Ballard Locks

 

With the weather once again on our side this morning, we set out to explore Ballard Locks and Fremont, both located along the narrow man-made waterway that connects the salty expanse of Puget Sound with the freshwater lakes of Union and Washington.

The Ballard Locks, a key connection between Puget Sound's saltwater and Salmon Bay's freshwater, stand as an essential piece of Seattle's maritime infrastructure. Impressively, much of the original construction and accompanying service buildings still operate as initially intended. What’s truly noteworthy is that the early 20th-century engineering behind the locks remains mostly intact and operational, showcasing the remarkable foresight and craftsmanship of its creators.

The facility includes two side-by-side locks, one designed for sizable cargo vessels (above) and the other tailored for smaller boats (below).

Unfortunately, we missed the chance to watch a large vessel navigate through the main lock, but we did get to see several smaller boats make their way through the narrower channel, which was still a fascinating sight.

A standout feature of this complex is its one-of-a-kind salmon ladder, uniquely positioned at the confluence of salt and freshwater. Visitors can also enjoy a designated viewing area where they can watch salmon pausing and gathering strength before ascending the ladder.

We turned it into a fun little challenge—trying to snap a photo of one of the many salmon leaping out of the water in the smaller lock channel. Catching the moment is no easy feat, though; these lively fish are notoriously unpredictable, making it almost impossible to guess when or where they'll breach the surface.

Just downstream from the Ballard Locks stands a rail bridge that sees frequent use by BNSF freight trains, serving as a crucial link between Seattle and its bustling port.

And don't ask me what this art is supposed the represent.

To catch our bus to Fremont, we took a short walk around an industrial area—and along the way, we stumbled upon an unexpectedly familiar sight at the National Nordic Museum. Standing tall was “Freddie Feetsplinter,” a whimsical timber giant crafted by artist Thomas Dambo. The sight instantly struck a chord, as we’ve seen similar larger-than-life wooden sculptures scattered around Mandurah, just an hour’s drive from home.

Woodland Park Zoo

 

While Kerri explored MoPop, Harry and I took a bus ride out to the Woodland Park Zoo. This modern zoo features open-concept enclosures that offer plenty of space for its 900 animal residents. Equipped with our DSLR camera, we moved from one habitat to the next, sharpening our photography skills in preparation for our upcoming trip to Yellowstone. With limited time, we focused on the exhibits that intrigued us most.

Early on, we spotted the springbok, giraffe, and the playful white-cheeked gibbon. One of the highlights was the Savana aviary, home to a variety of brilliantly coloured African birds.

Next, we explored the African Savanna exhibit, where we encountered an array of incredible wildlife including Grant’s gazelles, towering giraffes.... 

...hippos & lazy lions,....

... and rugged warthogs.

After that, we made our way to the Assam Rhino Reserve, where we had the chance to observe the impressive Greater One-horned Rhinos and the lively, energetic white-cheeked gibbon & Siamang.

We had a quick sighting of one of our favourite animals, the elusive snow leopard, just before it disappeared into the dense foliage.

We spent a good amount of time focusing on the North American wildlife featured along the Living Northwest Trail at the northern end of Woodland Park Zoo.

The gray wolves are housed in a large, naturalistic enclosure, though the viewing area is somewhat limited, which can make spotting them a bit challenging. Fortunately, we were lucky to catch a few glimpses of one of the wolves as it paced by.

The brown bears were especially lively during our visit, putting on an engaging display that kept visitors entertained and fascinated for quite a while.

A snowy owl perched nearby was keeping a keen, watchful eye on a neighboring lynx, its gaze sharp and unblinking as it monitored every movement.

The lynx is the epitome of elegance and stealth, a graceful yet formidable predator, moving with precision and silent power through its terrain. The lynx had its eyes fixed on the snowy owl, clearly sizing it up as a possible extra meal to satisfy its predatory instincts.

We photographed a pair of nimble mountain goats, effortlessly navigating the rocky terrain with impressive agility and sure-footed grace.

Among all the birds we saw, the Steller’s sea eagles stood out as the most awe-inspiring—its massive wingspan, striking plumage, and commanding presence made it an unforgettable sight.

As the zoo neared closing time, we realized we wouldn’t be able to see everything. With only a few lingering visitors around, we found ourselves among the last to leave, just as the gates were closing.

While we were exploring the zoo, Kerri made her way to Kerry Park, a scenic hilltop green space located just north of downtown. From this elevated spot, she enjoyed sweeping views of the waterfront, the city's towering high-rises and Elliot Bay.

We wrapped up the day with a peaceful sunset stroll down to Pier 66, where the cruise ships dock against the glowing backdrop of the islands of Puget Sound. It was the perfect ending to a day full of adventure and unforgettable sights.