An Urban hike through Discovery Park

Discovery Park does not disappoint. It is a gem in the city.

What a wonderful day! The Sun was shining and the Mountain was out. Though a slight breeze ruffled the water of Puget Sound, it was quite pleasant.
The view from the bluff was magnificent.

There's much more to Discovery Park, however, than the view from the bluff or even than the beach or the winding trails for that matter. The largest park in
the city, at 534 acres, there are miles of trails to explore. But the trees, oh my! You must see the trees.

There are towering hemlocks and Douglas Fir as well as broadleaf maple. Many of the trees are over a hundred years old. They've lost limbs as they
survived many November storms, but also, they're knobby with burls and tangled and eerily shaped limbs looking as though they could wander through the
forest themselves.

Three trees in particular stand out. As we hiked clockwise, just beyond the bluff stands a noble broadleaf maple. It is known as the “throne tree” and it's
easy to see why. There where the trunks branch is a seat. It provides a great opportunity for a selfie. Further along the Loop trail walking down toward the
first ravine to the left is the “bear tree” or bear-in-a-tree so named understandably because gazing at the tree, we could see that the knobs and burls have
taken the form of a bear clinging to or climbing up the tree. But the grandest of all, over 250 years old is the “Healing” or “Mother Tree”. It is believed that
by placing your hands upon the trunk you will absorb her wisdom and healing powers.

Continuing through the Park, we could see both signs of the last big storm as well as the care given this outdoor gem in Seattle. Branches that had once
been blown across the trail were cut and placed where they wouldn't obstruct, but would provide habitat for small animals and nutrients for newly planted
conifers.

Exiting through the tunnel beneath Discovery Park Boulevard, we soon returned to the Visitors' Center, said our goodbyes and went out separate ways
primed for another urban adventure.


Link: http://https://www.seattle.gov/parks/allparks/discovery-park

Submitted: 12/02/24
Article By: Magner, Millie