I love the fact that I don’t even need to leave Seattle city limits to explore a new trail. Last fall, I discovered the Lake Union Loop while walking from Lake Union Park towards Fremont. The path winds you around Lake Union and includes many different snippets of Seattle city life, from rickety (abandoned) railroad tracks to towering bridges.

In addition to the observing the unlimited skyline views the trail offers, I recommend making several stops along the +/- 6-mile path, not only to catch your breath but to learn a bit of local history. Iconic local landmarks, thanks to “Sleepless in Seattle”, you will find quirky houseboats on several different stretches of the lake. Each home has its own character and I enjoy checking out them out at different times of the year. 

The past meets the future at Gasworks Park, another important stop on the trail. Formerly a gas manufacturing plant, the repurposed park has become an important and visually striking symbol of Seattle.

There are many other sights to take in along the path. Read up on the trail before you take your walk, or let yourself be surprised. You can’t go wrong either way.

This path represents what I love most about my city- modernism and nature seamlessly flow in harmony.