Discovery Park
Discovery Park
4.5
About
This 534-acre nature park boasts extensive trails and breathtaking views amid lush nature. It occupies most of the historic Fort Lawton site and features heritage buildings like a chapel, gymnasium, and horse stable. You can also hike or bike through the forest and visit the West Point Lighthouse and the beach for views of downtown Seattle and Mount Rainer from a distance. The surroundings are mostly residential, so bring some food to have a picnic.
You can visit Discovery Park for free but expect to pay for parking which is quite limited and fills up quickly especially on weekends. – Tripadvisor
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Neighborhood: Queen Anne
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
878 reviews
Excellent
564
Very good
247
Average
42
Poor
19
Terrible
6
Darren J
4 contributions
Jul 2023
Beautiful, woodsy trails and gorgeous views. We hiked down from the visitor's center area to the beach and the Westpoint Lighthouse. Saw a picturesque view of Mount Ranier on the horizon and the boats on the water. I only had two regrets - one is that we didn't get there until midafternoon, so we only had time to hike down there, take a few pictures, and hike back to catch a bus. I was also a little disappointed that I could not go inside the lighthouse.
Written 30 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cal337
Hong Kong, China39 contributions
May 2022 • Friends
While it's not as wooded or hilly, Discovery Park is immense with great trails and views of the Sound. It's hard to believe when you're deep within that you're still very much in Seattle.
Written 2 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Derik H
4 contributions
May 2022
One of my favorite places in Seattle area!
This has a paved and dirt trail that runs for a couple miles in a loop. An easy walk. The far side of the park is next to the water. Beautiful view with a lighthouse. Quite a few people in the area. A safe walk but it does get windy too! Be sure to bring a windbreaker and warm cap!
This has a paved and dirt trail that runs for a couple miles in a loop. An easy walk. The far side of the park is next to the water. Beautiful view with a lighthouse. Quite a few people in the area. A safe walk but it does get windy too! Be sure to bring a windbreaker and warm cap!
Written 3 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
redhead_roaming
Seattle, WA2,919 contributions
Feb 2022
Discovery Park is one of those places that you need to go to several times before you can say you've BEEN to Discovery Park - it's just so big! So, I can't say I've BEEN to the whole area of the park but I've seen a fraction and I've loved it and want to see more!
Perhaps this is a sign we need to go again soon...
Perhaps this is a sign we need to go again soon...
Written 30 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
seanworc
New York City, NY744 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
Discovery Park feels like a forest in the city. Deep, dense forest with lots of undergrowth. Very hilly hiking trails. Great for hikers and bikers. There is a beach at the north end. Cars must have stickers to park there. Views are fabulous of Puget Sound.
Written 6 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OurAdventures2
Bath, UK829 contributions
Aug 2022 • Solo
We visited here for some birdwatching and had a great time.
A lot of areas were a little too overgrown which reduced the number of birds and wildlife we seen. The North Beach is great for close views of Osprey, Gulls, Eagles and more.
It's a large park and the map provided wasn't too clear so we walked more than we had to trying to find the Ponds.
Plenty of parking and free to enter though.
A lot of areas were a little too overgrown which reduced the number of birds and wildlife we seen. The North Beach is great for close views of Osprey, Gulls, Eagles and more.
It's a large park and the map provided wasn't too clear so we walked more than we had to trying to find the Ponds.
Plenty of parking and free to enter though.
Written 30 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rosi
Seattle, WA245 contributions
Jul 2022
It’s been a while since I visited this park last time. We decided to stop by with a group of friends visiting from outside Seattle. The hike is short and pretty mellow. When you get to the lighthouse and the beach, you completely forget that you are still within the Seattle city limits - with all the expansive views of the Puget Sound. Overall, can recommend. Mind you - part of the loop trail is currently (as of July) closed off. A few of us did not notice the sign and ended up wandering a very deserted trail that ended with a closed off gate (were able to get around it but it was a little unnerving…).
Written 3 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GoeieWitte
Madeira, OH755 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
Easy access with public transportation (bus 33) from downtown.
This large wooded park with beaches, views, many trails is a nearby treat to get away from the city’s busy-ness.
Take a trail map at the major entry points (remember to donate to the non profit!).
Select short long, change as you walk and enjoy the nice trails.
There are several steps on some trails from the bluffs to the beaches.
Signposting is mostly good and clear.
Several restrooms are located along the trails and major parkign areas.
We saw Mount Rainier, the ferries, mount Baker, the Olympic range.
This large wooded park with beaches, views, many trails is a nearby treat to get away from the city’s busy-ness.
Take a trail map at the major entry points (remember to donate to the non profit!).
Select short long, change as you walk and enjoy the nice trails.
There are several steps on some trails from the bluffs to the beaches.
Signposting is mostly good and clear.
Several restrooms are located along the trails and major parkign areas.
We saw Mount Rainier, the ferries, mount Baker, the Olympic range.
Written 27 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chuck M
South Lyon, MI9 contributions
Jun 2022
Park is very nice. Easy trails to walk on. Beach was pretty. HOWEVER, BE CAREFUL - we had our rental car broken into. Smashed a window and took everything they could reach - which were two empty camel backs, a gortex jacket, a portable car charger and some snacks! The stuff can be replaced but now spending a day on vacation getting our car fixed!!! Definitely leaves a pretty negative impression of this park and Seattle in general.
Written 23 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TreyJacobson
San Antonio, TX245 contributions
May 2022
This mostly natural park has an amazing set of semi-paved (often covered in mud) trails, including a 2.8 mile loop. The far end of the park is where it meets the Puget Sound, and its really stunning. Lots of people go to stare at the water, draw, meditate.
