Seattle stairs lead to all kinds of interesting places. In Fremont, the famous Bridge Troll sits under the Aurora Bridge, munching on a Volkswagen. Steps head up either side of the distracted troll, and brave walkers can take them up to the northbound or southbound sides of the bridge. From there a narrow sidewalk, just a couple of feet away from whizzing traffic, takes you high over the Ship Canal to Queen Anne. On that end, opposing stairs allow you to get back to Fremont, with views from the opposite side of the bridge if you desire.
We'd never walked the Aurora Bridge, and on this crisp, sunny November Sunday we finally decided it was way past time. We parked in Fremont next to the Ship Canal and headed back toward the Farmer's Market to start our urban hike.
This is the quintessential Seattle stairs adventure: steps allowing unique access to an incredible scenic byway, in this case one that carries you high over the Ship Canal. We got gorgeous late afternoon views of Fisherman's Terminal on the west, Lake Union and Gasworks Park on the east, and the surrounding mountains - including, on this day, Mt. Rainier in all its hulking glory.
In the Fremont chapter, the book details a side trip with a visit to the Bridge Troll and other attractions in the commercial part of the neighborhood. To add spice and create your own urban adventure, just sneak around the Troll and take the bridge over to Queen Anne and back!