I LOVE it! This combined with the Snohomish River Trail = Fantastic Commute! I live in Edmonds and work in Redmond on the weekdays, Seattle Center on the weekends. The trail gets me to both, at least from Lake Forest Park on. I love riding along the water of the slough as a nice peaceful ride. I love riding towards downtown and seeing Lake Washington! It's so beautiful being out on the trail, but it gets pretty congested on sunny afternoons! Rainy days are a dream come true! The trail is abandoned, the scenery is still beautiful, and you can just enjoy the views and take it at your own pace! Yeah, there's a few bikers who come racing around, no bells or verbal notice, but don't let it detract from everything else! I can't be bothered with the few people who aren't smiling as they cruise the trail! read more

Just rode a long loop which included the Burke-Gilman Trail and the Sammamish River Regional Trail and the I-90 Bridge Bike path. The path was great for bikers but I do understand why people that walk the trail might be a little frightened with the serious bikers. There are alot of bikers on nice weekends like this weekend. From Seattle it is about two and a half hours to the Red Hook Brewery if you ride really slow and another two and a half hour from there to get back to Seattle by driving over the I-90 bridge. Definitely recommend this trail and getting lunch at the Brewery. Have a great ride! I do have to say the Trail is not as smooth as the Sammamish River Regional Trail but the scenery is better. The little cracks up near Bothel are a little annoying. read more

The metallic rhythm of chain tugging over gears harmonizes with energy of Harvey Danger's Cream and Bastards Rise coursing through my ear buds directly to my legs. The burn of a hard ride early on a clear autumn morning is starting to creep up. I can feel throbbing veins in my skull pulsing against the padded cavity of my helmet even as the chilled air whizzes and burns against my clean-shaved skin. The energy gained riding hard against the limits of my own endurance is not quantifiable. I think back to the sunrise this morning. I was pressing on along the lake trail as the fingers of fog began pulling themselves up the side of a distant fir-covered hill. The wind was blowing slightly from the east, which showered me with the leaves of a black cottonwood. I delighted in the crunching sound of my tires tearing through them and watching them swirling out to the sides in a vortex. I was jolted back to the trail from my distracted state by a shout of "On your left!" from a group fellow enthusiasts. I quickly swerved to the right and was passed with ease by more professionally-finished bodies. Feeling inadequate, I paused for a few hours by city hall to watched the cranes and children. After about 12 more miles, the smell of hops overtook me and drew me back to last night when Scott, Aimee, and Ruth came over to drink beer and have nachos. As I was lured past the generic box-shaped apartments juxtaposed against the river trail toward the brewery, I thought to myself a true fact: there's no better IPA than Redhook. Thus ended my commune with nature and began my new affair with a pint of fine honey-colored brew. read more

The trail runs right by my apartment. And it runs right by my place of employment. This should be a no-brainer...now if only I could ride a bike to save my life. Don't get me wrong- I know how. I've got the balance part down. I just hit things...and I have the scars to prove it. Probably I would manage to get hit by a car while riding on the Burke-Gilman. Don't ask me how; just know that I'm that girl - the one who would figure that out. But thank you trail, for providing such a tempting option. read more

I think this trail is GORGEOUS- especially when you get farther north. its pretty flat, so its perfect for long runs. be careful of the cyclists. some of them take the ride much too seriously and can get a little mean that you are on the trail as well, but for the most part, everyone is cool out there. read more

Dear Burke-Gilman, You woo me with your flat expanses, your peekaboo views of Lake Washington, your proximity to diversions like Gasworks Park and the UW, Matthews Beach and Metropolitan Market, Third Place Books and envy-inducing lakefront homes. Especially on sunshiney days. My only complaint is your propensity for attracting the occasional Trail Snob Biker, known for his or her a) inability to signal when passing at high speeds or b) ability to signal when passing at high speeds, coupled with ability to make curt remarks like "SINGLE FILE!" when more leisurely riders have formed a semi-overlapped formation for a few moments of pedaling-while-chatting. Sincerely yours, Anne read more

What a treasure. One of the things that makes Seattle great if you ask me. Very pleasant and easy way to get from way up on Lake Washington all the way to Fremont or any points in between. Feels safe wrt vehicular cross traffic and there are many pretty spots you will be delighted to see. Note, however, if you are a serious bicyclist and you are looking to go 20 mph+ for a while (especially as you get north of Metropolitan Market in Ravenna), you are in for a rough, rough ride. I hope your chamois pants are tres chamois-y or you will get banged up going over all the cracks and bumps. Owwwww! There are also a lot of pedestrians mosey-ing about at 2 mph. For a long, fast ride, I stick to the Lake Washington Loop further south. read more

Best urban bike trail I've ever seen. Beautiful views of the lake while riding past homes I can just dream of. If anyone wants to invite me to a party at a lake front home, chances are I'll attend. Some day I'll ride the whole trail in one shot, but thy day hasn't happened yet. read more

Burke-Gilman Trail - Selfie difficulty level: expert - Parks Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I have not completed the whole route-maybe someday when the weather is lovely. Currently, I am a walker walking with my dog and mostly its by Union Lake and the canal in Fremont. There are a lot of bikers zipping on the trail. I have not met a mean biker yet or had an accident yet with one of those zippy bikes. I do my best to stay on the edge or go on the runners trail. I do wish that the trail had better signage when it breaks due to street, bridge- especially in the area when you get close to Fred Meyers in Ballard. read more

I love the trail, but it could be so much better compared to similar trails in other cities. Mostly in the crossings that are irregular and don't give me confidence that drivers will be aware, and abundant rough patches due to roots. Really, though, it's just too crowded. Victim of its own success, perhaps, but some posted reminders of shared-path etiquette might go a long way. read more

The Burke. I've walked it, ran it, jogged it, biked it, loved it! Last summer during a really warm Thursday night, I got on my bike and took a leisurely ride for fun and it is one of my best memories. The trail, when accomplished with ease can be appreciated for all of its natural beauty and activity! At times, I feel like I'm in a movie because the settings are so perfect!! There's a great mix of urban meets nature and though I can relate to the mentioned bikers, I will not "hate". I've had my share of courteous walkers, joggers and bikers on this trail....as well as the opposite. It's a great lengthy spot to distress and refresh you state of mind. read more

One time my boyfriend and i rode our bikes from Capitol Hill to Fremont. Then we had to bike to the U-district to return some movies, and went all the way up 46th NW or some nonsense. Then another time we rode over Western and the Ballard Bridge to get to Ballard. Well, we didn't know about the Burke either of those times. They were my most miserable biking-in-seattle experiences. I just wish i could bike everywhere on the Burke. read more

A great trail to enjoy on the weekend. I don't have to use it for the commute but I can't imagine it's much better than anywhere else in the city. But when you don't have anywhere to go and just want to be outside it's perfect for grabbing your bike and taking in the tour of the town. Not really ideal for skating on since the trail is fairly long and crowded. Most of the cyclists are courteous with the occasional jerk who thinks he is in the Olympics. But in general the trail is well kept, the patrons are just there to have a good time and you will love it. read more

This is a lovely trail that runs through the heart of much of the metro area. Interestingly enough, instead of undermining the trail, much of the business, residential, and industrial areas calibrate this park as a treasure of the metropolitan community. As it it is something like 20+ miles in length, I have only experienced a small amount of what it has to offer. After I get another bike, I'll make sure to explore it more completely. read more

This is one of the places I truly miss in Seattle. In nice weather I used to ride my bike (I'm strictly a leisure, not a competitive type A biker), from my place on Dexter (lower Queen Anne), next to the canal through Fremont and on to the wonderful park and beach on the Sound in Golden Gardens. (this is off the trail - a great side trip through charming Ballard and on.) It was an easy ride (except for the ride back up the hill to Dexter from Fremont), and so much to look at! From the adorable Fremont bridge and shops in Fremont, to the boats on the canal, the marina, and then the park. I would often stop at Fred Meyer on this trip to pick up a few items as it was on the way. You do need to watch out for the aggressive bicyclists, (I was nearly killed by one of these testosterone cases once), but otherwise it is pure heaven. The section on the East side of Lake Washington is wonderful too, I rode it once from Redmond to Bothell, and it went through some wonderful old fashioned little places where chickens ran around. Although I now live in a great area on the coast and near Highway 101 next to the Pacific Ocean in San Diego County, there is nothing like Seattle in the summer, on a bike, on the Burke Gilman Trail. Tourists to Seattle in the summer, do this ride or part of it. You get a real flavor of the place at a leisurely pace and can get some exercise at the same time! read more

Great place to bike! Yes, it isn't very hilly but if you would like to go for a longer distance without having to be super fit to do so this is a great route to take. Great scenery, and there are a sizeable amount of people about but I didn't feel crowded in any way. The more intense bikers were good about warning you when they were going to pass you, and the walkers&bikers all tend to stay on one side of the road so you don't have to weave around them. read more

Wonderful biking trail you won't get any better so much to see thoroughly enjoyed it This trial goes on for miles so much the C

