This park is one of my favorite local places to go. The parking lot was nearly full at 10:30am on a Sunday, and full by the time we left, around 1pm. But there is lots of space to spread out, so the trails don't ever feel crowded and that's one of the many reasons I love coming here. The grassy meadows and sandy areas near the cliff are perfect for toddlers, and the two in our group had a blast - although you'll want to keep them within arm's reach, especially near the cliff, if they're anything like ours and like to run away faster when you call their name. The views were dazzling in the sunshine, but it's totally worth coming here even on a rainy day. Enjoy!

We parked at south parking lot and got lucky to get a spot as someone was leaving. Lots of people had to park on the road outside the park. We walked out to the sand area plain on top of the bluff that gives a great view south over the sound. We then hiked down the south beach trail, which has some areas of pretty click ice, so watch your step! Along the way there was a large eagle up in a tree that caught the attention of lots of people. We reached the beach while the tide was out. I was able to spot the eagle in the tree and zoom way in on it. One thing we noticed was that there were lots of dogs on the beach. Dogs are not allowed on any Seattle beach! We walked along the water north to the north beach trail (also icy in spots) and hiked back up to the the top of the hill and followed the main loop trail back to the sand area plain and back to the south lot.

Completed this hike per instructions and enjoyed it thoroughly. South Beach was windy with lots of driftwood piled up. North Beach was calm with great smooth sand. Most trails were dry with only a few muddy spots as we climbed back up from the beaches.

I love this place. It's beautiful. Some parts of the trail are a bit slippery, like the stairs. When it rains it can get a bit muddy too. The beach can be very windy sometimes so make sure to bring warm clothes just in case. I think the trail is generally easy except for the moment you get to go uphill, but easy in general nonetheless. Some birds and little animals can be seen along the trail and in the beach some sea creatures as well, like little anemonies in the sand by the shore (be careful and don't step on them!), jellyfishes too. This is a very enjoyable hike, good for children too!

An oldie, but goodie for Seattlites. Lots of paths, trails. I wouldn't call this area a "hike." It's good place to walk your dog, go to the beach, find adventures, and find photographic moments. Wasn't real into going back here, but I can cross it off the list. The stairs to get to the beach are always good therapy. Visitor Center records 3.2 miles to and from the Lighthouse, using the "Loop" trail first to then follow signs for South Beach Trail. Other reports from other locations indicate 2.8 miles. I read there is a free parking permit for parts of the beach now, as well as a shuttle for those in need. The loop trail starts immediately on the left out of the Visitor Center "South" parking lot. You pass over the streets and parking lot of Oregon Ave., and stay left on the "loop." I type "loop" because to me, a loop is a one road that loops around in a circle. I discovered in Discovery Park, there are many little twists and turns. There are sign posts in the park, and I'm always afraid by the time I see one, I'll have gone 1-2 miles the wrong direction. About .4 mile up, the trail splits to a wide left or right, and there's a small path sorta left. I asked a gentleman as I started walking the "sorta left" path off of the wider road. He gave me the wrong information... Thankfully, my instincts were correct in continuing on that path. I found and took the little stroll to the "Viewpoint" on the right where the chapel? resides. Not worth it... I did discover apple trees ripening though. Going back where I was before the lil path to the Viewpoint, the Loop/South Beach Trail leads out to a second viewpoint. This viewpoint is where everyone hangs by the bank to get their selfie. You'll find the viewpoint on the right when you see sand ahead on your path, right after you pass by a lil spot where the dragonflies hang out, picnic tables, dogs playing in the sand...cute area. (You'll see other paths, no idea about those yet...think they go to the historical spots, treatment plant, and an Indian cultural spot, as well as the chapel) has many stairs. (This is where I saw blueberries...) I think I lost count at about 25 the zig zag down to the beach. I would have preferred returning up the stairs while it was still a cool morning, before the sun was beating down. It was a small unpleasant workout, but my glutes appreciated it. Of course, you have those people who run it!!! Since it was low-tide, I hiked 6.5 miles, enjoying a walk further along South Beach Trail, to the Lighthouse and beyond. Sat on the beach on the other side of the lighthouse, some people were picnicking there too. (There is a parking lot by the Lighthouse too) This was the highlight of my day: A Great Heron decided it was curious enough about me to walk from the water over to where I was sitting with my camera on the beach. It was really quite interesting to see how curious he was with me. Headed back from the lighthouse on South Beach Trail, I started to hike the N Beach Trail that is a sharp left off of South Beach Trail, figuring this was part of the "Loop." NO...would've taken me much longer...This is a way to the the Indian Cultural Center, and the NORTH parking lot. Think there's a cemetery and a playground at the end of that route as well. Would have passed Scheuerman Creek, where I think I hiked the last time I visited the park. I remember skunk cabbage grow like crazy around the boardwalk on that section. There is another viewpoint at the end of that section with another parking lot. Somewhere close to there is a group or boat tour or something to do with a Heron rookery. (One of these days, I'll remember to ask. ) I didn't see any of it this time as I opted to backtrack to the Visitor Center the way I arrived, using South Beach Trail and the Loop Trail. Overall, an enjoyable hike to the beach and lighthouse on a laid back low-tide morning between 12:30-3:30. The birds and bees out, flowers blooming, blueberries, blackberries ripening. Spotted total of three curious Herons all along the coast, and dodged some angry crows hiding in the trees at the South Beach Trail (near the pond.) Mid-afternoon mosquitoes started a bit of a feeding fest while I was trying to take a photo near stairs along the Loop Trail heading back to main parking lot at the Visiting Center.