Montlake - a scenic view of a town nestled in the mountains
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Montlake

4.6
·491k reviews·Seattle, United States

Montlake offers scenic waterfronts, urban trails, and the iconic University of Washington rowing scene.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Saturday mornings

Less traffic before bridge closures

CrowdMedium
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Montlake - a scenic view of a town nestled in the mountains

Montlake

Best Time

Saturday mornings

Less traffic before bridge closures

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Montlake offers scenic waterfronts, urban trails, and the iconic University of Washington rowing scene.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Enjoy a scenic urban hike or catch the UW rowing team in action on the Montlake Cut."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Navigate New Ramps

Utilize new direct access ramps for HOV 3+ and transit to ease your commute.

🚶‍♀️ Explore Portage Bay

Enjoy the scenic Portage Bay Loop for a refreshing urban hike. Dog-friendly!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Montlake Cut

Montlake Cut

University of Washington Waterfront

Witness the iconic University of Washington rowing team practice and race on this picturesque waterway.

TikTokInstagram
Portage Bay Loop

Portage Bay Loop

Montlake Neighborhood

Enjoy a scenic 3.6-mile urban hike with paved and gravel paths, offering wildlife and city views. Dog-friendly!

Instagram+1
Husky Stadium

Husky Stadium

University of Washington Campus

Experience the energy of college football or catch a glimpse during spring practices.

TikTok+1
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Planning Your Visit

Navigating Montlake's Bridges and Ramps

Be aware of potential closures on the Montlake Bridge and SR 520 ramps, especially on Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. for boat passage. New direct access ramps are open for HOV 3+ and transit, offering a new way to navigate the area. TikTok+1

Embrace the Outdoors on Montlake

Montlake offers beautiful waterfront views and urban hiking opportunities. Consider exploring the Portage Bay Loop for a scenic walk with wildlife and city sights. Instagram+1

Best Times

When
Saturday mornings
Why
Less traffic before bridge closures
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
New ramps ease congestion
Crowd
Low
When
February mornings
Why
Ideal for rowing views
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Absolute scenes on Montlake 😎 #GoHuskies #PurpleReign #fieldstorm #CollegeFootball @Washington Football
@uwathletics
3.9K likes • 23.3K views

🚗 Navigate New Ramps

Utilize new direct access ramps for HOV 3+ and transit to ease your commute. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Explore Portage Bay

Enjoy the scenic Portage Bay Loop for a refreshing urban hike. Dog-friendly! Instagram+1

Washington Spring Practice No. 1 #fyp #cfb #uw #huskystadium #washington #huskies #montlake
@nicklemkaucfb
3.7K likes • 39.1K views
short urban hikes in and around seattle 🌲 part 2 - portage bay loop - distance: 3.6 miles / 5.8 km trail: 90% paved, 10% gravel dog friendly: yes park: free, near the montlake playfield get your cameras ready for this urban hike! portage bay is incredibly scenic and has lots of wildlife interspersed between the U, cute bakeries, and fun drawbridges. happy urban hiking! 🥾🏙️
servedbysara
23.9K likes • 1.2M views

🌉 Bridge Awareness

Check for Saturday bridge closures (10 AM-4 PM) for boat passage. TikTok

☕ Local Pastry Stop

Grab a pastry from Saint Bread and enjoy nearby waterfront views. TikTok

It’s also a bit annoying that we now have another freeway lid over places like Montlake and Mercer Island, which are mostly wealthy single family neighborhoods, while more publicly beneficial freeway lids like over I-5 in downtown Seattle never get off the ground. #seattle #montlake #SR520 #urbanism #accessibility
calvin.seattle
545 likes • 11.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Navigate New Ramps

Utilize new direct access ramps for HOV 3+ and transit to ease your commute. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Explore Portage Bay

Enjoy the scenic Portage Bay Loop for a refreshing urban hike. Dog-friendly! Instagram+1

🌉 Bridge Awareness

Check for Saturday bridge closures (10 AM-4 PM) for boat passage. TikTok

☕ Local Pastry Stop

Grab a pastry from Saint Bread and enjoy nearby waterfront views. TikTok

🚲 Biking Commute

Montlake Bridge is bikeable, but be mindful of safety during peak hours. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Montlake is appreciated for its scenic beauty, particularly the Montlake Cut and Portage Bay Loop, offering great outdoor activities. While the area is beautiful, some visitors note potential traffic congestion and the impact of bridge closures on Saturdays. The new transit and HOV ramps are seen as positive developments for commuters.

What People Like

Scenic waterfront views
Urban hiking trails
Rowing team sightings

What People Dislike

Saturday bridge closures
Occasional traffic congestion

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Montlake is accessible via various routes, including SR 520. Be aware of new direct access ramps for HOV 3+ and transit. TikTok Public transport options are also available, with bus routes serving the area. Instagram

Yes, Montlake is generally bikeable. The Montlake Bridge can be used for commuting, though cyclists should exercise caution during rush hour. Reddit The Portage Bay Loop offers a pleasant biking experience. Instagram

Traffic can be heavy, especially around the Montlake Bridge and SR 520. New direct access ramps aim to improve flow for HOV and transit users. TikTok

Parking is available near the Montlake Playfield for accessing the Portage Bay Loop. Instagram+1 Some areas near local businesses like Saint Bread also offer parking. TikTok

Ride-sharing services are available in Montlake. The new direct access ramps may also benefit these services if they meet HOV criteria. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Montlake itself is a neighborhood and does not require tickets for general access. However, specific attractions within or near Montlake, like Husky Stadium for events, will have admission fees. TikTok+1

Montlake is a public area accessible at all times. However, specific businesses or attractions within Montlake will have their own operating hours. TikTok

