A Ramble along Alaskan Way

This one is a slow ramble along Seattle’s Alaskan Way. For decades, a big concrete viaduct that took traffic through downtown dominated this street. There was an earthquake in 2001 that caused just enough damage to it to require a decision to either retrofit it, or tear it down. Both were tremendously expensive propositions. In the end, the option to build a tunnel, right next to the waterfront, and turning the above-ground area into open space was the logical choice. There is still plenty of construction going on around the ferry terminal, but that is a separate project. The viaduct teardown is almost fully smoothed over and the next stage of development for the area is near. Enjoy!

• Start Address: S Jackson and Alaskan Way S.

• Stop Address: Olympic Sculpture Park

• Animated Link here:

• Mileage: 1.6 miles

• Difficulty/Terrain: Ascent, 118 ft, Descent, 127 ft.

• Sidewalks with stairs and gravel for the last 75 feet.