Though relatively short at 3.3 miles, the Tommy Thompson Parkway stands tall in the ferry port of Anacortes for its notable 2,000-foot-long paved trestle spanning picturesque Fidalgo Bay.
About the Route
Enjoyed locally for family outings, sightseeing, and bird-watching, the rail-trail is also significant for its proximity to a Washington State Ferry Terminal (4 miles west of the trail). Those ferries to and from the San Juan Islands or Victoria, British Columbia, often carry bicyclists whose travels include the trail on the first leg of their journeys.
The rail-trail follows the inactive corridor of the short-lived Seattle and Northern Company line, which was built in 1890 when Anacortes boomed as a promised hub of a transcontinental railway. When investors ran out of money, the boom turned to bust. What's more, the railroad realized that a cross-country route from Anacortes wasn't feasible. The Great Northern Railway bought the short line, built the depot in 1911, and eventually merged into the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, which discontinued service along the Anacortes branch.
The route is named for Tommy Thompson, a passionate local railroad hobbyist who hand-built the Anacortes railway. He operated the popular six-block narrow-gage railway for some 25 years until his death in 1999.
The tourist train and steam locomotive puffed within a couple blocks of today's northern endpoint for the Tommy Thompson Parkway at 11th Street and Q Avenue. That's also just a few blocks from The Depot Arts & Community Center (611 R Avenue) and a block from the Port of Anacortes and waterfront. Heading south, the flat trail continues past boatyards, marinas, and other maritime businesses as it passes trailheads and parking at 22nd, 30th, and 34th Streets. A bus stop, water, and restrooms are available at 22nd Street and R Avenue.
Continuing south, the path rolls along the shoreline below some bluffs and then crosses Fidalgo Bay on the long trestle that connects Weaverling Spit and March's Point. Along the way, visitors are treated to murals, trailside sculptures, and more than a half-dozen turnouts with interpretive signs that describe the local history, economy, flora, and fauna. In that final mile, the forest of firs and madrones gives way to mudflats at low tide. The shallow waters expose eelgrass beds and habitat for salmon, other fish, and marine animals. Snowcapped Mount Baker can be seen in the distance on clear days, while great blue herons and bald eagles fly overhead.
When a mysterious fire damaged the trestle in 2009, local boosters quickly raised the money to repair it. Another local fundraising effort is under way to complete the Guemes Channel Trail, which would link the Tommy Thompson Parkway to the ferry terminal.
The Tommy Thompson Parkway runs between 11th St & Q Ave (Anacortes), where parking is available, and March's Point Rd (Anacortes).
Parking is available at:
Visit the TrailLink map for all parking options and detailed directions.
We rode this Trail all the way far past where it says it's closed at the RV Park across the bay on the walk/ bike Bridge to the street
This amazing trail is unfortunately closed due to a fire that engulfed the wooden structure.
What a terrific, peaceful place to run! Tree sheltered shoreline across Fidalgo Bay with wide, asphalt trails. Loved it!
The seagulls keep busy dropping clams on the hard surfaces of the TTT, mainly out where it crosses the bay. There is a sign now by the RV park warning of the hazard. After maybe 10 crossings it appears the trail gets swept of broken shells now & then (thanks city?), but they are soon back. That said, I can usually maneuver around them.
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