9 Burke-Gilman Trail: Gas Works Park to Fremont

The Burke-Gilman Trail is a heavily traveled multiuse recreational corridor that follows an early railroad route. The entire trail runs more than 18 miles and is part of an extensive network of trails in the region. The portion of the Burke-Gilman Trail between Gas Works Park and Fremont, near the trail’s southwest end, offers a glimpse of Seattle’s maritime world and striking views of the downtown skyline across Lake Union.

Distance: 2.8 miles out and back

Approximate hiking time: 1.5 hours

Difficulty: Easy, flat trail

Trail surface: Paved

Best season: Year-round

Other trail users: Bicyclists, skaters

Canine compatibility: Leashed dogs permitted

Fees and permits: No fees or permits required

Schedule: Open daily, 4:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Maps: USGS Seattle North E; Seattle street map

Trail contacts: Seattle Parks and Recreation, (206) 684-4075; www.seattle.gov/parks

Finding the trailhead: From Interstate 5 take exit 169 (Northeast 45th Street) and drive west on Northeast 45th Street. Turn left onto Burke Avenue North and travel until the road ends at North Northlake Way. You will see Gas Works Park across the street. Turn into the park parking lot (four-hour limit). Begin your hike across the street at the base of the Wallingford Steps. The beginning of the trail runs parallel to North Northlake Way. Facing the steps, follow the trail to the left. GPS: N47 38.82' / W122 20.19'

The Hike

Gas Works Park, on the north shore of Lake Union, is a Seattle destination in itself. If time allows before you hit the trail, explore the park with its kite hill and the relics of the old gasworks that adorn the picnic and children’s play areas. It’s a perfect example of how a cleaned-up industrial site can be reclaimed and put to good use. Here, you’ll enjoy views of this urban lake flanked by Capitol Hill on one side and Queen Anne Hill on the other, with the downtown skyline straight ahead.

Begin your hike on the paved trail across the street from the park. Facing away from the park, follow the trail to the left (west). Heavily used by bicyclists, the Burke-Gilman Trail is divided into two lanes—one for wheels and the other for feet—but sometimes the line between the lanes fades. Posted signs remind bicyclists that pedestrians have the right-of-way, but it’s always a good idea to yield to bikes for your own safety.

The trail passes between a cement retaining wall and a chain-link fence, and here you might be hoping the entire trail isn’t this ugly. Be patient. Soon the trail crosses Stone Way North at North 34th Street; continue on between the retaining wall and the Seattle Rowing Club and turn left. The scenery opens up.

Lake Union flows into the Fremont Cut of the Lake Washington Ship Canal. The shore is lined with houseboats (not really boats at all, but floating homes), tugs, sailboats, and fishing trawlers—if it floats, it’s here. The imposing Aurora Bridge dominates the sky directly overhead.

The trail passes beneath the Aurora Bridge and then under the smaller, more colorful Fremont Bridge, built in 1916. Brand-name high-tech corporate campuses line the trail as it parallels the canal, continuing west. The trail passes a plaza with natural stone sculptures and another area with ivy dinosaurs and a kiosk with a supply of free Fremont Walking Tour brochures.

(Option: If you have time, this is a great place to detour 1 block away from the route and explore the eclectic and artsy Fremont District, which proudly proclaims itself the Center of the Universe.)

When you reach Fremont Canal Park, with its metal grate deck and shelter suspended on the hillside between the trail and the canal, turn around and head back to your starting point at Gas Works Park.

Miles and Directions

0.0Start at the base of Wallingford Steps on North Northlake Way, across the street from Gas Works Park. There is no trailhead marker. Facing the paved trail with your back to Gas Works Park, begin your hike to the left (west).

0.4Reach the intersection of Stone Way North and North 34th Street. Cross with the pedestrian traffic light and continue to follow the trail, which parallels North 34th Street behind a cement retaining wall.

0.6The trail turns left, approaches Lake Union, and crosses under the Aurora Bridge.

0.8The trail crosses under the Fremont Bridge and continues on, paralleling the Fremont Cut.

1.4Reach the end of Fremont Canal Park (Northwest Canal Street and Second Avenue NW). Retrace your steps to the trailhead.

2.8Arrive back at Gas Works Park.