 Downtown Seattle from Miner's Landing; Seattle Aquarium on the left. Lots of reconstructing going on in 2022 Note: I've updated this post with a few fotos from trips my daughter's family made in Aug 2022, Sept 2023, and a trip I made by car to Alki Point the summer of 2023-- I had traveled to Seattle in Feb of 2022, hoped to see the Lunar New Year celebration. But that was postponed until the end of April, so I determined to return, this time by train.  Map brochure available at Klondike Goldrush Park/Museum  Day 1--Friday, 29 Apr 2022
Exploring Alki Point--summer 2023 by car Riding the Rails north to Seattle WA I tried to label all the train stations we stopped at or passed: some on the way north, some on the return trip south. But I'm going to order them here from south to north. As an experiment for an anticipated later trip Vancouver to Vancouver, I decided to leave from the Amtrak station in Vancouver WA. Sample Amtrak trip Portland OR to Seattle WA Kalama WA Downtown Kalama is a tiny place split by the Highway and the RR. But the community has a wider reach up the bluff to the east. The Kalama River is a great stretch of fishing, even including a tiny accessible spot. See 3rd link below (scroll down to “WDFW wheelchair Fishing Access, Kalama River WA”). Kelso-Longview WA I was so delighted by all the waterways along the trip, at first I intended to name them all. But that proves challenging, there are so many, and they wiggle to and fro. Castle Rock-Vader WA Here's where the train route and the highway route have gone their separate ways. The train was moving fast and the towns not in sight. Lots of rivers to cross, parallel for a bit, or meet from time to time as they weave their way and gather to travel toward the eventual ocean. Centralia WA Centralia has such a charming train station, but from the train I couldn't adequately take it in. This is a different view of Centralia than can be seen driving I-5. Lacey-Olympia WA Naturally, as with all the towns heretofore touched upon, there is much more to see and do in Lacey and Olympia than observed from the train traveling by. In 2022 we went to the Northwest Pirate Festival there, but it appears that will no longer be held. I hope to explore and publish more about both Lacey and Olympia in future posts.
JBLM—Joint Base Lewis-McChord, just south of Tacoma WA Every time I’ve traveled I-5 as far north as Tacoma and beyond, I’ve been so intrigued by the historic buildings of this joint army and air force base. Tough to get a good photo in a moving vehicle, but I finally managed to visit and get some still shots . . . see the links below. For info & photos of exhibits of the Corps of Discovery/Lewis & Clark Expedition, scroll down to “Captain Meriwether Lewis Memorial Park” and “Lewis Army Museum” at For more info & photos of JBLM in general, scroll down to “Joint Base Lewis-McChord”, nearly at the bottom of Tacoma WA I traveled to Tacoma and vicinity several times by car to explore and gather info and photos. Indubitably, there’s yet more to investigate, but you can get teasers at Tukwila & Puyallup WA
 Site of Flight from the Amtrak train: Boeing at 9404 E Marginal Way S, Seattle, WA 98108 King St Amtrak Station, Seattle WA It took some courage to take the train to Seattle on my own, because 1) looking at online mapping again and again I couldn't tell if I'd run into trouble wheeling between the train, sites to see, and the nearest hotel, and 2) without my vehicle, I wouldn't have all my backups and things I take for granted that I always have with me. So I bought and brought back-up batteries for my chair and cell, packed to be able to carry all my baggage for 4 days on my electric wheelchair, and decided to stay in just one place all three nights. There were challenges: it was a learning experience, but mostly all went well. I was happy. King Street Amtrak Station, Seattle WA Embassy Suites hotel & Zephyr restaurant--255 S King St, Seattle, WA 98104 This is an exceptional choice for location as well as comfort; not inexpensive. It's right next to the King Street Amtrak Station and Lumen Field. It's within walking/rolling distance of Chinatown (via the elevator inside the Amtrak station), the waterfront, and sights to see/things to do around Pioneer Square and the flat part of downtown Seattle. The Zephyr is accessed from inside the hotel. Where to park and eating options See also "In the Vicinity of Embassy Suites & King Street Station" below. 13 Coins Restaurant--associated with (and can be accessed from) Embassy Suites, 255 S King St, Seattle, WA Reservations recommended. Not really wheelchair friendly. Rather overpriced, I thought, but the food was good. I took my order back to my room. See link above about dining at Embassy Suites. Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park, Seattle Unit--319 2nd Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104 When I first became acquainted with this venue, I was expecting a park. There is such a park in Alaska, but it seems now they have updated the name of this place as the Seattle Unit. It’s a museum, not a park. But it is a wonderful place to go, with 2 floors of exhibits (connected by steep stairs, but an elevator as well) and 20-25 min films. The Kerr room has rotating exhibits. FREE. It's only a block (easy walk) north of Embassy Suites.
