Henry M. Jackson Viewpoint

Discovery Park is Seattle's largest park, a 534-acre natural area that occupies most of the former Fort Lawton site, set atop Magnolia Bluff featuring two miles of protected tidal beaches, meadows, streams, forests, sand dunes and bluffs, as well as 12 miles of walking trails and 270 species of birds. This fabulous park is popular with locals and visitors alike, ideal for anyone of any age who enjoys the outdoors. History buffs, scenery lovers, explorers and bird watchers will especially appreciate this park.Parking and public transportation at Discovery ParkDiscovery Park hosts three main parking areas, the South Parking Lot, North Parking Lot and East Parking Lot. An alternative, as lots tend to fill quickly on the weekend, is to park on one of the neighborhood streets that lead to the park. As parking lots aren't near the beach, those who are physically unable to walk the distance, are over 62 years of age, as well as families with children younger than eight years old, are eligible for a permit for beach parking, available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Discovery Park Environmental Learning Center Tuesday thru Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. It's also easy to get here by taking the Metro Transit bus, routes 19, 24 or 33 from downtown.Best and worst time to go to Discovery ParkIf you're hoping to avoid crowds, weekends during the months of June, July and August are the worst time to go to Discovery Park. While this time of year typically brings pleasant weather, if you want to enjoy the best of both worlds, visit on a week day if possible. You'll also have a good chance for sunshine and idyllic temps minus the crowds by visiting in late April through mid-May as well as mid-September through about mid-October.Admission to Discovery ParkThere are no fees to visit Discovery Park. If you're eligible for a beach parking permit, it's also free.Must see/do at Discovery ParkThis park is ideal for a picnic -– bring your lunch and enjoy the views after going for a hike. The 2.8-mile Loop Trail is suited for just about all fitness levels, an easy trek that passes through sand dunes and forests. You can also take one of the three different trails off Loop Trail to reach the beaches, Puget Sound and the lighthouse. Visiting the historic lighthouse, West Point Light, is a must too, with the grounds open to the public during regular park hours. Bird watchers may want to take one of the guided bird walks, offered at peak migration periods during the spring and fall.Other places to visit near Discovery ParkJust a few minutes east of the park, you'll find the Ballard Locks, officially named the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, which provides a link for boats between the salt water of Puget Sound and the fresh water of the Ship Canal. This is a great place to watch the parade of tugs, sailboats, barges, motorboats and yachts pass through, as well as to watch salmon swim through a fish ladder. If you want to pick up some fresh seafood, the Trident Seafoods retail store is just one-tenth of a mile away and offers some great deals. The Red Mill Totem House, a locals' favorite with fantastic fish n' chips as well as burgers, is also just steps away.Insider tips to Discovery ParkMany visitor don't realize this is one of the best places near downtown Seattle for exploring tide pools. Check the tide tables and visit the rocky shores on the north beach about one to two hours before low tide, and you'll have the chance to view sea stars, moon snails, hermit crabs and more.Author's bio: K.C. Dermody is a travel writer living in the Seattle area with hundreds of travel articles both online and in print. She has traveled the world and is the author of 'Best Travel Guide for First Time Visitors to Ireland,' but especially loves showing off the beautiful region she resides in.