Colman Dock

Complete Visitor Guide to Colman Dock Seattle: Tickets, Hours, and Attractions

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Colman Dock, at the heart of Seattle’s waterfront, is more than just a ferry terminal—it is a living symbol of the city’s maritime heritage, a vital transportation hub, and a gateway to Puget Sound’s natural beauty. This detailed guide provides all the essential information you need for a seamless and enriching visit, including Colman Dock’s history, visiting hours, ticketing procedures, accessibility features, nearby attractions, and practical tips to enhance your experience. For the latest ferry schedules and updates, consult the Washington State Ferries official website and related authoritative resources like HistoryLink.

Historic view of Alaska Steamship Company dock and warehouse at Pier 2, foot of Yesler Way in Seattle, early 20th century

Panoramic view of Seattle from Post Street powerhouse in 1913

Historic clock tower at Colman Dock in Seattle in 1910

Steamer Iroquois docking at Colman Dock in Seattle in 1915 with Smith Tower in the background

Colman Dock in Seattle Washington circa 1912 historical black and white photo

Historic Colman Dock in Seattle circa July 1911 with the steamer Indianapolis of the Mosquito fleet at dockside

Historic Colman Dock at foot of Columbia Street Seattle early 20th century

Colman Dock in Seattle, Washington in 1911 showing waterfront activities and boats during its golden jubilee

Colman Dock at foot of Columbia Street in Seattle with marine terminals, carts, wagons, and shops

Historic Colman Dock and Frank H. Folsom office in Seattle with carts and marine terminal activity

Steamship Alameda crashing into and demolishing Colman Dock clock tower in Seattle, 1912

Diagram illustrating the collision of the steamer Alameda into Colman Dock on the Seattle waterfront, April 25, 1912

Historical Sunde and d'Evers ship chandlers and marine hardware store at Colman Dock, Seattle

Sunde and d'Evers Company ship chandlers and marine hardware store at the Pioneer House, Colman Dock, Seattle

Containers of canned fish stacked at C.M.Everitt and J.P. Todd Inc. distribution at 2-3-4 Colman Dock, Seattle

1920s Seattle fish market near Colman Dock with salesmen showing fresh salmon and crabs to customers and signage promoting shipping services

1911 Golden Potlatch Festival promotional postcard showing Seattle waterfront, forest road, and King Street Station

Fireboats Duwamish and Snoqualmie battling Grand Trunk Pacific Dock fire in Seattle on July 30, 1914

Fireboats battling massive fire at Seattle's Grand Trunk Pacific Dock on July 30, 1914 with waterfront and Smith Tower in background

Grand Trunk Pacific dock at Seattle wharves in 1913, wooden piers and ships at foot of Marion St.

Grand Trunk Pacific Dock at foot of Marion Street in Seattle with Pacific Alaska Navigation Co. ship and Colman Dock in background, circa 1920

Historic Grand Trunk Pacific Dock during Golden Potlatch festival in Seattle 1911

Post-fire remains of Galbraith, Bacon & Co. dock at foot of Madison St in Seattle with Colman Dock tower in background

Fire at Grand Trunk Pacific Dock in Seattle on July 30, 1914 with fireboat Duwamish fighting the blaze

Historic Grand Trunk Pacific and Colman Docks in Seattle, Washington around 1915

Historic photograph showing Grand Trunk Pacific Dock on the left and Colman Dock on the right around 1915

Grand Trunk Pacific and Colman Docks in Seattle around 1915, showing waterfront with ships and buildings

Grand Trunk Pacific and Colman Docks from Elliott Bay Seattle waterfront circa 1910 vintage postcard

Fireboats fighting a large fire at Seattle's Grand Trunk Pacific Dock with flames and smoke engulfing the pier

Grand Trunk Pacific dock on fire in Seattle with fireboat in foreground, July 30, 1914

Japanese Navy warships ASO and SOYA entering Seattle harbor in June 1909 during Navy Day at the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition, greeted by USS Tennessee and USS West Virginia

Panoramic black and white photo of Seattle harbor looking north with piers, docks and the intersection of Columbia St. and Western Ave. in foreground, dated February 23, 1913

Steamers docked at Colman Dock during the Golden Potlatch festival in Seattle in 1913

Sternwheeler TELEGRAPH docked at Colman Dock in Seattle in 1911, with clock tower visible.

Historical view of Grand Trunk Pacific Dock and Colman Dock in Seattle with Smith Tower and Mosquito Fleet boats circa 1920

Seattle fireboat Duwamish fighting Grand Trunk Pacific Railway pier fire 1914

Historic black and white photo of Seattle waterfront from Elliott Bay around 1915 showing Grand Trunk Pacific Dock, Colman Dock, Pier 2, Pier 1, St. James Cathedral with dome on hill, Smith Tower, and King County Courthouse

Seattle waterfront circa 1915 with 42-story L.C. Smith Building and central portion of waterfront

Historic Seattle waterfront circa 1913 with Grand Trunk Pacific dock, Colman Dock, West Seattle ferry dock, and Smith Tower visible

Historic Seattle waterfront from Elliott Bay circa 1910 showing working docks and piers with steamboat routes and early 20th-century shipping infrastructure

Seattle waterfront with Grand Trunk Pacific Dock, Colman Dock, L.C. Smith Building, Alaska Steamship Co. at Pier 2, Elliott Bay

Ships docked at the Grand Trunk Pacific Dock on the Seattle waterfront circa 1911

Historic waterfront view circa 1914 showing Smith Tower and L.C. Smith Building near Colman Dock in Seattle

Steamboats docked at Yesler Wharf in Seattle around 1907

Historic steamer ATHLON on Navy Yard Route at Colman Dock in Seattle circa 1912

Historic black and white photo of the steamer Defiance docked at Colman Dock, Seattle around 1912

Historical Overview
Visitor Information
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion
Sources

Historical Overview

Early Foundations

Colman Dock, now known as Pier 52, began in 1882 when Scottish engineer James Murray Colman built a wharf for the Oregon Improvement Company’s coal bunkers (HistoryLink, Wikipedia). The dock quickly became central to Seattle’s waterfront, overcoming rivalries, legal disputes, and the devastation of the 1889 Great Seattle Fire. Colman rebuilt and expanded, and during the Klondike Gold Rush, the dock became a focal hub for prospectors and goods (Paul Dorpat).

