Ballard Locks: Locks for Boats and Ladders for Fish

Ballard,salmon,locks,boating,fishing,gardens

Captain Gary Covich, a second generation Seattle native and skipper of a crab boat, introduces you to one of the most popular visitor destinations in Seattle – The Ballard Locks. For nearly a hundred years these Ballard Locks have carried boats between the saltwater of Puget Sound and the fresh water of Lake Washington. A visit to these locks also offers an up close view of the fish ladder for salmon to climb as they return from their stay in the Pacific Ocean. With a bit of luck you’ll see big boats transit the locks and big salmon climb the ladder. This tour begins at 3005 NW 54th in Seattle’s Ballard community (several miles north of Downtown Seattle). The Locks include a visitor’s center, picnic areas, and botanical gardens and there is metered public parking at the entrance. Start at: 3005 NW 54th Tour Length: 40 minutes Cost: Modest parking fee to be expected. Tour Type: Gentle walking/level in most places and friendly to wheel chairs and strollers

Category: Yodio Tours

Located in 3005 NW 54th Seattle, WA

Tracks:

1. Welcome!
2. Sponsor track
3. Begin the tour
4. Introduction of Guide
5. Overview of Tour
6. 3005 NW 54th Street & Parking
7. Parking Tips for when visiting the Locks
8. Entrance to Locks
9. Operated by the Corps of Engineers
10. Map of Locks and Grounds
11. Gardens
12. Salmon Sign
13. Gift Shop/Restrooms/Video Theatre
14. Welcome Sign
15. Fresh Water Transit
16. Saltwater on the right
17. Two locks - one is smaller
18. Small Lock for Private Vessels
19. Walkway
20. Boats come in
21. Boats raft up
22. Water exits
23. Tending the lines
24. Sprinklers
25. Attendants tie up
26. Boats wait in the cue
27. Spillway
28. Spillway walk
29. To the fish ladder
30. Function of the fish ladder
31. Fish ladder map
32. Salmon in Fish Ladder
33. Salmon returning to their fresh water home
34. Picnic areas
35. Views of the locks
36. Family picnics
37. Lockspot Cafe is also Deadliest Bar
38. Sponsor - Sloop Tavern
39. Trident retail store
40. Chuck Bundrant
41. Portlock Smoked Salmon
42. Smoked King Salmon makes great gift!
43. Thanks for taking the tour!
44. This tour made possible by