What began in Montlake as a tiny log flume is now an
8-mile (13-km) urban waterway for sailboats, kayakers, and an impressive
fleet of industrial vessels heading to sea. In 1854, pioneer Thomas
Mercer recognized the need for a passage to the ocean from Seattle’s two
landlocked water bodies, Lake Washington and Lake Union, to replace the
cumbersome transport of natural resources such as coal and timber. The
Ship Canal and the Locks were completed in 1917 by the US Army Corps of
Engineers. Four drawbridges cross the Canal at strategic points in
Ballard, Fremont, the University District, and Montlake, at the western
edge of Lake Washington.
Hiram Chittenden Locks
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3015 NW 54th St
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206 783 7059
Grounds
Visitor center
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Seattleites naturally
take water and boating very seriously, but anyone can sail the
waterways. The official boating season begins May 1, with a series of
water-borne celebrations sponsored by the Seattle Yacht Club. Constant
drawbridge openings snarl traffic for the Parade and Regatta, as the
region’s small ships fill the Ship Canal and adjacent lakes with
revelers and those captains who may have waited all winter to sail.
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Kayaks
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If you plan on
kayaking, be wary of weather changes any time of year, as winds can pick
up and severely affect current and surface water conditions. Look out
for larger ships that may sneak up unknowingly on smaller craft.
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The Locks have been designated a National Historic Place. They are still operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers.
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Top 10 Sights
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Making the Cut
Retired
US Army Corps of Engineers general, Hiram M. Chittenden, lobbied
Congress to fund the initial earth moving in 1911. Part of the Canal’s
construction necessitated lowering Lake Washington’s water level by 9-ft
(3-m).
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Bascule Bridges
These
bridges operate with counterweights and cantilevered sections that can
be raised and lowered. Fremont and Ballard Bridges are the oldest, built
in 1917. The former is only 30-ft (9-m) above the water line, and opens
about 35 times each day.
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Montlake
At
the base of Capitol Hill’s northeastern tip, the upmarket community of
Montlake abuts the Arboretum and the Ship Canal. Just across the Canal,
the university’s huge Husky Stadium dominates the majestic view.
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Lake Union
A very urban lake with Seattle’s downtown skyline framing its southern shore. Seattle’s maritime museum, Center for Wooden Boats and South Lake Union Park at the south end are worth a visit.
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Working Waterfront
Seattle’s
maritime industry prospers along the Ship Canal route. Tanker ships or
gill netters lie in dry dock, boat dealers proliferate, and oil booms
float here and there – in stark contrast to the natural ecology that
struggles to survive.
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Christmas Ships
Every
December, local boaters celebrate the holiday season by venturing out
during several cold evenings after decorating their boats with creative
and colorful light displays.
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Sleepless in Seattle
The
idiosyncratic floating home enclaves of northern Lake Union and Portage
Bay are visible almost exclusively by boats traveling the Canal and
environs. One was a focal point in the Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks romantic
film, Sleepless in Seattle (1993).
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Urban Wildlife
Although
the Ship Canal is literally and figuratively far from any wilderness it
still attracts diverse wildlife. Blue heron, gulls, beaver, Canada
geese, and migrating salmon are among the many creatures to look for.
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The Locks
Officially
completed in 1917, the Hiram C. Chittenden Locks link the Sound and
Salmon Bay at Ballard. About 100,000 vessels pass through annually, as
do salmon runs in the adjacent fish ladder – fully equipped with
observation windows for visitors.
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Shilshole Bay
The
western terminus of the Ship Canal feeds into this scenic bay, home to a
public marina. The water-front boasts fine seafood restaurants, meeting
spaces, and Golden Gardens park.