These locks are located in Salmon Bay, a waterway that was created to make this system possible for trade and transport. The waterway separates Magnolia/Inter Bay from Ballard, once again these are neighborhoods in the Seattle proper. The lock are where boats (big and small) can go from the salt water of Puget Sound into fresh water of Lake Union and Lake Washington, and vice verse. Until this visit to the locks I never thought much about the two type of water and intermingling, tech term - saltwater intrusion.
On the left is Inter Bay, and Ballard on the right. These locks are located in the center, before the rail bridge that opens and closes as many times as it needs to, to allow for big boats.
The busy rail bridge.
You can see the low water on the left and the high water on the right.
These locks were built/founded in 1906 and formally opened in 1917, July 4th.
Waiting to go into Salmon Bay, Lake Union (Sleepless in Seattle house is on/in?? Lake Union) and farther out into Lake Washington.
Boats ready to go out into the the Sound.
In addition to seeing boats of all design it is also a ladder for the spawning Salmon. Ahhhh, Salmon Bay.
After walking over the Locks we were then in Ballard, which just happened to be having their Seafood Fest. It was a nice outing. Should an extended visit to Seattle ever be on your map, the Ballard Locks are very much worth the visit. Cost: FREE!
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