Across the ravine stretches the elegant 20th Avenue NE Bridge, also known as the Ravenna Park Bridge. It’s a beautiful sight, isn’t it? This steel, lattice-arched bridge has been gracing Seattle’s Ravenna Park since 1913. Designed by Frank M. Johnson under the watchful eye of city engineer Arthur Dimock, the 20th Avenue NE Bridge was originally built for cars. Imagine horse-drawn carriages and early automobiles rumbling across this very bridge. The bridge is a testament to the ingenuity of its designers, a three-hinged marvel stretching an impressive 354 feet. Its 250-foot arch rises 41 feet above the ravine, a graceful curve against the backdrop of the park. Now, picture this: It’s 1975. A four-month trial begins, closing the 20th Avenue NE Bridge to vehicles. The bridge, built for a different era of transportation, couldn’t handle the demands of modern arterial roads. Upgrading it would have been too costly. The trial was a success, and the 20th Avenue NE Bridge became a haven for pedestrians and cyclists. Today, you can walk or bike across the 20th Avenue NE Bridge, enjoying the peaceful surroundings of Ravenna Park. It’s a unique experience, a walk through history and a testament to how a structure can adapt and find new life. The 20th Avenue NE Bridge stands as a beautiful reminder of Seattle’s past, repurposed for the enjoyment of generations to come.
Queen Anne Boulevard
“A scenic loop,” they called it. Queen Anne Boulevard gracefully winds around the crest of Queen Anne Hill. It offers