Ballard Locks Gas Works Park and Houseboats Tour

Ballard Locks Gas Works Park and Houseboats Tour

Let's explore the busiest locks in the nation, the Hiram Chittenden Locks! We will watch boats "lock through" and watch for baby salmon (smolts) going out to sea, and adults returning to navigate the fish ladder on their way home to spawn. The resident harbor seals and herons are always fun to watch too! We will learn how this critical component of our maritime industry and history transformed Seattle, and it's role in managing our fresh water lake systems. Then we're off to Gas Works to learn about this one-of-a-kind park, where we will see float planes taking off and landing, and enjoy stunning views of the city. Finally we will visit to the houseboat communities along Lake Union, a uniquely Seattle experience!

Kids aged 8 and up are welcome, as I do not have car seats for younger ones.

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, 3015 NW 54th St, Seattle, WA 98107-4213

We will explore the Locks and learn how they work, and watch ships "lock through". We will learn about their role in maintaining the level of Lake Washington and how they transformed Seattle's maritime industry. We will look for smolts (baby salmon) on the spillway heading out to sea and adult salmon coming back through the fish ladder. The resident harbor seals and herons are fat and happy this time of year!

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Gas Works Park, 3300 Meridian Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103-9150

This one of a kind park was an inspired creation that took a heavy industrial site and transformed it into one of Seattle's favorite parks, with fabulous views across Lake Union to downtown and the Space Needle! Along the way we will learn the history of this iconic piece of old Seattle that still survives.

On our way back downtown, we will cruise by the houseboat community along Lake Union, a uniquely Seattle experience!

Duration: 1 hour