What I love about this park is how far the trail goes.It runs from Seattle to Bothell which totals to more than 18 miles!!! :D It can get pretty busy there especially on a sunny weekend.You'll see a lot of bicyclists,walkers with their pets,joggers,skaters,some commuters.It's pretty amazing how we're all able to coincide without running into one another.hehehe...But don't let my last comment discourage you from checking this place out.There's plenty of room for everyone.:D read more

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How could you not love a trail that goes on and on.. And links to another (samamish) great trail where you don't have to be near traffic... Well, vehicles. You still need to watch out for the happy wanderers... People with long pet leashes, oblivious to their destructive and ignorant behavior and dolts with headgear designed to shut out impending dangers... I.e. They cannot hear your bell or shouting.. Or those pelatons of wankers who think they own space (you know the ones - they forget to share the space and ride or walk two or three abreast)... but aside from that, the trail itself and most of the people on it... Tremendous! Thank you to whomever sponsors these bicycle pathways. The real treat is when they fix the bumps and clear moss and leaves which can lead to severe accident.. Thank you to those who build and maintain these lovely scenes into other parts of such a beautiful city! read more

This is a gem. Old train tracks turns to a mixed use trail. Somebody was using their noggin. Takes you anywhere you want to go, as long as that's Ballard, Fremont, UW, or the west side of Lake Wash. Hooks up with the Sammamish (East Side) trail system at Log Boom/ Tracy Owen Park in Kenmore. read more

The way I was treated was shameful. I was visiting from Nashville. My brother lives close to the trail and I was thinking this would be a lovely place to walk. I walk three miles a day and was nearly run over twice by bicyclists during my daily walk over 2 days. I was on the left side of the trail and a bicycle came right at me as if I was a target. I stepped off the trail into the berry bushes just to get out of the way. So much for a peaceful walk in the woods. Since that scary interaction, I chose to walk on the street for the remainder of my visit, it was much safer. At least cars yield to a pedestrian. The Burke-Gilman trail seems to be very dangerous for walkers and I shutter to think if anyone let their children on this trail. read more

I work on the East Side I live on the west side. As such my dreams of walking to work do not fly. However I can do the next best thing and ride my bike. Combined with the Samammish River trail it is a 30 mile continuous bike trail. That is frigging awesome. Sometimes it is crowded by UW but as you get a short distance away it thins out. Great scenery along the whole route and I don't mean the co-eds. read more

Fantastic for cyclers, rollerbladers, and walkers alike! The Burke Gilman trail is not only fun, but it's also an effective means of getting from A to B, which is a rarity when it comes to trails. My only complaint is that it's often a death trap for those on foot - beware the Serious Biker! read more

The main thing that I will say about the Burke Gilman is that it's a great trail for just about anyone, whether you're running, walking, cycling, or rollerblading. While there are a lot of rollerbladers/cyclists that do go screaming down the trail, that doesn't mean you can't safely go out for a walk on a nice day. What also makes the Gilman so enjoyable is that you can head to Gasworks park or the University District, you can enjoy waterfront parks along the way, and you can also go on the east side to Redmond town center (we always went to Redmond Subs there ) and Marymoor park. A good middle point is at Lake Forest Park, where I usually got on and off the trail. What little issue I have with the trail concerns the crosswalks along it and usually involves drivers, cyclists and/or pedestrians not paying attention. I've seen too many people almost get hit and drivers slamming on their brakes. The lights and stop signs can be in awkward places so just pay attention to what's going on around you. Also, bikers should have a bell or a good way of letting people know they are there, especially if they're going 20+ MPH. While the trail has some issues (cracks, etc.), these are often well marked and easily avoidable. Other than that, it can get crowded in some areas, so if you want to have more of the trail to yourself I would suggest hitting the eastern side. read more

This trail has officially made me fall in love with Seattle. I am new to the area and heard about this path and decided to give it a go. I rode my bike from Ballard to Gas Works Park it was a short, nice, easy ride, with very limited traffic (especially for such a nice day, and on a Saturday), the scenery is incredible, the waterfront, all of the bridges, house boats, beautiful architecture, trees, absolutely incredible. And Gas Works Park itself is awesome, came on a fantastic day, brisk, a couple clouds in the sky and was able to get a panoramic view of the greater Seattle area. Weather permitting, I would like to head back down to the Burke-Gilman trail with my bike and do the whole trail. Super easy. Super fun. Incredible views. Best way to get a real "taste" of Seattle. read more