Parks like the one near the Montlake Playfield, which serves as a trailhead for the Portage Bay Loop, are generally free to access. Instagram+1

Yes, the University of Washington campus is a prominent feature of Montlake and is generally open for exploration. TikTok+1

Events at Husky Stadium, such as football games, will require tickets. TikTok+1 Keep an eye on local event listings for other potential ticketed activities. TikTok

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Enjoy urban hiking on the Portage Bay Loop, watch rowing on the Montlake Cut, or explore the University of Washington campus. TikTokInstagram+1

Montlake offers scenic views, especially along the waterfront and during rowing practices. The Portage Bay Loop is also very photogenic. TikTokInstagram

Yes, the Portage Bay Loop is noted as being dog-friendly. Instagram+1

The Montlake Cut is famous for being a training and racing course for the University of Washington's highly successful rowing teams. TikTok

Near Saint Bread, you can find pleasant waterfront areas and access points for exploring the local scenery. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While Montlake is primarily residential and academic, nearby areas offer dining options. Saint Bread is a highly recommended spot for pastries. TikTok

Saint Bread is a popular recommendation for delicious pastries, making it a great cafe stop. TikTok

The University District, adjacent to Montlake, offers a wide variety of international cuisines and casual eateries catering to students and faculty. TikTok

Saint Bread offers quick and delicious pastry options. TikTok For more extensive dining, explore the surrounding University District. TikTok

While not explicitly detailed, the Portage Bay area offers scenic views that may accompany dining experiences in nearby establishments. Instagram+1

📸 📸 Photography

The Montlake Cut during rowing practice, the scenic Portage Bay Loop, and views of Husky Stadium offer excellent photographic opportunities. TikTokInstagram

Early mornings can be beautiful for capturing the rowing teams on the Montlake Cut, while afternoons offer good light for the Portage Bay Loop. TikTok

Yes, the Montlake Cut is where the UW rowing team trains and races, making it a prime spot for photography. TikTok

Generally, public areas in Montlake do not have photography restrictions. However, be mindful of private property and individuals' privacy. TikTok

You can capture shots of the stadium's architecture, the field, and potentially team practices or games. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Montlake offers a refreshing outdoor experience for families. The Portage Bay Loop is a great option for a family walk or bike ride, being mostly paved and dog-friendly, so the whole family can join. Instagram+1 The scenic views and potential wildlife sightings can keep younger ones engaged. Consider packing a picnic to enjoy in one of the local parks near the Montlake Playfield. Instagram

While the Montlake Cut is primarily for observing rowing, the energy of the University of Washington campus nearby can also be an interesting exploration for older children. TikTok Be mindful of Saturday bridge closures if you're planning a visit during those hours, as it might affect travel routes. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Active & Outdoorsy Travelers

For those who love to stay active, Montlake is a prime destination. The Portage Bay Loop is a must-do, offering a 3.6-mile urban hike or bike ride with varied terrain and beautiful scenery. Instagram+1 Its dog-friendly nature is a bonus for travelers with pets. You can also witness the impressive University of Washington rowing teams training and competing on the Montlake Cut, a truly inspiring sight for sports enthusiasts. TikTok

Biking enthusiasts will find the Montlake Bridge a viable route, though it's advisable to be aware of traffic conditions, especially during peak times. Reddit The area provides ample opportunities to combine exercise with scenic exploration, making it ideal for a day of active discovery.

🚗 Commuters & Drivers

Montlake's transportation network has seen recent changes. The introduction of new direct access ramps for HOV 3+ and transit on SR 520 aims to improve commute times for eligible travelers. TikTok Drivers should be aware of the Montlake Bridge's Saturday closure schedule (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) which can impact local access and necessitate detours. TikTok Understanding these new routes and potential disruptions is key to a smoother journey through Montlake. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding Montlake's Transportation Network

Montlake's transportation landscape is shaped by its bridges and freeway access. The Montlake Bridge is a key artery, but travelers should be aware of potential Saturday closures between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. for boat passage, impacting local access. TikTok The SR 520 Montlake Project has introduced new direct access ramps, specifically designed for HOV 3+ vehicles and transit, offering a more streamlined way to navigate the area. TikTok This also includes a new four-way stop on the Montlake Lid, altering local traffic flow. TikTok

For cyclists, the Montlake Bridge is bikeable, though safety is a consideration, particularly during rush hour. Reddit The introduction of new freeway lids over areas like Montlake has also sparked discussions about urban planning and accessibility, with some noting the contrast with public transit-focused projects elsewhere. Instagram

When planning your visit, factor in these transportation nuances. Utilizing the new HOV ramps can significantly improve your travel time if you qualify, while understanding bridge closure schedules is crucial for Saturday visits. TikTok+1

Exploring Montlake's Natural and Urban Beauty

Montlake offers a compelling blend of natural waterways and urban parkland, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The Montlake Cut is a highlight, renowned for its role as a training and racing venue for the University of Washington's elite rowing teams. Witnessing their powerful strokes against the backdrop of the campus is a truly iconic Seattle experience. TikTokInstagram

For a more immersive outdoor adventure, the Portage Bay Loop presents a fantastic urban hike. This 3.6-mile trail is a mix of paved and gravel paths, making it accessible for most. It's also a dog-friendly route, allowing your canine companions to enjoy the scenery. The loop provides a delightful mix of wildlife sightings and charming city views, interspersed with glimpses of local businesses and the university. Instagram+1

Beyond these specific trails, Montlake's general atmosphere encourages exploration. Areas near local eateries like Saint Bread offer pleasant walks and access to waterfront perspectives. TikTok Whether you're seeking athletic inspiration on the water or a peaceful urban stroll, Montlake delivers a refreshing dose of Pacific Northwest beauty. Instagram

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