Discovery Park Loop

The largest city park in Seattle, home to great trails and beautiful views of the sound.

Trail Running Easy

Distance: 6.8 km
Ascent: 164 m
Descent: 163 m
Duration: 0-1 hrs

Low Point: 3 m
High Point: 103 m
Gradient: 5˚

Of all three of the parks included in the “Easy In-Town Trail Runs in Seattle, Washington” guidebook, Discovery Park is the most expansive with the most trail mileage. The loop mapped here clocks in at 4.2 miles long with 538 feet of climbing, but the 534-acre park boasts "over 9 miles of footpaths, 2 miles of beach trails and an ancient lighthouse,” according to Samantha Larson on RootsRated.com.

Discovery Park Lighthouse Photo: chris tarnawski

Seattle - Discovery Park Photo: Joe Mabel

Description

"Situated on Magnolia Bluff overlooking Puget Sound, Discovery Park offers spectacular views of both the Cascade and the Olympic Mountain ranges,” according to Seattle.gov. One of the major attractions in the park is the West Point Lighthouse—be sure to take a quick mid-run break to savor the beautiful spot and this historic building. Technically, this lighthouse is the westernmost point of the city of Seattle!

Thanks to the expansive and diverse park, the scenery is always changing along this loop. You’ll enjoy the deep forests that the PNW is renowned for, gorgeous bluffs overlooking the sound, low shrubs, open meadows, glimpses of the city, and—of course—the afore-mentioned lighthouse.

Sources: https://rootsrated.com/seattle-wa/trail-running/discovery-park https://www.seattle.gov/parks/find/parks/discovery-park https://www.clubnorthwest.org/trail-running