Elliott Bay Trail, Alki Trail & West Seattle Bridge Trail — Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019

Seattle is truly one of the most beautiful cities in the world.  The Viaduct closure has already dramatically improved the central waterfront. Though I usually don't write about in-city trails or bike rides, I have done this trip 3 times in as many days and wanted to share.

Starting in Ballard (pick up snacks at Fred Meyer), I rode my bike across the Ballard Bridge to the Ship Canal Trail following signs for Downtown.  Beyond the Bridge the bike path is mostly separated from traffic, the sidewalk along 15th is a quicker, less scenic option.

Trail crosses to Magnolia side of Interbay, at Elliott Bay Trail one can take a right to access Smith Cove Park, then take the Magnolia Bridge to rejoin the Trail.  After a short construction detour Trail regains the waterfront in Centennial Park.

From here the Trail follows the scenic shoreline through Myrtle Edwards Park and Olympic Sculpture Park.  Past Alaskan Way there are several detours of the Trail, if in a rush you can ride in the street.  Check out the old train tunnel behind The Marriott on the east side of A Way.

I heard on the radio Ivar's is giving away free cups of chowder with a coupon on their website, limit 1 cup per-person, per-day, through February 3rd, due to Viadoom. I printed a bunch up and gave one to every homeless person I saw, told them how to get more from the website. I also used 1 myself, bought some stuff and left a tip.  It's good!

Past the Coleman Dock the Trail leaves the water, travelling along East Marginal Way.  Shortly Jack Perry Memorial Park accessing the shore is passed, the West Seattle Bridge is seen ahead.  This whole route is so flat, if you're getting tired just slow down.

Below the Bridge turn right onto the West Seattle Bridge Trail.  Don't worry, you don't have to climb up there, the Trail crosses The Spokane Street Bridge and joins The Alki Trail on the other side.  Be sure to stop at Port of Seattle's Jack Block Park for super city views.

Beyond there the sky's the limit.  Trail passes Seacrest Park and Alki Beach before The Alki Point Lighthouse, then toward Fauntleroy.  One could take the ferry across to Southworth and bike to Bremerton, then ferry back to Downtown Seattle.

The Lighthouse is off-limits except during tours, the times of which were not displayed.  I went a short way south of the L.H. to where, along the shore, in lower tide, the water side can be accessed.  There's a fence but you can get really close.

This whole trip is about 30 miles, a significant portion public parks and beaches. If you're running out of steam you can take the King County Water Taxi from Seacrest Park back Downtown, eliminating several miles of riding.  If you're really pushing it you could do this in 3-4 hours R.T., it was a lovely day so I took my time, did it in 6.