By kickstand on August 15, 2008
I only saw the trail at the terminus area, at 6th avenue. I didn't have my bike to try it out. The asphalt seemed pretty well kept, although the paint markings looked like they were wearing off.
Currently there are lots of blackberry bushes growing over part of the trail east of 6th avenue. It's still passable, though, and not very busy. However, it wasn't abandoned, either; I saw several cyclists and walkers while I was picking some blackberries. There is a park and a university near here and it is a quiet, pleasant neighborhood.
It looks like the city will soon be extending the trail west to meet with the Emerson Street Bike Path. Details here:
http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/shipcanaltrail2.htm