The streetcar that chugged up and down the steep grade along Queen Anne Ave started operating on overhead-wire electricity in 1900, but it still needed some help to manage the hill. So engineers designed a system of counterweights – a 16-ton train that ran in a tunnel beneath the street would go up when the cable car went down and vice versa.

The cable cars were retired in 1943, but the underground tunnels are still there (although they're not currently open to the public). Those looking to tone their legs can climb the grueling hill that the counterbalance helped haul streetcars up.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Treat House

0.06 MILES

This 14-gabled house near the top of Queen Anne Hill was built in 1905 by Harry Whitney Treat, a friend of William F ‘Buffalo Bill’ Cody. Treat also…

2. Kerry Park

0.16 MILES

Amid the glittering Beverly Hills–like homes of Highland Dr, mere commoners can enjoy eagle’s-eye views of downtown Seattle and Elliott Bay (and Mt…

3. Bhy Kracke Park

0.41 MILES

It would be easy to miss this tiny park, built into a slice of hill surrounded by quiet residential blocks, but it's worth seeking out for its views of…

4. Seattle Center

0.44 MILES

The remnants of the futuristic 1962 World's Fair hosted by Seattle and subtitled Century 21 Exposition are still visible over 50 years later at the…

5. Parsons Garden

0.45 MILES

A leafy public garden in the posh Queen Anne neighborhood that's especially popular for summer weddings.

6. International Fountain

0.47 MILES

A remnant of the 1962 World's Fair, the International Fountain was completely rebuilt in 1995. With 272 jets of water (recycled, of course) pumping in…

7. Marshall Park

0.49 MILES

Atop Queen Anne Hill at the west end of W Highland Dr, this tiny but loftily positioned park has expansive views stretching west across Puget Sound to the…

8. Children’s Museum

0.55 MILES

In the basement of the Seattle Center Armory near the monorail stop, the Children’s Museum is old-school entertainment and a good bet if you want to tear…