 Interpretive sign about Cooper & Levy Pioneer Outfitters, 104 1st Avenue South Pioneer Square, Seattle, WA
Waterfall Garden Park—219 2nd Ave S, Seattle WA (and the Fire Dept Museum) Only a block (easy walk) north of Klondike Gold Rush Park/Museum is this tiny park. Really interesting brief history at the link below. (Click on the “Getting Here” tab and scroll down to find 5 neighborhood public restrooms). Across Main Street from the Waterfall Garden Park is the Fire Dept Museum/Seattle Fire dept Headquarters, 301 2nd Ave South (at S. Main St) in Pioneer Square.
Occidental Square & Occidental Ave--117 S Washington St, Seattle, WA 98104 Half a block west of Waterfall Garden Park (on Main St) is Occidental Square, and across from it, Occidental Ave: restaurants, shops, play areas for young and old . . . Chinatown/Lunar New Year--2022 Year of the Tiger More info, links, and photos about the International district, scroll down atShort article about Seattle’s Chinatown history, present, and future Preamble perambulation to & around Chinatown-International District, Seattle WA I was worried about getting a good spot to see the performances for the Lunar New Year Celebration, so left early on the cool and moist morning. When I arrived, I saw that I had time and opportunity to explore a bit, and I thought I should try to find something to put over my lap and legs. Historic Union Station The Publix Hotel Hing Hay Park—423 Maynard Ave S (King St between 6th Ave & Maynard) Chong Wa Benevolent Association Uwajimaya Asian Food & Gift Market-- 600 5th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104 Daiso Japan--710 6th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104
Lunar New Year Performers, Seattle WA 2022 The sun turned out to shine on a beautiful day for the performances. More and more folks arrived, and it seemed to be a great success, after having been cancelled for COVID previous year(s). For additional photos and info, including some of the many offerings of food, scroll down to "Chinatown, Seattle WA 2022" at Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience--719 S King St, Seattle, WA 98104 With all my wheeling around Chinatown, my wheelchair used up all its juice. I had brought a battery, but wasn't familiar enough with how to use it for it to be of any help. I also had a charging cord, and the staff was so helpful that I could plug in to get enough charge to get back to my hotel. It was too late to see all of the exhibits at the museum, and the assistant director was kind enough to issue me a pass for the next day. It's a place really worth taking the time to tour thoroughly! Of course there's more to see than what is shown here. Parting shots of Chinatown, Seattle WA International District/Chinatown transit station Wheeling the Waterfront to Centennial Park & beyond I covered the Seattle Aquarium on my previous trip  Killer Whale artistry of several Native Nations, Seattle Aquarium The Seattle Waterfront (See also "Wings over Washington" below.) Best Western Plus Pioneer Square--77 Yesler Way, by Alaskan Way & the waterfront
Bell Harbor Marina Anthony's restaurant Norwegian Cruise Line World Trade Center Port of Seattle, Pier 69—2711 Alaskan Way Seattle WA Myrtle Edwards Park---3130 Alaskan Way, Seattle WA
Centennial and Elliott Bay Parks Walk or roll/bike through these parks, along the flat, paved trail . . . can be glorious! Fantastic views of the Olympic Mountains when the skies permit. I had no problem with my electric chair running out of power. Places to picnic or ponder, restrooms . . . the fishing shelters were closed when I was there. Beside the small rose garden, amenities include: shoreline, run, bike, picnic, photo, fish, pet walk, minimal exercise equipment, interpretive signs, Native American art, memorial . . . Elliott Bay Trail Centennial ParkSmith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91 Wings Over Washington & Miner's Landing--Pier 57 on Alaskan Way, downtown Seattle Waterfront I had some time before boarding my train for home, and decided to check out the attractions at Miner's Landing. Having a fear of heights, I didn't try the Seattle Great Wheel, but thought the "Wings over Washington" experience would be fun. Well, I'm so glad I did it (they can accommodate wheelchairs, though getting into/out of the theater was challenging in a wheelchair). I knew I was perfectly safe, yet some of it was a bit unnerving for a person with acrophobia. The theater seating actually moves into a position to make the flying experience as nearly real as possible. Naturally, I couldn't take photos of the actual ride, but see what you can see at this link: In the Vicinity of Embassy Suites & King Street Station As I wandered about Embassy Suites, I found an interior entrance to the parking garage and Hawk Tower. I continued my wanderings in the vicinity. Hawk Tower--522 Stadium Pl S, Seattle, WA 98104 (address of the parking garage) Pioneer Square in General--places to see, eat, stay, etc. Lumen Field--800 Occidental Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134 King Street Center--201 S. Jackson St., Seattle, WA 98104