Hey Burke-G, you want that 5th star from me? Okay, lose the freakin' pro bikers who think they own the freakin' trail. Most of them don't have the courtesy to say "On your left" or "Passing"...nope they're training for the Tour de France ya'll, and we are in their way. I saw a pregnant lady with a small toddler almost get annihilated by a biker cruising through a heavy pedestrian area, to which the biker proceeded to yell at the woman for getting in his way...nice. However, I run on the trail about five times a week and it is rather beautiful...sans the bikers. read more

This trail ROCKS! From Bothell to Ballard there are great views, parks and a flat, even place to get some gentle exercise. One day I'm going to start biking to work from Wedgwood to Ballard. I did it once and it took almost the same amount of time as driving. No traffic jams! While it can get busy in certain areas, it's still not as crowded as Greenlake, has a different atmosphere and has lots of lovely shaded areas. Matthews Beach is one of my favorite stops. read more

If you are in Seattle, you need to explore this walk-way. This walk-way begins in Seattle's Ballard District, follows Lake Washington Ship Canal, cuts through Fremont District and continues to the University of Washington read more

IF you're training for a marathon you're sure to get lots of mileage on the BG. Well maintained and really beautiful. Bathroom stops at Gasworks, Matthews Beach and Kenmore. GReat for biking as well. Go early to avoid the congestion! read more

Best to be walking in early morning so you don't get ran over by the speeding devil riders on their way to Redmond. This trail is wonderful and takes you through some of the best neighborhoods in Seattle. This is a family friendly trail on weekends. Doggies are welcome too. read more

Awesome trail for bike riding! The trail starts in Ballard and I believe goes past Bothell traveling mostly along Lake Washington. FLAT! Shaded on both sides with a variety of trees and shrubbry. Nice place to commute for work on a bike and highly recommended. Photos soon! read more

This gem is both functional, serving as my biking commute from Seattle to Bellevue and back for several months during the summer, as well as recreational, I also used to jog various points of the trail with friends. I've heard of people taking on the full length by bicycle, which sounds ambitious and like something worth attempting at least once with proper training and equipment. read more

Fun fun fun! This off-street bike trail is a great place to bike if you want to avoid cars and hills. It also connects to the Sammamish River Trail in Bothell. read more

This trail can get congested just like I-5. I am talking about the part of the trail around the UW. Between class (:20-:30) it is loaded with wandering students that do not understand trail courtesy and walk slowing in a large group in the middle, or walk out into on coming bike traffic. Also at 5:00 when everyone is eager to go home, it can be crowded. Get out of the way of the people with the fast, sleek bikes wearing the super fly spandex bike gear. read more

I agree that the Burke-Gilman is an essential for marathon training. We're so lucky, as Seattlelites, to have a well-maintained route for biking, blading, and running that takes us past such breathtaking views: Husky Stadium, Lake Union, the Space Needle, The Fremont Canal. Nice scenery certainly increases athletic stamena. read more

Scenic, urban, long so can walk a ways and enjoy nearby parks + UDistrict.

I love Burke-Gilman Trail. I grew up right next to it and have great, sunny memories of walking along and playing on the stretching equipment around every few bends. This trail runs along fields, rivers, and general civilization - perfect for running, biking, or holding a sit-in. read more

The Burke-Gilman trail is an awesome stretch of pavement that has logged many miles on my bicycle and beneath my feet. Since moving to the broken end of the trail, I've been a fair weather user. I am PSYCHED that the trail's end has been completed, but I will remain DEPRESSED (emotionally and physically) until the missing link is discovered. That is, until a real option is offered for those many, many cyclists and pedestrians wishing to travel from the locks to the trail at Fred Meyers without being hit by a car. I am not impressed with the current plans for the missing link that include crosswalks, bike lanes/share through downtown Ballard. read more

regarding the new Burke-Gilman detour. If you are thinking it is much the same as the familiar Burke - think again! Think you can take you kids and maybe the little one with the training-wheels on the re-route I think not! I know that the city is doing it's best to keep cyclist safe but be forwarned. I would rate the detour as mildly strenuous. I have a road bike and ride close to 100 miles a week (in the summer at least) and I still rate the detour route as a bit advanced. If you are anything less than a weekend warrior on a bike. you have been warned! read more

The Burke is great but it could be improved with a soft bark or gravel or crushed lime path for walkers and joggers, a flyover bridge across the industrial and high traffic part of Ballard and a bridge to Magnolia (not the current 15th Street bridge). Developers could be taxed for more bike route improvements. I only like dedicated bike trails like this, I don't want to ride in a little stripe on the side of a busy street, to me the Burke-Gilman is the best way to bike in Seattle! read more