A Full Guide to Hiram M. Chittenden Locks - Enjoy a Sunny Day Watching Boats in Different Sizes and Shapes

The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks are a structure of locks which is located at the center of Salmon Bay in North Seattle. It is also known as the Ballard Locks and is one of the most famous attractions in Seattle.

The Engineers of the Army Corps operate these locks. It consists of a small and a big lock.

While the larger locks is used for commercial fishing boats, the smaller lock is used for moving of the boats from the salty water of Puget Sound into the clean water of Lake Union, Salmon Bay, Lake Washington and Portage Bay. This helps to prevent mixing of salty sea water from Puget Sound with the clean water of the lakes. And do know more from the following sites.

Chittenden Locks at US Army Official Site

http://www.nws.usace.army.mil/PublicMenu/Menu.cfm?sitename=lwsc&pagename=mainpage

Chittenden Locks at Wikipedia Website

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiram_M._Chittenden_Locks

Chittendan Locks is also a place for the tourists and local people to enjoy watching the display of motorboats, sailboats, yatchs, tugs and barges passing by. You will have a delightful time passing a bright sunlit day at the locks watching boats of various sizes and shapes coming into the docks. Moreover, the level of water is maintained to ensure safe passage of the boats into the lake or Puget Sound.

Towards the southern end of the locks, you will find fish ladders and windows through which you can view the fish. This also provides you opportunities for viewing salmons during summer months.

You can also stroll in the grounds of Carl S. English, Jr. Botanical Gardens which is a park full of unusual and rare trees and shrubs. Free tours are available of the grounds from March to November, Monday till Friday at 1 pm and 3 pm.

Review of Chittenden Locks

http://www.cityofseattle.net/tour/locks.htm

Tour of Chittenden Locks

http://www.cityofseattle.net/tour/locks.htm