The shoreline is accessible by road or trail (the hike back up from the north beach is mildly strenuous), however, a permit is required prior to driving a vehicle to the beach. Many historical buildings stand in semi disrepair in the main grassy area. Most visitors enjoy hiking the Loop Trail, which forms a circuit through forest, meadow, and shrub habitats around the upland portion of the park, and provides excellent views of Puget Sound. Elliott and Shilshole Bays are home to harbor seals and California sea lions, while the wooded areas support Townsend's chipmunks. The Seattle Audubon Society has compiled a checklist of 270 species of birds seen in the park and nearby waters. The park is one of the best places in the city to view wildlife, especially birds and marine mammals. Both the FLHD and the lighthouse are on the National Register of Historic Places. ![]() The park is built on the historic grounds of Fort Lawton most of the Fort Lawton Historic District (FLHD) falls within the park (an enclave within the district remains in military hands). On the south side of the North Beach strip is the West Point Treatment Plant which is almost entirely concealed from the marsh, beach, and trail. The West Point Lighthouse is located on West Point, the westernmost point of the park and the entire city of Seattle. Daybreak Star Cultural Center is within the park's boundaries. Forests, beaches, prairies, and bluffs dominate the landscape of the park. The Discovery Park Loop Trail, designated a National Recreation Trail in 1975, runs 2.8 miles (4.5 km) through the park, connecting to other trails. ![]() As the city's largest public park, it contains 11.81 miles (19.01 km) of walking trails.
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