Expansion and Architectural Evolution

In 1908, to prepare for the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition, Colman Dock was enlarged with a domed waiting room and a 72-foot clocktower, designed by the Beezer Brothers (Wikipedia). By the early 20th century, it serviced key lines including the Puget Sound Navigation Company (PSN), accommodating up to 14 steamboats at once and introducing innovations for efficient passenger and freight operations.

Key Events and Transitions

A significant event occurred in 1912 when the steamship Alameda collided with the dock, toppling the iconic clocktower into Elliott Bay (HistoryLink). The restored clock now graces the modern terminal, a symbol of the dock’s resilience (Wikipedia).

Colman Dock was a principal node for the “Mosquito Fleet” of steamers connecting Seattle to surrounding areas (HistoryLink). In the mid-1930s, the Black Ball Line modernized the dock with Art Deco touches (Wikipedia). After World War II, the state acquired the ferry system, and Washington State Ferries took over in 1951 (HistoryLink), leading to the construction of a new terminal in 1961.

Recent Redevelopment

Recognizing the need for seismic upgrades and expanded capacity, a $489 million redevelopment began in the 2010s and was completed in 2023 (ENR, Wikipedia). Features include:

A 20,000-square-foot terminal with panoramic views and seating for nearly 2,000 passengers
New retail and food spaces
Expanded vehicle holding for over 600 vehicles
An elevated pedestrian walkway connecting to downtown and transit

The redesign draws inspiration from a lantern, illuminating both city and sound, and honors Indigenous heritage with Lushootseed plaza names (NBBJ). Indigenous names ʔulułali (“a place of traveling water”) and sluʔwił (“a canoe pass”) were added to the north and south plazas respectively (Wikipedia).

Visitor Information

Visiting Hours

Colman Dock operates daily, generally opening around 5:00 AM and closing after the last ferry departure (often around midnight). Hours may vary by route and season. For exact timings, check the Washington State Ferries schedule.

Tickets and Reservations

Purchase Options: Tickets are available online, at the terminal kiosks, or via the Washington State Ferries app.
Routes and Fares: Major routes are Seattle–Bainbridge Island and Seattle–Bremerton, with frequent sailings. Fares vary by passenger type, vehicle size, and route—see the WSF fares page.
Reservations: Recommended for vehicles, especially during holidays and weekends.

Accessibility

Colman Dock’s modern facilities are fully accessible:

Elevators, ramps, and tactile guidance for those with mobility challenges
Accessible restrooms and designated seating
Staff assistance available upon request

Nearby Attractions

Colman Dock’s location makes it easy to explore:

Pike Place Market: Historic market with local produce and crafts
Seattle Aquarium: Interactive marine exhibits
Waterfront Park: Scenic paths and seasonal events
Pioneer Square: Art galleries and historic architecture
Olympic Sculpture Park: Outdoor art and waterfront views

Guided Tours and Special Events

While Colman Dock itself doesn’t regularly offer guided tours, local historical societies and organizations occasionally provide maritime history tours. The adjacent Waterfront Park hosts events and festivals, especially in summer (Waterfront Park Seattle).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are Colman Dock’s visiting hours?
Typically open from 5:00 AM until after the last ferry, around midnight. Always confirm with the Washington State Ferries schedule.

How do I purchase Colman Dock tickets?
Buy online, via the Washington State Ferries app, or at the terminal ticket booths.

Is Colman Dock accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes—elevators, ramps, accessible restrooms, and staff assistance are available.

Is there parking at Colman Dock?
Limited parking is available nearby; public transit, rideshare, or walking is recommended.

Can I bring a vehicle or bicycle on the ferry?
Yes, but reservations are advised, especially for vehicles. Bicycles have dedicated boarding areas.

Are pets allowed?
Yes, dogs and service animals are welcome in the terminal and on ferries; pets must be leashed.

Practical Tips for Visitors

Arrive early: Especially during peak periods.
Dress for the weather: Seattle is often rainy; layers and waterproof gear are advised (Le Travel Style).
Bring a reusable bag: Plastic bags are banned in Seattle (Travel Lemming).
Sort your waste: Compost, recycling, and trash sorting is required throughout the terminal.
Use public transit: Avoid parking hassles and reduce your carbon footprint.
Download helpful apps: One Bus Away for real-time transit info; Audiala for travel planning.

Conclusion

Colman Dock is a cornerstone of Seattle’s maritime identity and a prime example of blending historic legacy with modern innovation. Its state-of-the-art facilities, sustainable design, and integration into Seattle’s waterfront revitalization make it both a practical transit hub and an inviting destination. Whether embarking on a Puget Sound ferry, exploring nearby landmarks, or simply soaking in the views, Colman Dock offers a uniquely Seattle experience. For real-time updates and further travel inspiration, visit the Washington State Ferries website, download the Audiala app, and explore our additional Seattle guides.