There are lot of things to explore at this site. Paved paths circle through 7 acres of botanical gardens, the result of 40 years of work by Carl S. English, Jr. Rangers conduct free tours of the locks every day during tourist season. The locks may also be toured on your own. The large amount of boat traffic means visitors will most likely see the locks in action. A fish ladder viewing room is located on the south side of the canal. The fish must climb 21 steps to travel from the ocean to the lakes and continue their journey to riverbed spawning grounds. The fish swim back and forth in this area to acclimate from salt water to fresh water and underwater windows give visitors a good view of them. The small museum has interesting exhibits and videos about building the locks and the lifecycle of salmon.
Parking for large vehicles is very limited in the Seattle area. The parking lots near the locks are too small for RVs. We parked behind the Nordic Museum. Small RVs will fit in this lot (small fee). Large RVs may fit on the street in front of the museum but due to street construction those spaces were closed when we visited. The sidewalks and curb cuts are in fair condition. Locks 47.66735, -122.39793
I put that on my list too, we're going to be in the area for the rest of the summer...
ReplyDeleteWhere are you staying? It's hard to find reasonable campgrounds close to the city and free camping is almost impossible to find.
DeleteAre you planning on going to the GTG in Tillamook? My brain has become a sieve - sorry if already answered this question.:-D
Were at my daughter's out by the Hood Canal. They created a flat spot long enough for us at their place & there are a couple of state parks where we can stay not to far away.
DeleteWe got lucky!
Not making it to Tillamook, grandkid sitting!
DeleteOh, this looks like so much fun! Thanks for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteWe didn't take the ranger tour but we listened to some of it and it seemed to be very informative and worth the time.
DeleteDoes your Daughter still live in the area? I think you have as cool of weather as we do (if you are still in Seattle area)
ReplyDeleteYes, she lives about a mile inland from the city center. So many people have moved to Seattle that it's getting hard to visit her. We used to park on the street almost right in front of her house. We stayed there for weeks at a time. Now the streets are lined with cars and we're too wide according to parking regulations. We work around it by meeting her at more RV friendly places.
DeleteThe weather has been beautiful. Right now we're on the dry side of Washington camped by the Columbia River and it's only 80 degrees!