Seattle: Pioneer Square Underground Tour & Hidden Passages

Summary

Walk old brick tunnels hear pioneer tales and see seattle’s layered past

You’ll follow a local guide beneath Seattle’s Pioneer Square, wandering through hidden underground tunnels from the 1890s. Hear stories of gold rush days, early architecture, and Coast Salish Peoples as you walk four city blocks below street level. Expect a few stairs, some laughs, and glimpses into Seattle’s layered past that stick with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I didn’t expect to start my day ducking under a street in Pioneer Square, but there we were, following our guide Mark down these creaky old stairs that smelled faintly like wet stone and something sweet (maybe the bakery upstairs?). The first thing that hit me was how quiet it got — just our footsteps echoing and Mark’s voice bouncing off the brick. He pointed at a chipped tile and said, “That’s older than your grandma,” which made us all laugh, even though I think he meant it seriously.

The underground passageways twist below modern Seattle, running about four city blocks. It’s weird — you’re right under people walking above but can’t hear them at all. Mark told us about the Klondike Gold Rush and how this whole area used to be marshland before they built it up. He mentioned the Coast Salish Peoples who lived here long before any of this concrete mess. There was this moment where he held up an old photo against the wall and you could almost line up the windows — I still think about that view.

We climbed three flights of stairs during the tour (my legs felt it by the last one), but nobody rushed. At one point someone asked if ghosts ever show up; Mark just grinned and said, “Only on Mondays.” The air was cool down there even though it was muggy outside, and you could smell old wood mixed with dust. I tried to imagine what it sounded like when these tunnels were busy with saloons and shops instead of just our little group listening for stories.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Seattle's underground history

• Join guided walking history tour
• Learn about 1890s architecture and stories
• Visit four blocks of Pioneer Square
• Explore three underground passageways
• Hear history from original and current street levels

Top questions

How long is the Beneath the Streets Underground History Tour?

The tour lasts about one hour in total.

Where does the tour take place?

The tour explores underground passageways beneath Pioneer Square in Seattle.

How much walking is involved on this tour?

You’ll cover about four city blocks (half a mile or 0.8 km) at a leisurely pace.

Are there stairs on the tour?

Yes, there are three flights of stairs up and down throughout the hour-long tour.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

It is suitable for most fitness levels but does require stair climbing.

Does the tour run in bad weather?

The tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for Seattle weather.

Are service animals allowed on the tour?

Yes, service animals are permitted on this tour.

Is public transportation nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to Pioneer Square.

What’s included

Your ticket includes a guided walk through three original underground passageways beneath Pioneer Square with a professional local guide sharing stories along four historic city blocks—just bring comfortable shoes and curiosity; everything else is covered.