Discovery Park Hill sits inside the Seattle neighborhood of Magnolia. Loop Trail views Alki Beach across Elliott Bay and Bainbridge Island across Puget Sound. Meanwhile, Golden Gardens Park is near the north across Shilshole Bay.
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Discovery Park Hill at a Glance
Access: Discovery Park SE Entrance (park info)
Round Trip: 6.7 miles
Elevation Range: 50′-360′
Essential Gear: none
GPS Track: available
Dog-friendly: yes
Playlist: Hopeful
Exploring More of Discovery Park
If I remember correctly, I was last here walking the late dogs when we lived in Seattle. Before that, I came on a date, and the guy and I only explored the North Beach area. But of course, what better time to see the rest of the park than in the rain today!
Like Seward Park, this urban recreational ground is super popular, even on a rainy day. So, I started from the southeast entrance to avoid traffic through the main parking areas. It had a simple single-gate fenced entrance with a “leash your dog” sign.
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Loop Trail to Hidden Valley Trail
My loop took me by the visitor center and the Fort Lawn Post Cemetery. Taking photos en route as water dripped down my rain jacket was challenging. So, I kept walking until I peered the back of the water treatment plant through the fence.
It wasn’t until the path dipped toward the beach that I started glimpsing the water. But the constant drizzles and haze today had made it hard to appreciate the views. Soon, from The Grand Point, I started going through the inner trails by the Bird Alley.
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South Beach Trail to Discovery Park Hill
As I walked toward the historic Guard House, more folks appeared on the big lawn. After the trail entered the forest, I chatted briefly with a lady with two dogs. Once leaving the trees, I soon approached the park’s high point in someone’s backyard.
Before leaving the area, I took a side trail to the open space by the Chapel. As I waited under the trees for the rain to subside, I took the last photos while my hands were dry. Afterward, I cut through the south lot and headed east back to the car.
See more trip photos here.