Seattle
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General Information
Seattle is the State of Washington's largest city, with an estimated population of 582,000 and a greater metro population of about 3 million. The city is located at approximately the north-south midway point on the eastern shore of Puget Sound. It is often called The Emerald City
Although it has a reputation for being very wet (an image often propagated by its residents), Seattle typically has warm, dry summers and is in fact beautiful when the sun is out. From various places within the city, one stumbles upon unexpected views of the Olympic Mountains to the west or the Cascade Range to the east, or both, as well as Mount Rainier to the south.
CouchSurfing Information
CS Seattle's bi-weekly get-togethers don't seem to be occurring at the moment, but members of the group congregate frequently for a variety of activities. For information about events and activities, check the Seattle Group Seattle Group and the Seattle CS Google Calendar.
Transportation to and from Seattle
By Plane
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) is about 15 miles from downtown Seattle and is served by about 30 airlines. It is served by King County Metro bus routes, the 174 (about 60 minutes) and the 194 (about 30 minutes). The bus stop is located just outside of baggage claim, at the end of the airport drive. NOTE: Make sure you catch these buses toward DOWNTOWN, or your ride will be significantly longer.
Sea-Tac is also served by taxis and hired cars. Typical taxi-fare from the airport to downtown is around $35.
A light rail line, currently under construction, will open up between downtown and Sea-Tac in late 2009.
By Train
Amtrak operates trains and buses to and from Portland, Oregon; San Francisco and Los Angeles, California; Vancouver, British Columbia; Chicago, Illinois; and many cities along these lines. Amtrak operates out of King Street Station near Seattle's International District, about a mile from downtown. Be forewarned, however, that these trains frequently run behind schedule.
By Bus
Greyhound operates bus service to and from downtown Seattle, and these buses are often more convenient (but less comfortable) than the trains.
The Quick Shuttle runs buses between downtown Vancouver, BC and SeaTac airport, with stops in between at the Vancouver airport, Bellingham airport, and downtown Seattle. Typical fare is slightly more than on Greyhound, but they do offer student discounts.
Transportation Around Town
King County Metro provides bus service in and around the Seattle Metropolitan area. With good planning, you can ride public transit all the way to Tacoma. The regular fare is $1.75 (or $2.00 during "peak" hours). Drivers won't give change, so better to pay with exact cash. Ask the driver for a transfer ticket -- it is valid for unlimited rides in a 3 hour period.
Neighborhoods
According to the Seattle City Clerk's Office, Seattle is made up of about 105 distinct neighborhoods (many of which this author has never heard of). Popular neighborhoods include Downtown, Belltown, the International District (“The I-D”), Capitol Hill, Queen Anne, Ballard, Fremont, Wallingford, the University District, the Central District, and West Seattle. Click here for a detailed map of Seattle neighborhoods. The Seattle P-I offers guides to each neighborhood and Walk Score shows which neighborhoods are pedestrian friendly.
Events & Activites
Map for CouchSurfers
This Google map was created by Seattle area CouchSurfers for travelers coming through the area.
Music and Culture
For non-CS events & activities, including music, theater, and cinema, I check the area's two free weeklies, The Stranger and Seattle Weekly.
If you'd simply like to listen to some good radio, there's FM 90.3 KEXP for music (especially local and/or indie), and FM 94.9 KUOW (an NPR affiliate) for news and variety.
Eating & Drinking
There are great bars and restaurants in Seattle. Again, the Stranger and Seattle Weekly are good resources. So is Yelp!, an online review site.
Coffee and Beer
If you are planning on coming here, you are probably already aware that Seattle is a well-known haven for coffee and beer lovers. Starbucks Store #1 is located right in one of the biggest tourist attractions, the Pike Place Market. In addition, the city boasts quite a few “micro-roasters,” such as Caffe Vita, Victrola, Vivace, Caffe D'arte, Umbria, and Stumptown (recently arrived from Portland).
As far as brewpubs go, Pike Pub & Brewery less than a block from Pike Place Market. Elysian Brewing has three locations: Capitol Hill, Pioneer Square, and Greenlake. In Ballard you can find Maritime Pacific Brewery and Hale's Ales, and in the University District is Big Time Brewery, all crafters and purveyors of delicious beers. And there are more besides!