Seattle at Night--Aug 2022 (fotos courtesy my daughter's family) University of Washington--Aug 2022 (photos courtesy my daughter's family)U Wow photo of Spring Cherry Blossoms at UofW More U Wow photos of Spring Cherry Blossoms at UW Hiroki, Japanese & European desserts--2224 N 56th St, Seattle, WA 98103, not too far from UofWA and Woodland Park Zoo (from a trip my daughter's family made Aug 2022)
 Seattle Sept 2023--courtesy my daughter's family  Seattle from the South--driving up I-5 when traffic wasn't bad The Space Needle, Seattle Center, and Pike's Place Market--a few fotos from Sept 2023 The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPop)--325 5th Ave N, Seattle, WA 98105 (Seattle Center Campus)
Revisiting Woodland Park Zoo--5500 Phinney Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103 There's More to Explore--Seattle WA West Seattle-Alki Point-Seahurst (summer 2023) I was fortunate: the day I came to explore was a glorious day for views of Seattle & the Olympics! I could have had a magnificent sight of Mt Rainier if I'd had time and legs. həʔapus Village Park & Shoreline Habitat--4500 Duwamish River Trl, Seattle, WA 98106 (part of Herring’s House Park) Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center--4705 W Marginal Way SW, Seattle, WA 98106 Herring's House Park--4570 W Marginal Way SW, Seattle, WA 98106 A 15 acre green space in an industrial area along the Duwamish River. Next to həʔapus Village Park & Shoreline Habitat, and across from Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center.  Jack Block Park in passing (note sign with amenities)--2130 Harbor Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98126 Paths, playground, 45’ observation tower w/views of Mt Rainier https://www.portseattle.org/places/jack-block-park Seacrest Park (Coves 1 & 2)—1660 Harbor Ave SW, Seattle WA
Don Armeni Boat Ramp--1222 Harbor Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116 Alki Beach Park and vicinity--along Alki Ave SW Harbor Ave SW literally "turns" into Alki Ave SW. The park includes a pier, 8 volleyball courts, a bathhouse & lawn, Statue of Liberty Plaza, public restroom, stone/pillar honoring Chief Seattle (at 3099 63rd Ave SW & Alki Ave SW). I happened along on an Art Festival Day, so the traffic & parking were packed. It's a popular place, and I expect has plenty of events crowded into the calendar. This area is a tight neigborhood full of residences and restaurants & shops/vendors for tourists and residents. From the map I see Alki Playground and Whale Tail Park just a block or so from Alki Ave: 59th Ave SW & SW Lander St—59th is near bathhouse. The SW Seattle Historical Society museum (the "Log House Museum") is at 3003 61st Ave SW, Seattle, WA. The 1913 Alki Point Lighthouse parking log is at 3201 Alki Ave SW, and it's a short walk/roll to the lighthouse. It's an active Coast Guard site, has free tours in summer. Me-Kwa-Mooks Park--4430 Beach Dr SW, Seattle, WA 98116 Alki Ave SW turns south into Beach Dr SW as it bends around Alki Point. The map shows some small parks on the way to Me-Kwa-Mooks park. This park straddles the street, with a water side and a hill side that includes grassy room to run, picnic tables & grills. I was having trouble with my van ramp, and it just so happened firemen were training at the park, and were so kindly & cheerfully of service in helping with it. I was so grateful for their strength, because the ramp is really difficult to pull out manually. Lowman Beach Park--7017 Beach Dr SW, Seattle, WA 98136 Tiny Lowman Beach Park is at the junction of Beach Dr SW, 48th Ave SW, and Lincoln Park Way SW. As I recall, it just has very tight, limited street parking. It was difficult to get decent shots, let alone get out of my vehicle. Lincoln Park--8011 Fauntleroy Wy SW, Seattle, WA 98136 Lincoln Park Way SW merges with 47th Ave SW, then Fauntleroy Way SW as you drive south. Parking lot #1 is at about SW Rose St, #2 about Cloverdale St, on Fauntleroy. Lincoln Park is substantial, with lots of amenities. I explored the south end of it first, then went back up to the north end. The road and path down to the beach were way too steep for me in my wheelchair. Across from the northern corner of Lincoln Park is Solstice Park--7400 Fauntleroy Wy, where 47th Ave meets Fauntleroy. Its interest is in the solstice & equinox stones, tennis, and hiking. Fauntleroy Ferry (2 boats) is close by, to the south (see sign in the photos below) Seahurst Park--1600 SW Seahurst Park Rd, Burien, WA 98166 (not far from Sea-Tac airport) Use a map app to find Seahurst Park.
Among other amenities the airport has rail service to Seattle.
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Wheelchair WomanI've been in a wheelchair for 30+ years. It poses some challenges for traveling. Maybe others can benefit from my experiences. Archives
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