Treasure Hunt to Mini Session Fest

THE GREAT DISCOVERY PARK PHOTOGRAPHER HUNT

Your mission: Find your photographer, Lydia! PLEASE NOTE: There are two starting points to choose from. Hunt #1 offers parking in the South Parking Lot and access to restrooms, while Hunt #2 provides a much shorter, more direct route to our session location.

HUNT #1 - SOUTH PARKING LOT / BATHROOM ACCESS (Turn your phone horizontally to read the clues)

If you need to use the bathroom before your session, start your adventure at Discovery Park’s South Parking Lot, accessible from W Emerson St.

There is no physical address, but the nearest cross streets are 43rd Ave W and W Emerson St.

The walk from the parking lot to our photo session location is approximately 0.2 miles (about 5–7 minutes on foot).

From the South Parking Lot, follow these photo clues to find your way to me!

43rd & Emerson

Find the intersection of W Emerson St and 43rd Ave W. Look for the big green street signs and follow the arrow pointing toward Emerson.

Main Gate

Look for the colorful Discovery Park sign marking the entrance to the South Parking Lot. Turn in here and follow the road to the parking area. You're in the right place!

South Parking Lot

Find a parking spot, gather your crew, and get ready for your 0.2-mile adventure! Before heading out, please remember to take your valuables with you or leave them safely at home. Better safe than sorry!

When Nature Calls!

Look for the bright blue Honey Bucket! This is your last chance for a bathroom break before heading into the park.

Once everyone is ready, look down the path for the little wooden shelter with the green roof. That's where you're headed next!

Info Booth

Find the wooden information kiosk with the green roof. Look for the brown trail markers nearby. Your adventure continues along the dirt path to the right of the shelter.

South Meadow

Find the brown wooden trail marker with the green sign pointing toward South Meadow. Follow the arrow!

Find The Tunnel

Follow the wide dirt path into the trees! Look for the low stone wall on your right and the ferns lining the trail. Keep going straight toward the light at the end of the tree tunnel. You're on the right track!

Past The Giants

Keep following the path as it curves gently to the left. You'll pass a cluster of enormous trees on your right, with twisting branches overhead and moss-covered roots below.

Mile Marker

You're still headed toward South Meadow! Continue straight along the dirt path as it curves gently to the left, with thick greenery on both sides.

Fall Colors

Continue along the wide gravel path toward the beautiful golden trees ahead. The trail will begin to open up as you leave the dense forest behind. You're getting close to the meadow!

"Halloween" Tree

Keep an eye out for the long, moss-covered branches stretching over the trail on your left. Continue following the path as it curves to the right, toward the golden trees and the meadow ahead.

Pine Branches

Keep an eye out for the clusters of small pine trees lining the trail. Take a moment to appreciate their soft green needles as you continue down the path.

Silver Leaves

Look for the tall bushes with silvery-green leaves lining the left side of the trail.

Look Down!

The trail is now covered in beautiful orange, yellow, and brown maple leaves. Keep following this natural confetti toward the meadow.

Bike Parking

Look for the metal bike rack resting against the wooden fence beneath a large pine tree.

Down the Hill

Look for the massive tree trunk on your left and follow the trail as it curves gently toward the clearing ahead.

Look Up!

Look for the evergreen branches hanging overhead. Just beyond them, the trees open up to reveal the South Meadow. Follow the trail downhill toward the clearing. You're almost there!

Lucky Number 8!

Keep an eye out for trail marker #8 as you enter the meadow. You've made it through the woods! Follow the path into the open meadow. You're nearly at our meeting spot!

An Apple A Day!

Keep your eyes peeled for the apple trees along the trail! Look up into the branches and see if you can spot the red apples hiding among the leaves. Keep following the path toward the meadow!

This Is The Place

You've made it to the open meadow! When the trail splits, take the path on the left and continue straight through the golden grass toward the trees ahead. You're getting close!

Around The Corner

Keep following the trail past the evergreen branches covered in little pine cones. Look for the golden autumn leaves in the trees beyond. You're getting closer to our meeting spot!

Evergreen & Ever-So Close

Your final clue: Look for the evergreen trees along the edge of the meadow! I'll be stationed somewhere nearby. My exact location will depend on the lighting conditions that day, so keep your eyes peeled for a photographer with a camera!

