The view was impressive. Unexpected, as I climbed the grassy knoll to get a better look. Iconic views of the Seattle skyline in the distance and Lake Union just below. I was standing on the north shore of Lake Union in Gas Works Park. Off to the left down the hill stood a giant old structure. All I could think was gorgeous view and “what’s that rusty thing all about?”

As it turns out, it was a Seattle Gas Light Company coal gasification plant that was functional in the early 1900s. Thus the park name. Nearby a large covered structure sheltered more plant parts in a conglomeration of old machinery painted bright colors. Definitely a bygone era, but dang those workers had a killer view!

Despite the cloudy late summer day, the park was crowded with tourists pointing to distant places such as Queen Ann hill, the Space Needle, and a Duck boat full of people cruising the lake. Sail boats, pleasure boats, and working boats cruised the murky waters. An impressive community of Houseboats lined the east and west sides of the shore. I could see a marina in the distance. The lake is located between the Hiram Chittenden Locks and Lake Washington. Boaters from Puget Sound wanting access to these two inland lakes enter on the west side of Lake Union via the ship canal that accesses the llocks.

This 19-acre park is a popular place to spread out a blanket, read a book, picnic, walk a dog, push a stroller, and hold hands. The park gives you a snapshot of what Seattle’s marine community is all about.

It’s not a lushly landscaped park as far as the grounds go. A nice border of trees grows on the north side near the parking lot. Otherwise it’s mostly sidewalks, cement platforms, and grassy areas. You can wander along a sidewalk around the perimeter of the lake to the tiny beach on the east side. A cool sundial sits at top of the grassy knoll.

It has an awesome new web-themed kids playground. Most of the play structures are built with ropes designed to challenge kids. While your kids are figuring out how to climb and maneuver the ropes, you get to enjoy the spectacular view in the background.

It can be a little sketchy in some areas, which is often the case for urban parks. It’s easy enough to avoid those areas.

Gas Works is open from 6 am to 10 pm daily with easy access from it’s free parking lot. It’s located on the north shore of Lake Union in the Wallingford neighborhood just off the Burke Gilman trail.