Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
The Hiram A. Chittenden Locks is not a spot that many tourists head to, but it's an incredible engineering feat and an amazing place to just sit and watch boats go through the locks. Plus, you can also find people fishing nearby! So, if you're looking for something off the beaten path in Seattle—or just want to learn more about how our city gets its fresh seafood—this is a must-see location for both locals and visitors alike.
Why the locks were built
The locks were built to make it easier to ship goods between Elliott Bay and Lake Washington/Lake Union. They also helped the fishing industry by providing easy access to their boats and allowing them easier travel between the lakes.
Who was Hiram A. Chittenden?
When you walk through these locks, you'll be standing in the footsteps of one of America's most important civil engineers. Hiram A. Chittenden was a pioneer in his field who played a key role in building these locks. He was an expert on hydraulics and the design of locks.
What the locks do
Chittenden Locks, also known as Ballard Locks, connect Lake Union to Puget Sound. The locks are used to raise and lower water levels so ships can travel between lakes and oceans. They help make Seattle's waterfront accessible to boats that wouldn't otherwise be able to enter the city's ports.
How it works
The locks work by using the difference in water levels to raise a boat up in elevation. This is done by letting water flow from one side to the other, raising or lowering the level of the water on either side of a boat.
The fish ladder is an ingenious system that allows salmon to safely pass through, ensuring that they don't get stuck in this relatively small area where rivers meet and their natural environment changes quickly.
There are many beautiful gardens throughout Chittenden Locks, with plants from all over the world—but not just for show! Their main purpose is environmental education about how plants can help filter pollutants out of our air and waterways as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions overall.
The fish ladder
The fish ladder is a series of pools that allow fish to swim up the locks. The first pool, which is at the base of the locks, has a water level maintained at sea level so that salmon can climb up.
The beautiful Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden
The garden offer a variety of plants and flowers. The garden is also an excellent spot for weddings and photo shoots, making it a popular location for the city's residents. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of both Chittenden Locks and Commodore Park while taking a walk along the waterway or picnicking among the flowers in its many meadows.
Visiting the Locks
The Locks are open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, although you should check the hours on holidays.
Don't forget your camera! You'll want something to record all of this amazing history for yourself and future generations (or just post online). Don't worry about getting tired since there's plenty here for everyone: walking tours explaining how everything works; even a mini theater showing educational videos about how locks were built centuries ago! If hunger strikes while waiting in line...well then I guess keep eating until they let us onto those boats? Haha just kidding it's free admission so nothing costs money except maybe buying snacks from vendors outside ;)
Make sure to visit Seattle's Ballard Locks!
The Ballard Locks are a must-see for any engineer. The locks were first built in 1917, and are still used today to raise and lower boats through Lake Union and Lake Washington.
The locks are located at 3015 NW 54th St, Seattle.You can also see some of the boats coming through while you visit. It’s also worth visiting during high tide or low tide if you want to see how water levels differ during different times of day/year (you may even see salmon jumping!).
Conclusion
If you're in Seattle, be sure to visit the Ballard Locks! They're a great place to learn about the history of the city and get a feel for what life was like at this important time in its development. The fish ladder is one of those things that people who live here don't even think about anymore but visitors are always surprised by how cool it is. And if you don't want to spend all day there? No worries: just take a walk around the gardens and enjoy them from afar!
