Hiram M. Chittenden Locks

about the Locks

Construction of the Lake Washington Ship Canal and Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (aka Ballard Locks) was completed in 1917 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Connecting the waters of Lake Washington, Portage Bay, Lake Union, and Salmon Bay to the tidal waters of Puget Sound, the canal and locks allow recreational and commercial vessels to travel to the docks and warehouses of Seattle's busy fresh water harbor.

The botanical garden north of the locks is a tribute to Carl S. English, Jr. During the 43 years working for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Carl transformed the barren lawn, left after the construction of the locks, into a garden worthy of serious study.

Learn more

• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Carl S. English, Jr. Botanical Garden
• City of Seattle: Washington Ship Canal

on the trail

Walk to the locks and watch boats traveling through the locks, enjoy time in the botanical gardens, or walk in Commodore Park and enjoys views of the locks and Lake Washington Ship Canal.

on the water

launch points

• 28th Ave NW Street End
• 14th Ave NW Boat Ramp
• Commodore Park 

Shilshole Bay

Launch east of the locks and paddle through the locks and Salmon Bay, and into Shilshole Bay. Paddle north to Golden Gardens and Meadow Point or south around Discovery Park to West Point. Or launch west of the locks from Commodore Park and paddle through Salmon Bay and into Shilshole Bay.

Ballard Locks to Edmonds Beach

8 NM, Difficulty:  Sea Kayak II

Launch east of the locks and paddle through the locks or launch west of the locks from Commodore Park. Then paddle north to Edmonds Marina Beach Park.

Notes

• Be very cautious once locks and avoid being hemmed in by large boats. Be sure there is enough room to maneuver your kayak in currents that may be caused when the gates are shut. There has been at least one instance of a kayak being pinned to the concrete wall adjacent to the gate, necessitating a wet exit and rescue.

Information For Leaders

Trip Scheduling

Please only schedule one land activity per day and one water activity per day to minimize our impact. Contact our Member Services Team if you have any questions.

• Suitable Activities: Sea Kayaking, Urban Adventure, Naturalist
• Seasons: Year-round
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Easy
• Length: 1.5 mi

• Land Manager: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
• Parking Permit Required: None
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12