Quick walk Sunday morning along the South Ship Canal trail. The trail remains a paved, mixed use urban path that runs from Fisherman’s Terminal on the west to where it connects with the Cheshiahud trail under the Fremont bridge. We actually made an informal loop crossing the cut at Fremont and returning along the Burke Gilman completing the loop crossing over the canal at the Ballard locks and walking back to Fisherman’s Terminal along W Commodore Way for a total of about 6.3 miles (note that this loop goes through some pretty industrial areas through Ballard.) Parking and public restrooms are available at Fisherman’s Terminal, (or at the locks if you choose to start there and walk over.) No trail issues or closures except some of the pavement is getting a bit rooted up if you have a wheel/power chair, scooter or stroller. The section that directly abuts the canal has sections of secondary gravel paths allowing walkers to slow down or just watch the boats go by. Also note there is limited signage on the western end at Fisherman’s Terminal, the trail starts about a block east of the parking lot entrance on the south side of the street (W Emerson.)
The trail is very urban, but there are still wildlife to see - lots of ducks, geese and song birds plus the occasional osprey, heron or eagle overhead. Other sights that are just a block or two away include the Fremont troll, Frankie Feetsplinters (the new troll at the Nordic Heritage Museum), and the neon Rapunzel art on the Fremont bridge tower. Keep an ear open to listen for the occasional tall sailboat signaling to open the Ballard and Fremont bridges and watch them glide through as all the automotive traffic has to wait. If you are here on a Sunday, the Fremont market is open just across the cut and makes a nice snack option. A nice urban walk with a bunch of nice views and things to see if you are in the area.
Link to more info on the Fremont market - https://www.fremontmarket.com/
Link to more information about Fisherman’s Terminal - https://www.portseattle.org/maritime/fishermen-terminal
Link to more historical information about the canal - https://www.historylink.org/file/1444
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