Gas Works Park

Gas Works Park occupies the north shore of Lake Union at 2101 N Northlake Way in Seattle's Wallingford neighborhood, Washington. The park preserves the rusted towers and pipework of a former coal gasification plant, and that industrial hardware makes a strong foreground for a skyline photograph. From the grassy Kite Hill, the frame looks south across the water to downtown Seattle and the Space Needle, with floatplanes, sailboats and houseboats often adding movement. The skyline faces roughly south, so sunset light falls from the right side and warms the glass towers, and the best evenings come in summer when the sun sets over Queen Anne and the sky stays colourful into blue hour. Night shots are also productive, with city lights reflecting on the lake and the lit towers contrasted against dark silhouettes. The park is free and open daily, and the Fourth of July fireworks draw very large crowds, so photographers wanting a clear frame should arrive many hours early on that date. On ordinary evenings the hill is easy to navigate and tripod positions are plentiful. The old machinery is partly fenced for safety, and visitors should respect closures and signs rather than climbing structures. Drone use is restricted in Seattle city parks. A wide-angle lens captures the towers with the skyline behind, while a telephoto compresses downtown. A sundial mound near the top gives an alternative high vantage for panoramas. Parking is available in lots near the park, though they fill on sunny weekends, and restrooms are available on site.