Ballard / Chittenden Locks - Seattle, Washington

Address:Seattle, Washington

Take a day trip to one of the most popular attractions in the famous rainy city of Seattle. Watch a parade of boats of all shapes and sizes pass through the Ballard Locks and enjoy live music in the sun.
Built in 1911 to transport coal and timber more easily by boat, the Ballard Locks are operated by the Army Corps of Engineers and consist of a small lock, which shuttles small boats like sea kayaks between the saltwater of Puget Sound and the freshwater of the Lake Washington Ship Canal, and a large lock which accommodates barges and commercial fishing vessels.
Though the process of locking boats back and forth is a slow one, onlookers at Ballard Locks never seem to mind. In fact, this is a great place for conversation between people onshore and those on the boats and if you're lucky, you may catch an occasional sea lion nearby on standby for his next meal of fish. When the gates of the lock are closed, it's continue to the far side of the ship canal to the fish ladders which help salmon travel upstream to Lake Washington and beyond. Kids love the fish-viewing glass windows, where you can see salmon during the summer months. Also, do take advantage of the visitor center while here, as well, which teaches visitors about the history and operation of the locks. Finally, if you've packed a picnic lunch, head to the Carl S. English, Jr. Botanical Garden, for a calm and relaxing stroll and meal or if you're here in the summertime, hang out until the night for one of the many special events, including live music and garden shows.