to the locks along W Commodore Way.  Mileage ended up right about 6 miles with a total of 575’ gross vertical.  Parking at both the locks or any of the Discovery park lots is plentiful but fills up quite quickly on a nice weekend day.  Restrooms at Discovery were a bit hit or miss with the one near the north lot open and in good condition but others seemed to still be closed for the season.  Restrooms at the locks were open and fully functional.  Park trails were generally in fine condition with the exception of the north beach trail climb back up to the top of the bluff which is quite muddy and has some stairs/railings in marginal condition.  

The big wildlife scene today were all the herons, both at the rookery on the sound side of the locks but also a bunch of them down on the beaches fishing for breakfast or flying around looking for nesting material - super cool.    The surprise treat of the day was watching coast guard crews doing helicopter training out in Puget Sound - very glad we have folks like that here to help people, including hikers, that have found themselves in a bad situation.  Lastly, don’t miss the iconic views west to the big, snowy Olympics and back south to Rainier - never disappointing.  A really nice urban walk with a bunch to see.  

Beautiful day to get in this hike! Great views of the mountains. The additional lighthouse loop has some mud in areas still from all the rain, but overall the trails are in great condition.

Decided to stay in town and get some fresh marine and forest air, and a small amount of elevation change.  Discovery  park has it all.  Started at Visitor center at 10 am.  The center and bathrooms are closed until further notice.  Patches of snow and rime ice in and around the parking lot/sidewalk.  The trail is clear but was slick in places in the shade on hard or wood covered surfaces including steps.  Brought poles especially for the steps down to the north beach (new metal steps are nice).  Tide was super high and not much boat traffic.  Beachcombed a bit the headed counterclockwise towards lighthouse and south beach.  Sat in the sun there enjoying the water and crisp air.  Hiked up the bluff on the relatively softer, less slick trail due to warmer temps. Finished back at the visitor center getting a nice workout.  Lovely outing! No pic this time.  Views in my minds eye.