The trails are definitely not accessible friendly, and require comfort with talking on varying paths, rocks, and mud....lots of mud. Try the north parking lot for better acessibility..
The trails are definitely not accessible friendly, and require comfort with talking on varying paths, rocks, and mud....lots of mud. Try the north parking lot for better acessibility..
Written 3 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Liz S
Tempe, AZ87 contributions
We are being dropped off at Ballard Locks and wondering how far of a walk is it to Discovery Park? Is there a nice walking path for 2 people who will not have a car? We have about 4 hours to spend in the area including the locks.
Thank you
ANGELINA
Saint Louis, MO67 contributions
I am not familiar with the locks but I will tell you there is a walking path to the lighthouse but it is a very LONG walk from the nature center where it begins. Parking at Discovery Park is very limited also. I suggest you google map it.
MidnightSoulWatcher
Auburn, WA
hello! i am a nudist looking for more places in seattle to be nude at besides denny blaine park and howell park. i was wondering if people have been nude at magnuson park and/or discovery park. can anyone tell me if these are clothing optional beaches?
3musketeers5
Mission Viejo, CA413 contributions
Hello, what is the best way to get there from downtown if you do not have a car? Uber/Lyft or public transportation? Thank you1
MickWig
Preston, UK128 contributions
We had a car. I would have used Uber if not. It's well worth a visit. Enjoy!
I have a question about the South Ship Canal Trail from Discovery Park/Ballard locks. We are biking with a family of 10, including a 10 and 12 year old. Is the trail off the main Seattle roads or do you have to use bike lanes on the busy roads. Thank you
MartynG_11
Gig Harbor, WA551 contributions
My experience is that the trail mostly follows the road with a defined bike path (both directions) on one side of the street. The road from the Fremont/Ballard area in the direction of the park (Gilman Avenue W) is uphill and though gradual could be challenging.
stephaniephuffaker
Kent, WA
Is there a lot of parking by the trailheads? I'd like to organize a group to go on a hike and want to make sure everyone in the group can park their cars.
TartanCat57
Appin, United Kingdom769 contributions
Yup, lots of parking, but it's a ways to the beach if you are interested in that. Also, right when you get to the beach there is a sign that says NO DOGS, which is a bummer if you have one. However, I have noticed that there are always dogs on the beach anyways.
curiouscat0
Mukilteo, WA
If just 2 moms & 5 kids go walking on Discovery Park's forrest trail loop, do you get the feeling that would be safe or not? It's hard to gauge the aggressiveness of homeless, sometimes they're users & safety could be an issue. Thanks for sharing your input / knowledge so we can all make better decisions for our families!
Eataly01
Bend, OR117 contributions
Discovery Park is very safe during the day. Lots of people, including kids, walking, jogging, biking, especially on a sunny day. We have never seen "homeless" folks in the park.
kanarupp
Maple Valley, WA
I have a question. My wife and I were at Dicovery Park on Sunday. My wife was approached by a lady on the beach that demanded my wife dump some items on the beach she found while walking along the beach beachcombing. the lady told my wife she isn’t allowed to take items from the beach. This website says the Park is a good place to beachcombe. The question, are we allowed to beachcomb?
Jennifer H
38 contributions
Yes, beach glass is fine.
Hi I was thinking a about surprising my fiancé with a photoshoot by the ligt house...would you recommend it? Also what's the quickest way to get there to spend too much time walking?!
Richard B
Seattle, WA203 contributions
You can't park down there unless you get a permit, handicap and people with young children can get a permit however you can have someone drop you off or if you have someone waiting in the car and you don't take long.
It is a beautiful lighthouse and I would recommend late day around 6:30-8 pm this time of year.
Cantrall
Auburn, WA
What is the fastest route to the beach/lighthouse? I've read 1-1.5 hours one way, then I've read the loop takes you there, 2 hours total round trip? I am just a little confused and any clarification that someone could offer me would be great. I am considering taking my mom there so not looking to do any excessive hiking but it sounds like the lighthouse would be neat to see. Thanks!
There is a 1.5 mile, not hour, walk from the nearest parking lot. There are 8 spaces at the lighthouse for which you will need a permit. Generally, they are for those not physically able so an elerdy person or impaired my be able to get a permit at the Visitor's center. you can read all about it and find a phone number by doing a search for Discocvery Park in google. Just follow the links.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Discovery Park
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Discovery Park:
- Premier 3-Hour Seattle City Tour (From ₱5,207.18)
- Seattle Locks Cruise - One-Way Tour (From ₱3,298.25)
- Discovery Park Electric Bike Tour (From ₱7,478.40)
- Pre-Cruise Tour: Transportation & Seattle City Tour (From ₱6,315.09)
- Seattle Sightseeing City Tour with Hotel Pick-up (From ₱6,315.09)
- Hotels near Discovery Park:
- (1.86 km) Hotel Ballard
- (5.97 km) Greenlake Guest House
- (5.38 km) Staypineapple, The Maxwell Hotel, Seattle Center
- (7.52 km) Shafer Baillie Mansion Bed and Breakfast
- (8.04 km) Lotte Hotel Seattle
- Restaurants near Discovery Park:
- (0.54 km) Damoori Kitchen
- (0.54 km) Discovery Espresso
- (1.76 km) Chinook's
- (1.91 km) The Walrus and the Carpenter
- (1.70 km) Rays
- Attractions near Discovery Park:
- (0.00 km) West Point Lighthouse
- (0.10 km) Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center
- (1.19 km) Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
- (5.79 km) Chihuly Garden and Glass
- (2.53 km) All Rivers & Saltwater Charters