This stretch is where you’re likely to hear the most road noise, as West Emerson Street constitutes the park boundary.
In about a quarter mile, the trail turns west and follows the southern border of Discovery Park for a half-mile, crossing the access road to the south parking lot along the way. Overhead, conifers stand sentinel among stands of maple, alder, and Pacific madrone, a coastal tree admired for its curling mahogany-colored bark. Hike through mixed forest and admire the healthy carpet of sword fern, salal, and Oregon grape brushing your ankles. Once on the Loop Trail, every junction is clearly signed. This guide describes a southward, or clockwise, route. South will get you to the beach sooner north will lead you through a long stretch of lovely forest first. From the kiosk, follow the connector trail from the kiosk to join the Loop Trail.
#DISCOVERY PARK TRAIL FREE#
Free maps are available at the kiosk, but if you want color and topographic detail, pop into to the visitor center and buy a map for $1. Numerous social trails will lead you to it, or head to the northeast corner of the parking lot and look for a large kiosk. The Loop Trail runs just west of the East Parking Lot and Visitor Center.
About halfway through your hike, take a 1.5-mile roundtrip detour to visit South Beach and its historic lighthouse. Start at the Discovery Park Visitor Center near the east entrance, and head out on the Loop Trail for a fun workout with great views. Military infrastructure, a remnant of the area’s years as Fort Lawton, dots the landscape. Filling triangle-shaped Magnolia Bluff, 550-acre Discovery Park is Seattle’s largest urban wilderness, a composite of forest, meadow, and beach tamed by trails, play areas, and two learning centers.
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