Seattle Area Trains

[ZekTheKid]

I'm asking for the help of those up in the northwest who know a lot about that area. I'm currently in Victoria, BC enjoying my summer vacation. I'll be working my way down to Seattle via an Amtrak Cascades train in Vancouver, BC. Point being, I was wondering what areas are in reasonable distance from downtown Seattle that are good spots to film trains.

[BoostedFridge]

'Downtown' Seattle is a pretty broad term, but if you mean the Central Business/Shopping District, then you are close to a few good spots.

The South Atlantic Street overpass crosses over top of the Sounder Commuter shops where they store their trainsets. It is also just north of the Amtrak maintenance facility, so you'll see some Amtrak equipment there for servicing between runs. This is also just south of King Street Station, the terminus of trains like the Empire Builder, and Coast Starlight. From here you will also see all the BNSF grain trains heading to the grain elevators just north of there, as well as all of the intermodal trains from Tacoma, and the Stacy Street/Seattle International Gateway yard, heading north towards Stevens Pass. You will see all of the manifest trains heading from Interbay down to Vancouver/Portland, and Pasco also. The railings on the overpass aren't too high, so you should be able to film over them just fine. This area is right by the two sports stadiums, and is above the grungier industrial area. If you're by yourself, I wouldn't stray down to the track level below, as that industrial area is kinda sketchy for a young guy with an expensive camera.

At the very bottom of Bell, and Lenora streets there are pedestrian overpasses heading down to the waterfront. Both go over the BNSF line between Interbay and points south. You will see all of the same BNSF trains as described above, but will miss out on the Coast Starlight, and any of the Amtrak Cascades trains that originate in Seattle, and head south.


Are you spending any time in Vancouver, BC at all?

[ZekTheKid]

Are you spending any time in Vancouver, BC at all?

Yes, for 1 1/2 days though. I haven't seen much coming in from Victoria but a handful of tracks leading to the container yard by the ferry terminal in Vancouver BC.

[Brickrail782]

This guy has some good spots. https://www.youtube.com/user/SeattleRailFan/featured