Categories:
The Burke-Gilman Trail is a flat paved 21-mile multi-use trail that connects many parts of Northern Seattle. It starts at Golden Gardens Park in northwest Seattle and continues to Bothell in northeast Seattle. There are several sections where dirt paths run alongside the asphalt trail. Some sections of the trail are scenic, and others are more ‘connectors’ to various neighborhoods. Here are a few favorite sections, including good opportunities for add-ons. Mileage starts from the northwest end.
Golden Gardens Park to Carl English Botanical Gardens (miles 0-1.9). Nice waterfront section here. There’s a 1.8 mile gap, where the trail picks up again at 6th Ave. in Fremont.
Fremont Canal to Gasworks Park (miles 4.0-5.5). Nice section along the Fremont Cut and Lake Union. Additional trails in Gasworks Park. Brooks Running headquarters is in Fremont
University of Washington (mile 7). Trail section here isn’t as nice but good add-ons are our University of Washington route and a running track next to Husky Stadium.
Matthews Beach Park to Sheridian Beach (miles 12.4-16.2). Nice section along Lake Washington, with some water views, though the trail is opposite the main road. Additional trails at Warren Magnuson Park.
Bothell. At the northeast end in Bothell, connect to the 1.4 Sammamish River Trail. Add 1 mile using pedestrian bridge to Bothell Landing Park.
- Full trail is 21 miles (34 km)
- Mainly flat, with a hillier section miles 7-13
- Numerous access points: northwest terminus is Golden Garden Park; northeast terminus is 102nd Ave. NE in Bothell
- Numerous access points. See interactive map
Comment on this Route/Share a Photo!
Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!