Autumn Leaves

Look across the meadow for the towering trees dressed in shades of gold, orange, and red. These are the colors we came for! Keep an eye out for this beautiful backdrop as you make your way toward our meeting spot.

HUNT #2 - STREET PARKING / SOUTH GATE ENTRANCE (Turn your phone horizontally to read the clues)

Find The Sign

Look for the colorful Discovery Park sign pointing toward the South Parking Lot, Loop Trail, and Viewpoint. You've found the right entrance!

43rd & Emerson

Park as close to the intersection of 43rd Ave W and W Emerson St as possible.

PLEASE NOTE: 43rd Ave W is marked DO NOT ENTER from W Emerson St, so you'll need to access it from the previous block.

Gates & Signs

Look for the opening between the chain-link fences, just beyond the back of the stop sign. Walk through the gates and continue along the paved path into Discovery Park.

Post

Keep walking along the paved path, following the wooden fence as it curves ahead. You're on the right track!

Off The Beaten Path

Time to leave the pavement! Look for the opening between the wooden fences and follow the dirt trail beneath the colorful maple leaves.

Down The Steps

Follow the leaf-covered trail down the small wooden steps. Look for the large tree with red leaves on your left and the trail marker on your right. Keep following the path ahead!

Follow The Signs

You've reached the Discovery Park Loop Trail marker! Look for the green sign pointing toward South Meadow and follow the arrow to the left. You're getting closer!

Dark Tree, Bright Path

Look for the massive tree trunk on your left, with branches stretching over the trail. Follow the dirt path toward the sunlight and the open meadow ahead!

Look Up!

Look for the evergreen branches hanging overhead. Just beyond them, the trees open up to reveal the South Meadow. Follow the trail downhill toward the clearing.

Lucky Number 8!

Keep an eye out for trail marker #8 as you enter the meadow. You've made it through the woods! Follow the path into the open meadow!

An Apple A Day!

Keep your eyes peeled for the apple trees along the trail! Look up into the branches and see if you can spot the red apples hiding among the leaves. Keep following the path toward the meadow!

Follow Me!

You've made it to the open meadow! When the trail splits, take the path on the left and continue straight through the golden grass toward the trees ahead.

Evergreens & Ever-So Close

Keep following the trail past the evergreen branches covered in little pine cones. Look for the golden autumn leaves in the trees beyond. You're getting closer to our meeting spot!

You Found Me!

The following photos are a collection of images I’ve taken at this location over the years, shared to give you a little inspiration for this year’s session. Keep in mind that lighting, weather, and fall colors change from year to year, so your photos will have their own unique look.

Please note that sessions will take place in the same location as last year. If your family is returning, I’ll make every effort to create images that look and feel different from last year’s, even though we’ll be working in the same beautiful setting.

Parking & Arrival

Please arrive 5–10 minutes early, or earlier if you anticipate needing a bathroom break.
Lost? Call or text 206-446-8674.

Scheduling & Flexibility

Please arrive dressed and ready to be photographed. Sessions are short and scheduled back-to-back.
Late arrivals may result in reduced session time.
No-shows will forfeit their session fee.

What to Wear

Choose soft, earthy, or neutral tones: Blues, browns, off-whites, pinks, greens, and yellows all photograph beautifully.
Stick to three main colors, using different shades to create variety without looking overly coordinated.
Avoid large logos, cartoon characters, and clothing with prominent text.
Subtle patterns (florals, stripes, polka dots) and textures (knits, linen, layers) are encouraged.

The goal is to look coordinated, not identical. Wear something comfortable that feels like you!

What to Bring

A favorite comfort item, such as a stuffed animal, if it helps your child feel more comfortable.
A small snack and water for kids, if needed.
Keep pockets empty of phones, keys, and other bulky items. You're welcome to leave these with my gear during your session.

Health & Safety

If anyone in your family is feeling unwell, please let me know as soon as possible.
Rescheduling options are limited and subject to availability.
If your child needs a break, you're welcome to take a short walk, regroup, and rejoin us when they're ready. Please keep in mind that sessions are scheduled back-to-back, so additional time may not be available.
Subtle patterns (florals, stripes, polka dots) and textures (knits, linen, layers) are encouraged.