Elliott Bay, Natural bay in Seattle, United States.
Elliott Bay is a natural body of water between West Point and Alki Point along Seattle's downtown waterfront. It contains working marinas, ferry terminals, and fishing spots that serve both commercial and recreational boats year-round.
The Wilkes Expedition named it in 1841, possibly after Samuel Elliott, and the Geographic Names Board made the name official in 1895. This naming marked the beginning of the bay becoming central to Seattle's development as a port city.
The Duwamish people built many settlements here before European arrivals in the 1850s, and their presence remains part of the region's identity. Water transport and the working waterfront continue to shape how locals interact with this bay.
The waterfront offers many spots to view the bay from piers, parks, or waterfront restaurants without need for special equipment. Activity on the water runs year-round with boats and ferries, so there is always something to observe.
These waters saw a rare emergency landing of one of the last Boeing 307 Strataliners in 2002. The aircraft is now preserved in the National Air and Space Museum for future generations to see.
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