Discovery Park Beach and Highlands Loop
Puget Sound and IslandsBest Year-round
Seattle's biggest park packs beach walking, lighthouse views, Olympic Mountain panoramas, and Fort Lawton history into one varied urban loop.
About This Trail
This loop covers the quieter southeast corner of Discovery Park before dropping to the beach and circling back through historic Fort Lawton. The route starts at the Visitor Center on paved paths, then climbs concrete stairs through stands of madrona before joining the Loop Trail. From the South Meadow, Puget Sound and the Olympic range spread out to the west.
The South Beach Trail descends nearly 300 feet through forest to the shoreline. At low tide, the beach extends around West Point to the lighthouse, with views stretching from Rainier to the Olympics. Driftwood lines the shore and the sand-to-stone ratio shifts with the seasons. The North Beach side looks toward Edmonds and Mount Baker. A steep staircase and boardwalk climb back up from the beach to the North Meadow.
The return leg passes through the restored buildings of Fort Lawton, a military post that opened in 1900. Former horse barns, enlisted quarters, and officers' housing line the road, now converted to private residences. Interpretive signs tell the story of the base and the 1970 occupation that led to the Daybreak Star Cultural Center. The final stretch drops down concrete stairs back to the East Parking Lot.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“Parking lot near day break star had plenty of spots available at 9 ish on a Saturday morning.”
Last report: Mar 15, 2026
Scorecard
Safety & Considerations
Persistent Hazards
- Slippery rocks near West Point at higher tides
- Steep wooden stairs and boardwalks
- Blackberry brambles along some trail edges
- Seepage creates wet spots on some trail sections
Getting There
Free parking at the East Parking Lot near the Visitor Center. No pass required. Visitor Center open Tuesday through Sunday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with restrooms and trail maps. Dogs are not allowed on this trail.
From 15th Ave W south of the Ballard Bridge, head west on W Emerson Place, cross the railroad tracks, and turn right onto Gilman Ave W (becomes W Government Way). Enter the park and turn into the second left driveway for the East Parking Lot. Also accessible by King County Metro routes 24 and 33. Check tide tables before going, as beach access around West Point to the lighthouse requires low tide.
Morning visits avoid crowds and catch better light on the Olympic range. Tide timing matters more than start time: check the tide chart and plan to reach the beach at low tide for the full lighthouse loop.
Recent Reports
We do a group hike every month and this is one we decided on. I have been to this park many times but I hear never done this loop.
Walked a big messy clockwise loop around the Discovery park trails and beach area Sunday morning as the clouds were burning off. We parked at Ballard locks and used the super secret pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks to get to Discovery.
Parking lot near day break star had plenty of spots available at 9 ish on a Saturday morning. Trails were a little muddy at points.
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