Emergency Information
Police Stations
If you are really unlucky and manage to land yourself into trouble, a list of the local police stations can be found here. If you have an emergency that requires urgent attention, dial 911. (This should be a free call from all cellphones and public pay phones.) For other inquiries and non-emergencies, you can reach the police at their non-emergency number: 206-625-5011.
Hospitals
Harborview Medical Center Harborview is the only Trauma I care facility in a 4 state region and is located in Downtown Seattle.
Medical Advice Helpline
Many local medical centers have complimentary 24-hour medical helplines. A consulting nurse will listen to your medical concerns and direct you to an appropriate facility to receive care.
Children's Hospital: 206-987-2500 or 1-866-987-2500 (7:00 AM to 11:00 PM)
Evergreen Medical Center: 425-899-3000
Group Health Cooperative: 206-901-2244 or 1-800-297-6877
Harborview Medical Center: 206-731-2500
Providence Medical Center: 1-800-793-3474
Swedish Medical Center: 206-215-2100
Virginia Mason: 206-583-6433
Crisis Helpline
The Crisis Clinic opperates a 24 hour crisis line. If you are having a personal crisis, emotional distress, or need advice or direction for a critical issue, the support staff at the Crisis Clinic can help by offering a caring ear or connecting you to appropriate support services. In Seattle, call 206-461-3222 or toll-free 1-866-427-4747.
Walk-In Health Clinics
Puget Sound Neighborhood Health Clinics provides a list of local non-profit community health clinics offering affordable out-patient medical and dental services. Most clinics accept walk-in patients, but call in advance to be sure.
45th Street Clinic
1629 N 45th St
Seattle, WA 98103
206-633-3350
Carolyn Downs Family Medical Center
2101 E Yesler Way
Seattle, WA 98122
206-299-1900
Country Doctor Community Clinic
500 19th Ave E
Seattle, WA 98112
206-299-1600
Pike Market Medical Clinic
1930 Post Alley
Seattle, WA 98101
206-728-4143
Foreign Consulates
You can find an expanded list of consulates and honorary consulates in the region here.
Canada
Consulate-General of Canada
1501 4th Ave, #600
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 443-1372
Japan
Consulate-General of Japan
601 Union St, #500
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 682-9107
Korea
Consulate-General of Korea
2033 6th Ave, #1125
Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 441-1011
Mexico
Consulate of Mexico
2132 3rd Ave
Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 448-3526
Russia
Consulate-General of Russia
2001 6th Ave, #2323
Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 728-1910
Local Hostels
Always make sure you are aware of ways to get to your host's home, but also out of it as well, should you need to. The following hostels offer beds for under $30/night. Be mindful that because of their limited number of beds, the hostels may not be able to accommodate you on short notice during peak seasons:
The Green Tortoise Hostel
105 1/2 Pike St
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 340-1222
Hostel Seattle
6200 Seaview Ave NW
Seattle, WA 98107
(206) 706-3255
HI Vashon Ranch Hostel
12119 SW Cove Rd
Vashon Island, WA 98070
(206) 463-2592
Sexual Assault or Domestic Violence
Sexual Assault Resource Center opperates a 24-hour crisis line, offering crisis intervention, medical support, legal advocacy, and support services for sexual assault victims. The number is 1-888-998-6423.
The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services runs a confidential 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline for adults & children, offering referrals for medical and legal support, counseling, and local shelter information. 1-800-562-6025.
Catherine Booth House, run by the Salvation Army, is a confidential emergency shelter for women and children escaping domestic abuse. The shelter takes in survivors 24 hours/day. More information about the shelter (including its private unlisted address) can be found by calling 206-324-4943.
Fraud Prevention
The King County Prosecutor’s Office has a website with information on protecting yourself from fraud and identity theft. If you suspect you may be a victim of identity theft, connect with one of the services listed here.
Immigration Advisory Service
Legal Advice
The American Bar Association provides a list of resources for legal help in the area, including free (pro-bono) and reduced-rate legal support for low-income clients.
Emergency Couch
Your Local CS Ambassadors
If you find yourself in a bad or unsafe situation, for example if you have a conflict with your host or guest, you can contact one of the local Couchsurfing Ambassadors in the area and they will do their best to help you resolve your issue.
In Seattle:
In Everett:
In Olympia:
