Gas Works Park SUP – Skyline Views and Seaplane Spotting

Gas Works Park is the best urban SUP launch in Seattle. The old gasification plant ruins sit on a north shore promontory, and the moment you push off from the beach, the entire downtown skyline opens up to the south across the water. Kenmore Air seaplanes take off and land regularly. The Lake Union houseboat community lines the east shore. On a clear morning this is as good as urban paddling gets.

The Launch

Beach entry on the east side of the park’s main lawn, at the foot of the hill below the ruins. No ramp — carry your board across the grass and launch from the sand. The beach is wide enough to stage gear and the entry is gradual.

Address: 2101 N Northlake Way, Seattle, WA 98103

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Parking: Pay lot on N Northlake Way — meters accept credit cards. The lot is large but fills on summer weekends. Street parking along N Northlake Way and in the Fremont neighborhood adds capacity. Weekday mornings are easy; Saturday afternoon in July is not.

Seaplane Awareness

Kenmore Air and other operators use Lake Union as a runway. The primary approach and departure corridor runs roughly north-south through the center of the lake. When a seaplane is on the water or approaching, stop paddling and let it pass. The landing zone is generally marked with buoys — stay outside the buoy line. Seaplanes are fast on the water and their pilots cannot always see low-profile paddleboards easily.

Routes From Gas Works

South across the lake: Straight shot to the South Lake Union waterfront, about 0.5 miles. Good for a quick crossing to explore the houseboats on the east shore on the way back.

East toward Portage Bay: Follow the north shore east past the houseboat docks and into the calmer water of Portage Bay. About 1.5 miles to the Montlake Cut.

West toward the Locks: Follow the north shore west through the Fremont Cut toward the Ballard Locks — about 3 miles. Real boat traffic in the canal; stay right.

Lake Union circumnavigation: About 2.5 miles around the lake — a good 60-90 minute workout with changing scenery throughout.

Practical Notes

• Restrooms: Available in the park
• Best time: Early morning on weekdays for calm water and easy parking
• Skyline photos: Face south from the center of the lake — the best downtown view is midway across with a wide angle
• Sunrise: Eastern horizon from the lake catches Cascade alpenglow on clear mornings in fall and winter