Amtrak’s Empire Builder, Seattle

AfarAug 12

This Local Commuter Routine Is Also the Best Way for Visitors to See the Seattle Area

Washington’s green-and-white ferries have carried commuters across Puget Sound for 75 years. To a former resident of the region, their slow journeys are still one of the great pleasures of the Pacific ...

train from Chicago to Seattle

21 things in this story

Mount RainierSightsnow-capped mountain visible from ferry
Bainbridge IslandSightpedestrian-friendly island with beaches and wineries
Washington State FerriesPlacelargest ferry fleet in America, celebrated 75th anniversary
Colman DockSightferry terminal in Seattle
Olympic PeninsulaSightdestination accessible by ferry from Seattle
Ivar’s Acres of ClamsRestaurantlegendary clam chowder on the downtown waterfront
MV TillikumPlaceoldest ferry in the system, entered service in 1959
MV YakimaPlaceThe Yakima was built in 1967 for the Seattle–Bremerton run and remained there until the early 1980s when she was moved…
Amtrak’s Empire BuilderPlacetrain from Chicago to Seattle
Bloedel ReserveSightgardens on Bainbridge Island
FauntleroyNeighborhoodWest Seattle neighborhood, ferry to Vashon
VashonSightno-stoplight island community with artists and galleries
Island Center ForestTrailnature preserve on Vashon Island
MV KaleetanPlace
Elsewhere
San Juan IslandsSightAnacortes, United Statesdestination accessible by ferry from Anacortes
Mukilteo ferry terminalFerry terminalMukilteo, United Statesconnects mainland to Whidbey Island
Whidbey IslandSightMukilteo, United Stateslargest island in Washington State, offers forest hikes
Deception Pass State ParkTrailMukilteo, United Stateshike along cliffs and across bridges on Whidbey Island
Fort Casey Historical State ParkSightMukilteo, United Statesfeatures lighthouse and coastal military buildings
CoupevilleSightMukilteo, United Statestown on Whidbey Island, ferry to Port Townsend
Deception Pass BridgeSightMukilteo, United Statesbridge connecting Whidbey Island to mainland

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Amtrak’s Empire Builder

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This Local Commuter Routine Is Also the Best Way for Visitors to See the Seattle Area