![]() Toppling trees and mudslides are common here, sometimes forcing the closure of this stretch of trail. Just past the beach, the trail leaves the water front and ascends a steep, unstable bluff. The trail passes a wetland pond popular with ducks, and a short side trail to forest-rimmed North Beach. The nearby sewage plant is well hidden, although your nose may detect it if the wind direction is wrong. A forest of boat masts marks the Shilshole Marina.Ĭontinue hiking along the path, as it follows the top of a rock breakwater close to the water’s edge. You might see the tip of Whidbey Island in the distance. Here a whole new vista opens up toward the north Puget Sound. Near the light house, the path turns right and crosses to the north side of the point. When through exploring the beach, follow the path heading toward the historic West Point lighthouse, the oldest one in the Seattle area, built in 1881. With a high bluff rising at its east edge, the driftwood-littered beach has a wild quality. This doesn’t sound like a very pleasant destination however, the plant has been exceptionally well landscaped, and you will hardly notice it as you walk down the edge of the road to scenic South Beach. ![]() ![]() Staying left at all junctions, you soon arrive after a short half-mile at a paved road near a King County Metro sewage treatment plant. The South Beach trail descends a steep alder-covered slope, passing more viewpoints along the way. Log benches along the bluff invite you to linger and enjoy the view, which includes Puget Sound with its flotilla of boats large and small, Bainbridge Island, and the Olympic Mountains.īeyond the vista point, the Loop Trail follows the brink of the bluff to a junction with the South Beach trail, a highly recommended diversion off the Loop Trail. When finished with the visitor center, head back to the Loop Trail, which winds its way along a forested slope, passes the South Parking Lot, then descends a vast open field to the top of a 200 foot sandy bluff and an impressive vista point. Here you are close to the park's visitor center by the East Parking Lot, where you can find restrooms, a drinking fountain, and maps of the park. In a third of a mile the trail passes through a tunnel under Illinois Ave. Turn left onto the Loop Trail, and follow it as it makes its way through a tract of forest. The Loop trail may be accessed from the bus stop at the north parking lot by walking south on Illinois Ave for 1/8 mile. The map below shows the route of the Loop Trail, as well as a recommended side trip down to the beaches. Discovery Park features a 3 mile long Loop Trail that provides a great introduction to hiking in the park.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |