Joy Run: Discovery Park

The iconic lighthouse at Discovery Point with the Olympic Range in the background.

Days like these are my favorite during the winter in Seattle: Ice cold air and a big bright sun. Its pretty incredible when you can see both mountain ranges from the top of Queen Anne hill. Justin and I always seek out a destination run when we see a bluebird day on the weather report, and its always worth it. A good sum of people complain about the rain, but I have never found a reason to kvetch about the weather, especially with days like this in between. After living in the tropics for four years, I found there will NEVER be a downpour in Seattle like ones I have experienced in the Amazon or Philippines during monsoon season.

Discovery Park is a decent sized park in Seattle city proper. The main loop is only 3 miles long, but there are plenty of side trails that lead to the water for additional mileage. I wouldn't recommend going here for a long run, otherwise you might overlap your footsteps more than desired. Discovery Park is the perfect place for a lazy Saturday run to get in fluff mileage and take in the varied landscape.

The best part about city trails is the proximity to post-run necessities: high quality coffee and gourmet food. Discovery Park is also a couple blocks from Seattle's very own trail running shop, 7 Hills Running. Venture into Queen Anne from the trails to Diablo Coffee and Le Reve Bakery for an after workout treat, or go big at Tanglewood Supreme.

3801 Discovery Park Blvd
Seattle, WA 98199