The One Spot In Washington That’s Basically Heaven On Earth

There’s a 534-acre park in Washington that has it all: 12 miles of walking trails, a long stretch of sandy beach, a lighthouse, and wildlife. As you wander through it, you’ll feel like you’re deep in the heart of somewhere remote and undiscovered. But in fact, you’re well within the limits of Washington’s largest city.

Discovery Park is located in Seattle’s charming Magnolia neighborhood.

Magnolia sits on a peninsula northwest of downtown Seattle.

Compared to other parts of the city, Discovery Park is fairly new.

It was created in the early 1970s from land surplus from the Army’s Fort Lawton. Fort Lawton, which had been open since 1900, was used as an Army Reserve facility until it closed in February of 2012. You’ll still see former military housing as you’re exploring the park.

This is where Seattleites (and tourists) go to reconnect with nature.

The scenery here in unlike anything else in the city.

Educational programs at the park help people learn about science and the environment.

Discovery Park Environmental Learning Center’s programs are amazing. They’re developed to give people a positive outdoors experience and increase their knowledge. New programs are offered each quarter based on local interest. There’s even an onsite Nature Kids Preschool for the city’s youngest outdoor adventurers.

Walk the shores of Salmon Bay and take in the sweeping city views.

The Salmon Bay Natural Area provides a refuge for salmon traveling between Lake Washington and the Puget Sound.

The park has an amazing tendency to attract wild animals.

A few coyotes have been spotted there, and a black bear AND a cougar were both seen there in 2009. The park was closed until the cougar, who was transported to the Cascade Mountains, was found. You’re much more likely to see herons or an eagle than a predator.

Entrance to Discovery Park is free, and it’s open daily from 4 AM until 11 PM.

Thanks to Seattle’s mild winters, this place is paradise all year.

Discovery Park is such a beautiful place. But if you can't make it to Seattle anytime soon, these state parks are always worth exploring.