Pacific Northwest - Commuting via the Burke-Gilman Trail

Just curious if any fellow Seattleite roadies have any experience commuting on the BG trail between UW and Northgate (Sheridan Beach). Is the trail well lit at night? Hilly? Crowded? Worth the extra mile or two instead of riding directly north/south?

Thanx!

IMO it is not well lit - it requires good lights which don't blind oncoming cyclists. It is very bumpy (tree roots), especially in the section between 70th on up to Sheridan Beach. It is well used - not too crowded on rainy days like today - but generally it is a well used high traffic trail. Cross traffic is especially dangerous at 65th, 70th, and many of the other streets. At cascade.org the community BB is full of folks who use it regularly and there are many strong opinions about etiquette, speed, use of voice or bell when passing, stopping for cars, etc.

Personally I find it annoying at best. I like to ride 40th from the BGT at the Metropolitan Market all the way up to 85, then jump over to 35th and ride on down to 124th and then cut over to Sheridan Beach.

I'll have to second on the tree roots. At night, they're a bear to spot, I would rather be on the street where I can at least see the obstacles ( bike lighting notwithstanding).