Seattle Ship Canal Trail Walk and Cycle

3.1 miles (5 km)

The Ship Canal Trail is a mostly flat, paved urban path along the south side of Seattle’s Lake Washington Ship Canal. It starts near Fishermen’s Terminal by the south end of the Ballard Bridge and runs roughly two miles east under the Fremont Bridge. The surface is wide asphalt (with a few gravel shoulders) and follows an old railroad grade, so it’s very easy for walking or biking with only gentle ups and downs. Throughout the ride you’ll generally have space to pass others and the trail never gets steep – it really is an easy option for a city ride, and much quieter than the busier Burke-Gilman Trail on the canal’s north side.
Along the way the trail passes through working marine and industrial waterfront. You’ll see long piers, marinas and fish-processing yards along the canal, with cranes and old boats moving in and out of sight. Here and there the city has tucked in little parks or viewpoints – for example about halfway along you come to tiny West Ewing Park, which has benches right on the water and a clear view down the canal.
A few other small green spots and beach-like access points break up the industrial scene and offer placid views of boats and distant hills. In spring and summer the trees along the edges of the trail provide some shade, and the whole route feels less crowded and more rugged than the polished Burke-Gilman across the way.
As you keep riding east you pass under the Fremont Bridge, the low bascule bridge with its distinctive painted arch spans. The trail itself ends at the base of Fremont Bridge in the Fremont neighborhood. From there you can continue into South Lake Union by picking up the city bike routes along Westlake Avenue N. In practice, most riders simply head south on the protected bike lanes of Westlake Ave N toward downtown. This takes you directly to Lake Union Park at the south end of Lake Union. Lake Union Park is a reclaimed waterfront park (with lawns, docks and trails) that’s home to the Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) and the Center for Wooden Boats.
Ending your ride here means you finish with broad views of the lake and a rich museum setting – a scenic urban park right on the water to mark the end of the ship canal trail.

Seattle Ship Canal Trail Walk and Cycle Open Street Map - view and print off detailed map

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