10 Things to Do at Hiram M. Chittenden Locks in Seattle, United States
Hiram M. Chittenden Locks in Seattle, United States, is a great place to visit for a variety of reasons. Located in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle, the locks are part of the Lake Washington Ship Canal and offer visitors a unique combination of history, nature, and engineering. Here are 10 things to do when visiting the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks.
1. Take a Tour: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers offers free guided tours of the locks twice a day, seven days a week. The tour is a great way to learn more about the locks and the history of the area.
2. Watch the Boats: The locks are a popular spot for boaters of all kinds, including commercial fishing vessels, pleasure boats, and even tall ships. It’s a great place to watch the boats come and go and to learn about the different types of vessels.
3. Visit the Fish Ladder: The locks are also home to a fish ladder, which is used to help fish migrate from the fresh waters of Lake Washington to the saltwater of Puget Sound. Visitors can watch the fish swimming up the ladder or take a guided tour to learn more about the fish ladder and the fish that use it.
4. Walk the Trails: The locks are surrounded by trails that offer great views of the locks, Lake Washington, and the surrounding area. The trails are a great way to get some exercise and explore the area.
5. Take a Boat Ride: Visitors can take a boat ride through the locks on the historic Argosy Cruises vessel, the “Discovery”. The boat ride is a great way to get an up-close view of the locks and to learn more about the history of the area.
6. Watch the Salmon Run: Every fall, the locks are a popular spot for watching the salmon run. Visitors can watch the salmon swim up the fish ladder, which is an amazing sight to see.
7. Visit the Visitor Center: The locks have a visitor center that offers educational exhibits about the locks and the surrounding area. The center is a great place to learn more about the locks and the history of the area.
8. Attend a Festival: The locks are the site of several festivals throughout the year, including the annual Salmon Days Festival in October. The festivals are a great way to experience the area’s culture and have some fun.
9. Go Bird Watching: The locks are a great spot for bird watching, with a variety of species of birds that can be seen in the area.
10. Take a Boat Tour: Visitors can take a boat tour of the locks and the surrounding area on the Argosy Cruises vessel, the “Spirit of Seattle”. The tour is a great way to learn more about the locks and the history of the area.
No matter what your interests are, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks in Seattle. From tours and festivals to bird watching and boat rides, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, make sure to add the locks to your list of places to visit in Seattle.