With dozens of trains passing through the city of Seattle or its suburbs each day, our region offers a lot to the casual railfan and the more serious train photographer.
Some folks have their beloved spots – like Carkeek Park in northwest Seattle, South Boeing Access Road in Tukwila or Point Ruston in Tacoma – but in this article, we’ll focus on locations that are within a mile of Sound Transit stations and stops.
When observing trains and taking photos, remember to always be aware of your surroundings and stay safe around the tracks.
If you’re loco for locomotives, here are some train-tastic places to visit:
Downtown Edmonds
How to get there: Take the N Line on one of the regularly scheduled morning/afternoon trips; or check the special schedule to see when the train runs on the weekends
Many railfans will say that the Edmonds Waterfront is one of the best places to watch trains, from the Sounder and Amtrak Cascades to BNSF’s intermodal freight. The nearby parks and a few local businesses offer great views of the tracks. Take a short walk from Edmonds Station, grab a snack or beverage and you’re bound to see trains a plenty.
Demetri’s Woodstone Taverna is a great place to post up!
Address: 101 Main St, Edmonds
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday – Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday
Olympic Sculpture Park
How to get there: Take the 1 Line to Westlake Station and walk about a mile northwest
Olympic Sculpture Park, part of the Seattle Art Museum, is open and free to the public 365 days a year. It offers spectacular views of Elliott Bay, the Olympic Mountains, and the train tracks that run along the Seattle waterfront.
Address: 2901 Western Ave, Seattle
Hours: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
King Street Station
How to get there: Take either the N Line or S Line; or the 1 Line to International District/Chinatown Station
For over 110 years, King Street Station has been as a gateway for millions of travelers coming into Seattle and the Pacific Northwest. Today, over 2.7 million passengers a year use the station to board Amtrak trains, Sounder commuter trains, and Amtrak Thruway intercity bus services. It includes convenient connections to Sound Transit's commuter rail and Link light rail, along with local and regional buses and the First Hill Seattle Streetcar.
Kent Station
How to get there: Take the S Line on one of its regular trips; or check the special schedule to see when the train runs on the weekends
This urban village includes more than 50 retail stores, restaurants, a multiplex movie theatre and loads of special events. Whether you want to shop, dine, relax, or walk along the nearby train tracks, there’s something for everyone to do.
Address: 417 Ramsay Way, Kent
Hours: Check the website for business hours
Train-themed drinking and dining
Trackside Pizza
How to get there: Take the S Line on one of its regular trips; or check the special schedule to see when the train runs on the weekends
Trackside Pizza honors trains while serving up great food. Its pizzas are named after some of the famous trains in the world, like the Empire Builder, Hurricane Express and of course, the South Sounder. Trackside takes pride in taking buildings with historic value and renewing and investing in them. It has locations near the Puyallup and Sumner Stations.
Address: 201 N Meridian, Puyallup and 1114 Main St, Sumner
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
Rail Hop’n Brewing
How to get there: Take the S Line on one of its regular trips; or check the special schedule to see when the train runs on the weekends
This micro-brewery in the heart of Auburn is family, veteran and educator-owned. After starting with a home brew system, Rail Hop'n Brewing just moved into a new facility and added espresso and appetizers. If you’re trainspotting near Auburn Station, be sure to pop in.
Address: 122 West Main Street Suite 101B, Auburn
Hours: 2 to 9 p.m., Tuesday – Thursday; noon to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday
Downtown Tacoma
How to get there: Ride ST Express 594 or take the S Line on one of its regular trips; or check the special schedule to see when the train runs on the weekends
Tacoma Dome Station is a transit hub and a great starting point for a trainspotting adventure. Walk or take the T Line to the museum area; the bridge to the Museum of Glass crosses the freeway and the main BNSF-Union Pacific-Amtrak line. And for the railfans who are also into the smaller versions of real thing, the Washington State History Museum features the largest model railroad on permanent exhibition in the state.
What did we miss? Tag us on social media @SoundTransit and let us know your favorite trainspotting spots!