Burke-Gilman Trail Missing Link (Ballard)

The Burke-Gilman Trail Missing Link is currently in the design phase. While funding was secured in November 2024 for a new alignment, the dedicated multi-use path is not yet constructed. Cyclists and pedestrians currently navigate active industrial streets, particularly along Shilshole Avenue NW, which can involve heavy truck traffic and railroad tracks. The new route will primarily utilize NW Market Street, Leary Avenue NW, and 17th Avenue NW to provide a safer experience.

While the broader Burke-Gilman Trail is known for its nearly flat grade and is generally beginner and family-friendly, the 'Missing Link' section currently requires users to share industrial roads with heavy vehicle traffic and active railroad tracks. This can be challenging and potentially unsafe for beginners or families with young children. It is advisable to exercise extreme caution or consider alternative routes until the dedicated path is completed.

As the 'Missing Link' currently involves navigating active industrial streets, it may not be the most suitable environment for dogs, especially those sensitive to noise or traffic. Once the dedicated multi-use path is completed, it will likely be more accommodating for leashed dogs, similar to other sections of the Burke-Gilman Trail. Always ensure your pet is on a leash and you clean up after them.

The Ballard neighborhood is well-served by King County Metro bus routes. Several bus lines connect to areas around NW Market Street and Leary Avenue NW, which are part of the future alignment for the Missing Link. Check the King County Metro website for the most current routes and schedules to plan your trip to the Ballard area.

Yes, the Ballard neighborhood is known for its vibrant commercial district. Along NW Market Street and Leary Avenue NW, which are part of the future Missing Link alignment, you'll find numerous cafes, restaurants, pubs, and breweries. There are also various accommodation options, from boutique hotels to guesthouses, within easy reach of the trail section.

The Burke-Gilman Trail, including the future Missing Link, is primarily a flat, multi-use path built on an abandoned railroad grade, making it ideal for recreational cycling and commuting. The Elliott Bay Trail, while also offering scenic waterfront views, can have more varied terrain and is generally shorter. The Missing Link's completion will provide a crucial connection for the longer Burke-Gilman Trail, offering a continuous route through diverse urban landscapes, whereas the Elliott Bay Trail offers a distinct urban waterfront experience.

Winter cycling on the current 'Missing Link' section can be challenging due to the need to share industrial roads. Rain, colder temperatures, and potentially reduced visibility can make navigating alongside heavy vehicle traffic more hazardous. Once the dedicated path is complete, winter cycling conditions will likely improve significantly, offering a safer and more comfortable experience, though users should still be prepared for wet weather typical of Seattle winters.

Currently, integrating the 'Missing Link' into a safe, dedicated loop can be difficult due to the unfinished nature of the trail section. However, once completed, the Missing Link will seamlessly connect to the broader Burke-Gilman Trail, opening up many possibilities for longer loop routes by combining it with other regional trails or city streets. For example, it could be part of a larger loop incorporating the Lake Union Loop or connecting to trails north of Seattle.

While the 'Missing Link' itself is an urban industrial corridor, its location in Ballard offers proximity to several notable features. As you navigate this section, you are near Salmon Bay and the historic Ballard Locks, which are significant landmarks. Once the dedicated trail is complete, it will offer improved access and potentially new viewpoints of the working waterfront and the surrounding Ballard neighborhood.

The completion of the Missing Link is anticipated to dramatically improve safety. Currently, users are forced to share busy industrial streets with heavy truck traffic and active railroad tracks, which has led to frequent collisions and injuries. The new dedicated multi-use path will provide a separated, safe route, incorporating features like clear signage, widened trail sections, ADA-compliant crossings, and a new traffic signal at 17th Avenue NW and Leary Avenue NW, eliminating the need to navigate dangerous industrial corridors.