Terminal 18 Park

A Window to Seattle's Working Waterfront

Found on Harbor Island in Seattle, Terminal 18 Park might be small, but it offers something you won't find at your average green space. This little 1.36-acre space gives you front-row seats to watch the maritime hustle of Terminal 18 - one of the Pacific Northwest's largest container terminals in action.

With 310 feet of shoreline access, you can spend hours watching massive cargo ships glide by, tugboats muscling barges into position, and the constant dance of port operations that keeps global trade flowing through Seattle.

What You'll See

Beyond the maritime traffic, you'll enjoy clear views of the West Seattle Bridge arching across the sky and the fascinating industrial landscape that makes up Harbor Island. A paved path stretches the length of the park, bordered by a concrete planter adorned with colorful tiles that add a touch of artistry to this industrial setting.

Hungry? The park features several picnic tables with a unique twist - they're sheltered under metal tent-shaped structures crafted from repurposed shipping containers. It's a clever nod to the park's working port heritage. There's also a drinking water fountain if you need to hydrate during your visit.

Things to Do

If you're into fishing, bring your gear! You can cast directly into the Duwamish Waterway from the park. During salmon season, you might even spot fish jumping - though fair warning: catching them can be tricky without extended fishing equipment.

The paved trails don't just circle the park; they connect to neighboring parks, monuments, and other pathways including Bridge Gears Park. This makes Terminal 18 Park a worthwhile stop if you're exploring Seattle's industrial districts by foot or bike.

An Industrial Oasis

What makes this park special is the contrast it creates - a pocket of calm in the midst of constant industrial activity. While trains rumble by and cranes load containers onto ships, you can sit peacefully and take in this vital but often unseen side of Seattle.

The park welcomes dogs as long as they're leashed, and you clean up after them. Note that there are no restrooms or playground facilities here - it's simply a quiet place to observe and reflect.

Open from dawn until dusk, Terminal 18 Park offers a unique urban experience where the rhythms of global commerce meet the simple pleasure of waterfront relaxation.