Union Bay

Gazing across the placid expanse of Union Bay, it’s hard to imagine this tranquil scene once choked with Seattle’s refuse. Union Bay, nestled between the Laurelhurst, Montlake, and Madison Park neighborhoods, has a rich history, shaped by both nature and human activity. The iconic Evergreen Point Floating Bridge, carrying State Route 520, now arcs gracefully over the bay, a testament to modern engineering. But beneath the surface lies a story of transformation. Union Bay was once much larger. The lowering of Lake Washington in 1916, due to the opening of the Lake Washington Ship Canal, exposed vast stretches of marshland, transforming the bay’s contours. This newly exposed land became the site of the Montlake Landfill, active from 1926 to 1967. Imagine the scene: a constant stream of trucks, up to 100 a day, dumping Seattle’s waste onto the marshy ground. For decades, Union Bay bore the burden of Seattle’s refuse, a far cry from the recreational haven it is today. Even the beloved TV clown J.P. Patches called this landfill home, fictionally at least, from 1958 to 1981. The landfill’s legacy is complex. It expanded the usable land, eventually becoming the foundation for parts of the University of Washington campus and the University Village shopping center. But it also took a toll on the environment. The weight of the refuse displaced peat, the rich organic material that forms the foundation of wetlands, pushing it into Union Bay and threatening its delicate ecosystem. Efforts to contain the shifting peat included constructing massive timber and rubbish mats, a testament to the ingenuity, and perhaps desperation, of engineers. Today, Union Bay has been reborn. The Union Bay Natural Area, a restored remnant of the former marsh, thrives within the University of Washington campus. The once-stagnant Drainage Canal, now revitalized by the reconnected Ravenna Creek, flows into Union Bay, supporting a vibrant ecosystem. Birdsong fills the air, a stark contrast to the drone of dump trucks that once dominated the soundscape. From a dumping ground to a natural haven, Union Bay’s story is one of remarkable resilience and transformation. It’s a reminder of the impact, both positive and negative, that humans can have on the environment and a testament to the power of restoration.