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Discovery Park Loop
Trail Running Route
Moderate
4.2 mi
533 ft
The largest city park in Seattle, home to great trails and beautiful views of the sound.
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 [](
"Situated on Magnolia Bluff overlooking Puget Sound, Discovery Park offers spectacular views of both the Cascade and the Olympic Mountain ranges,” according to []( 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:
Written by Greg Heil
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 [](
"Situated on Magnolia Bluff overlooking Puget Sound, Discovery Park offers spectacular views of both the Cascade and the Olympic Mountain ranges,” according to []( 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:
Written by Greg Heil
Created By
Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| N Beach Steps Downhill | 0.19 mi | -66 ft | -6.4% |
| N Beach to base of Utah Ave wall climb | 1.00 mi | 52 ft | 0.9% |
| Lighthouse Mile | 1.02 mi | -23 ft | -0.2% |
| OhWeDoLoveToBeBesideTheZDog | 0.91 mi | -13 ft | -0.0% |
| Flat Discovery Park time trial | 0.82 mi | -16 ft | -0.0% |
| N Beach Trail Section | 0.15 mi | -10 ft | -0.9% |
| West Point Big Climb | 0.75 mi | 272 ft | 6.7% |
| Alaska Ave Climb | 0.51 mi | 315 ft | 11.6% |
| south beach/loop ascent | 1.30 mi | 322 ft | 4.7% |
| Shut Up & Climb | 0.42 mi | 194 ft | 8.6% |
| Beach to Bluff | 0.50 mi | 269 ft | 10.2% |
| Beach to Loop Trail Hill Climb | 1.17 mi | 322 ft | 5.2% |
| Utah St to S Park entrance | 0.89 mi | 233 ft | 4.9% |
| Discovery Park South Stairs | 0.39 mi | 226 ft | 10.7% |
| South Beach Trail Stair Climb | 0.30 mi | 217 ft | 13.4% |
| Uphill staightaway stairs | 0.06 mi | 49 ft | 14.1% |
| End South Trail Climb to Entrance | 0.59 mi | 79 ft | 1.1% |
| ZDog slog (Loo to Emerson car park) | 0.36 mi | 95 ft | 3.8% |
| Southeast Loop Trail Decline | 0.56 mi | -89 ft | -2.5% |
| Discovery Park Stairs East - NEW | 0.04 mi | 59 ft | 27.3% |
| East Stairs Challenge | 0.03 mi | 56 ft | 27.3% |