The Burke Gilman Trail - A Detailed Guide

What is the Burke Gilman Trail?

Built along a former railroad route, the Burke Gilman Trail is a fantastic multi-use recreational path connects a variety of neighborhoods and landmarks across 18 miles of scenic urban trail in northern Seattle.

Originally a historic railway corridor for the Seattle, Lake Shore & Eastern Railroad, it was converted into a trail after the railway was abandoned in the 1970s. Now an important and beloved part of Seattle's outdoor culture, its accommodates bikers, walkers, joggers, rollerbladers, on-leash furry friends, and more. Enjoy shady paths, pleasant landscaping, and scenic views of Lake Washington, the Ship Canal, and the University of Washington campus.

A critical part in the city's cycling and pedestrian infrastructure, the Burke Gilman trail sees thousands of users daily, especially during commuting rush hours and weekends. Portions of the trail near Fremont and the University District are some of the most popular cycling corridors in Seattle.

Iconic trails like the Burke Gilman exemplify Seattle's thriving biking and pedestrian culture, driven by a commitment to sustainability and active transportation.

What Neighborhoods are in its Route?

Following the Lake Washington Ship Canal and Lake Washington shorelines, it primarily runs through northern neighborhoods of Seattle.

• Starting Point (Golden Gardens Park): The trail begins near Golden Gardens Park in Ballard, a beach park along Puget Sound, and heads east.

• Ballard: It runs through Ballard, a historic maritime neighborhood, and follows the path along the Lake Washington Ship Canal.

• Fremont: From Ballard, it continues through Fremont, known for its artistic and quirky atmosphere, passing the iconic Fremont Troll and the Fremont Bridge.

• Wallingford: The trail moves east into Wallingford, a residential neighborhood, providing views of Gas Works Park and downtown Seattle across Lake Union.

• University District: Further east, the trail skirts the University of Washington campus, making it a popular route for students and faculty.

• Laurelhurst and Sand Point: The trail then passes by Laurelhurst and the Magnuson Park area, continuing along the shore of Lake Washington.

• Lake City to Bothell: After leaving Seattle city limits, it extends into Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, and eventually reaches Bothell, where it connects to the Sammamish River Trail.

How Safe is it?

The Burke-Gilman Trail is generally considered safe for both pedestrians and cyclists, thanks to its well-maintained paths and strong community presence. It runs through many populated and active neighborhoods, such as Fremont and the University District, where heavy foot and bike traffic provide a sense of safety.

Crime on the trail is generally low, but occasional reports of theft, especially bike theft, have occurred in areas with less visibility. It’s advised to be mindful of personal belongings and use well-traveled parts of the trail when possible, and during daytime hours.

Does it Connect to any Other Trails?

Yes! See below.

• Sammamish River Trail – The Burke-Gilman Trail turns into the Sammamish River Trail at the northern end of Lake Washington in Bothell. This trail follows the Sammamish River and extends all the way to Marymoor Park in Redmond.
• Elliott Bay Trail – Near its western terminus in Seattle, the Burke-Gilman Trail connects with the Elliott Bay Trail, offering access to downtown Seattle, the waterfront, and beyond to Myrtle Edwards Park and Smith Cove Park.
• Ship Canal Trail – In the Ballard/Fremont area, the Burke-Gilman intersects with the Ship Canal Trail, which runs along the south side of the Lake Washington Ship Canal and provides an alternative route toward Magnolia and downtown Seattle.
• Lake Washington Loop – The trail also intersects parts of the Lake Washington Loop - a long, scenic bike route circling Lake Washington and offering connections to other cities like Bellevue and Renton.

Any Good Restaurants, Breweries, or Attractions to Check Out?

So many! We can't begin to list them, but here are a few favorites:

• Fremont Brewing - A dog-friendly brewery with a spacious beer garden, perfect for a post-ride refreshment.
• The Whale Wins (Fremont) - This standout option offeres wood-fired dishes with a focus on locally sourced ingredients, making it a favorite for trail-goers.
• Pasta Casalinga (University District) - Italian spot nown for its fresh, handmade pasta and seasonal ingredients, perfect for a post-ride meal.
• Gas Works Park (Wallingford) - This iconic park offers stunning views of Lake Union and downtown Seattle, making it a great stop for a picnic or to relax.
• University Village (University District) - A popular outdoor shopping center with plenty of dining options, from casual cafes to full restaurants like Din Tai Fung.
• Metropolitan Market (Sand Point) - Grab fresh, local snacks and gourmet food for a quick stop or a picnic at Magnuson Park nearby.
• Magnuson Park (Sand Point) - A large park along the trail, featuring waterfront access, picnic areas, and walking paths.
• Kenmore Waterfront Activities Center (Kenmore) - A great spot for renting kayaks or paddleboards to explore Lake Washington from a different perspective.

Does it go from Fremont to Downtown Seattle?

While the Burke-Gilman Trail doesn't directly connect to downtown , you can still easily get there via connecting trails:

• Fremont: From the Burke-Gilman Trail in Fremont, cross the Fremont Bridge to reach the Westlake area.
• Westlake Cycle Track: Once across the bridge, you can hop onto the Westlake Cycle Track, which runs along the western edge of Lake Union, offering a protected path for cyclists heading south.
• South Lake Union and Downtown: Continue along the Westlake Cycle Track, which will lead you to South Lake Union. From there, you can use city streets, such as Dexter Avenue or 9th Avenue, to head directly into downtown Seattle.

Where are Access Points in Fremont?

• Fremont Bridge – One of the easiest access points is near the Fremont Bridge at the intersection of North 34th Street and Phinney Avenue North. From here, you can join the trail, which runs along the north side of the Lake Washington Ship Canal.
• Fremont Canal Park – The trail passes through Fremont Canal Park along North Northlake Way, another great spot for accessing the trail in the heart of Fremont.
• Stone Way North – Just a little further east, you can also access the trail at Stone Way North near Gas Works Park, which offers another nearby entry point to the trail for cyclists and pedestrians.

Links & Resources

• Seattle.gov - Official page from the City of Seattle with maps, project updates, and safety tips.
• King County Parks - Offers an overview of the trail, including its history, trail maps, and connections to other regional trails.
• Trail Map on TrailLink - TrailLink provides an interactive map, user reviews, and photos.
• Cascade Bike Club - This local cycling advocacy group offers frequent rides and events focused on the Burke-Gilman Trail.

Living at The Cline in Fremont

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