Open Source Photographic Guide Project
These guides are created as part of the Open Source Photographic Guide Project.
Introduction
Opened to the public in 1975, Gasworks Park is located at the north end of Lake Union in Seattle and was built on the site of the former Seattle Gas Light Company gasification plant. It contains the remains of the only coal gasification plant in the United States.Special Photographic Features or Notes
Interactive Map
This map highlights the main areas of Gasworks Park. Please use the interactive map (use the links on the left of the map to make sure you see everything) for more detailed information.
Gasification Plant Remnants
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| Full Moon at Gasworks Park (Brian Chapman , 2006) |
The remnants of the gasification plant are the centerpiece of the park and are impossible to miss. The image above was taken just after entering the park from the parking lot, to the north of the structure facing south toward downtown Seattle. You can see the Space Needle on the far right. There are opportunities from all angles and plenty of pipes to use for framing images.
The Mound
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| Gasworks Park (Brian Chapman , 2008) |
The other obvious part of the park is the large mound to the west of the main structure. On the top is a large sundial built by local Seattle artists. Views atop the mound are amazing! On the rare snow day in Seattle this is one of the most popular sledding areas and it's also the premier spot to watch the July 4 fireworks celebration.
The image above was taken from the northwest side of the mound facing the main gasification structure. It's easy to miss this section of the park but there is plenty to see here as well. The trail/road to the west leads toward several marina areas and good views of the Aurora bridge (Highway 99).
The Pump House
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| Gasworks Park (Brian Chapman , 2008) |
The original pump house for the gasification plant has been turned in to a play barn situated at the northeast side of the park. Much of the original piping remains. The "beach" just behind the pump house is a great location to view the Ship Canal Bridge (I5) to the northeast.
Night Photography
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| Gasworks Park (Brian Chapman , 2007) |
The park technically closes at 11:30PM but it is likely you wouldn't be questioned by anyone if you were there later. As part of the core Seattle area there is generally no shortage of light at Gasworks. Some of the best opportunities are during the least favorable weather conditions (thick, low clouds and likely rain) because the lights from the city illuminate and reflect off the bottom of the clouds. During the winter months night photography starts at about 5:00PM so there is plenty of time to see everything.
Depending on the current configuration of traffic at SeaTac Airport there may be planes flying through every minute or so.
This image was taken from the east side of the structure facing west toward Fremont. Downtown is to the left.
Getting there
Several city bus routes pass within a half a mile or so of the park but the easiest access is by car or bicycle. The Burke Gilman trail runs just to the north of the park if you're bicycling or walking.
If you're driving and unfamiliar with the area be sure to check your route beforehand because the roads in the area are confusing.
Enjoy!
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