Sip N Stroll @ Discovery Park
Details
A mellow afternoon among the trees feels right, so we’re gathering at the East Picnic Area in Discovery Park. It’s right next to the East Parking Lot and easy to find. When you park, you’ll see a wooden sign that says East Picnic Area. Walk toward the open grassy space nearby. A red patterned rug will be set out either next to an open table or in the grass.
We’ll settle in with coffee and chat for about an hour so everyone has time to arrive and settle into the surroundings. This part stands on its own, so you’re welcome to just meet and sip if that’s more what you're leaning towards that day.
Anyone who wants to stick around for the stroll portion of the event can join for a hike toward the beach and lighthouse. I’ll be taking it at an easy pace, and you can turn back whenever you need to.
The full route down the South Beach Trail to the lighthouse and back is about 4.5 to 5 miles and usually takes around 2 to 2.5 hours at a relaxed pace. The shorter loop from the East Picnic Area is about 2 miles and usually takes 45 minutes to 1 hour.
We’ll take several breaks along the way, including a 20–30 minute rest / lunch break at the viewpoint near the restroom before the South Beach Trail descent, so consider packing a light lunch and definitely bring water! If you’re ready to be finished with the hike earlier on, you’re welcome to hang out in that area before the descent or make your way back toward the East Lot.
I’ll share a link to the Discovery Park map so you can see the route. We’ll be following the bold dashed outer trail that’s numbered on the map. It passes two restroom spots along the way, and we’ll also be near a restroom before starting the loop.
Join us in a stroll among the logs and smell those trees... smell those... Douglas firs! (and all the other trees out there that aren't Douglas firs)