Seattle's revamped north waterfront trail is worth the walk
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The upgraded waterfront paths through Myrtle Edwards and Centennial parks are lined with native plants. Photo: Melissa Santos/Axios
The new north end of Seattle's waterfront brings together some of the best aspects of the city: mountain views, beach access, sea air — and now, a cool place to sit and have coffee.
Why it matters: The upgraded route through Myrtle Edwards and Centennial parks extends the city's waterfront improvements farther north, offering a quieter alternative to the busier Waterfront Park near the aquarium.
Catch up quick: The revamped trail along Elliott Bay reopened last month, with improved bike and pedestrian paths between Olympic Sculpture Park and the Expedia campus.
- The upgrades, which were paid for through $56 million in private donations, also include a new multiuse path connecting Myrtle Edwards Park to Waterfront Park.
Here are a few things that stand out:
Lots of mountains
On a clear day, there may be no better place in the city to view both Mount Rainier and the Olympic Mountains.
- Walking north while gazing at the Olympics feels particularly healing if you need a break from the city.
The coffee spot
You can now get coffee at a new outpost of Café Hagen, which faces a stone courtyard and has plenty of outdoor seating. The building also has newly upgraded restrooms.
The beach access
It's much easier now to wade into Elliott Bay, with multiple upgraded beach access areas that slope toward the water.
- Take your kids: The beach coves near the Thomas Street pedestrian overpass are next to a driftwood-themed play structure.
The Coast Salish elements
Carved boulders tell the stories of the 13 moons of the Coast Salish lunar calendar through artwork and text.
- The building that houses the Café Hagen is called the haʔłali amenities building, a name that translates to "the good place" in Lushootseed. The building's design was partly inspired by Coast Salish long houses.
All the seating
Two decades ago, I used to walk the older version of this trail often — and I don't remember nearly as many attractive seating options back then. (I probably also didn't feel the urge to sit as often in my 20s.)
- Today, I'm grateful for the driftwood-inspired chairs everywhere, which provide inviting places to sit and soak up the landscape.
What's next: Some green spaces along the trails are fenced off to give new grass time to grow. Park signs say many of those areas will open later this summer.
