Chittenden Locks: where a rising tide lifts all boats
In order for fishing and pleasure boats to pass from Lake Union to Puget Sound, they must go through the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks -- a complex machine that maintains Lake Union's waterline (it's about 20 feet above sea level), and prevents the fresh water of the lake from being contaminated by the salt water of the sound.
Built in 1917 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Chittenden Locks receive two streams of daily traffic: an endless flotilla boats "locking through," and what appears to be even larger numbers of landlocked tourists and locals observing the process.
Watching boats pass through the Locks, rising and falling as vessels go up into the lake or down into Puget Sound, is an unexpectedly fascinating way to spend an afternoon. Thanks to the locks' savvy design, you can watch the action from both sides -- the massive doors seperating the water bodies also function as bridges -- and you can stand near enough to the action to have conversations with the skippers of the boats.
Once you've spent a while watching the boats, you may want to spend some time observing the third party that makes daily use of the Chittenden Locks: migrating salmon. The 21-level "fish ladder" was built by the Corps of Engineers to allow Chinook, Coho, Sockeye and Steelhead salmon to safely return to fresh water to spawn, and thanks to an underwater viweing room, you can get a good look at that busy traffic stream.
The Locks are a great picnic spot. They're complimented by rolling patches of grass to the south and a botanical garden to the north. And a visitor's center will answer any questions you might have about the locks or Seattle's maritime tradition. Guided tours are available, and admission is free.
Posted by Geoff Carter
