“Popular tourist spot in Seattle”
The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, built in 1911 and often nicknamed the Ballard Locks, provides a link for boats between the salt water of Puget Sound and the fresh water of the Ship Canal, which connects eastward to Lake Union and Lake Washington. Tourists and locals enjoy watching the parade of sailboats, motorboats, tugs, barges and yachts passing through, as the locks' water levels are adjusted to allow their safe passage. Another popular spot is the fish ladder, built to allow salmon to pass between fresh and salt water, and to navigate the locks. Glass panels below the water line make it possible to watch the fish as they swim through the ladder.
This is easy and fun and really worth it. If you aren't boating through the locks, you can walk along near the fish ladder, and see a Heron Rockery. They have several little grassy hill areas where you can watch boats go through the lock and picnic. The Heron are one of my favorites. They sit still hugged up close to the edge of the water to fish. Fun thing for kids and adults alike are to watch through the under water windows as the salmon make there way back to the spawning grounds!
Pleasant and cozy spot for a simple picnic under a sunny weather.
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Hiram M Chittenden Locks
Hours
- Sun - Sat: 6:00 am - 10:00 pm
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Parking
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Pets Allowed
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Restrooms
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Wifi
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Wheelchair Accessible
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Credit Cards Accepted
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Outdoor Seating
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