South 188th Street

Widely rated the best spotting position at Sea-Tac. All three runways abut the road, so there are multiple usable positions along it. Best for 34 arrivals and workable for 16 departures. With something to stand on you can frame 34R arrivals with Mount Rainier behind - the classic Sea-Tac shot. Two important notes: park on 16th Ave S and walk, never on 188th itself, and do not stand in the roadside ditch - passing drivers have reported spotters as suspicious. Always carry ID. Spotters have been questioned here but not moved on.

Lens guide

70-200mm suits most shots here; a ladder helps for the Rainier framing.

Best time

Good all day except 34R arrivals, which are backlit until the afternoon. Arrivals favour 34L and 34R; departures are almost all 34C.

Parking

Park on 16th Ave S and walk to your chosen position. Do NOT park on 188th Street itself. Carry ID.