Trip Report
Discovery Park
Five-mile loop around Discovery Park. From the north lot, we looped around the park, including some time at the beach.
Elliott Krivenko
- Sat, Apr 12, 2025
- Discovery Park
- Day Hiking
- Successful
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- Road suitable for all vehicles
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The trail was in good condition. Most bathrooms in the park were open. We had good weather, but recent rains made parts of the trail muddy. In all, though the trail is in better condition than I've seen it in my most recent trips (I usually do this hike at least once a year).
The stinging nettle is out in force now, especially on the loop trail between the parking lot and the visitor center.
As of April 12, 2025, the visitor center has a sign on the door that says closed until further notice.
Parking lot was mostly empty at 8:15 am. We did a loop around the park of about 5 miles and 500 feet. Starting in the north lot, the route followed the loop trail to the visitor center and around the park perimeter to the bluff overlooking Puget Sound. We saw an eagle near there before heading down to the beach.
At the beach, we stopped for a break near the lighthouse. Weather was pleasant and the tide was out. From there, we walked around the far side of the lighthouse and took the North Beach Trail back to the Loop Trail to complete the loop back to the parking area. Along the beach, we saw some heron, two porpoise (we think) and a curious sea lion.
No special gear needed. I don't think anyone even used their trekking poles on this one. You do need to pay special attention for runners and other hikers.
Consumption of an after-hike meal took place at Serendipity Cafe in Magnolia.