Bodies of Water in Seattle
Seattle, the largest city in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, is surrounded by a number of bodies of water, including lakes, bays, and inlets. These bodies of water not only provide stunning scenery, but also offer numerous recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. In this article, we will explore the major bodies of water in and around Seattle, Washington.
Lake Washington: The Second-Largest Lake in Washington
Lake Washington, located east of Seattle, holds the distinction of being the second-largest lake in Washington and the largest freshwater lake in King County. With a surface area of over 22,000 acres, the lake provides ample space for boating, fishing, and other water activities. The lake is also home to a number of parks and beaches, including the popular Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park in Renton.
Lake Washington is also an important source of drinking water for the Seattle metropolitan area. The lake is connected to Puget Sound via the Lake Washington Ship Canal, which was built in the early 20th century.
Puget Sound: The Main Inlet of the Pacific Ocean
Puget Sound is the main inlet of the Pacific Ocean, located between the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges. It stretches over 100 miles from the Strait of Juan de Fuca in the north to Olympia in the south. Puget Sound is known for its diverse marine life and is a popular destination for recreational activities such as kayaking and whale watching.
Puget Sound is also home to a number of islands, including Bainbridge Island and Vashon Island. Ferries provide transportation to these islands from downtown Seattle and surrounding areas. The Sound is also an important transportation hub for shipping and commerce, with the Port of Seattle serving as one of the busiest ports in the United States.
Elliott Bay: The Gateway to Seattle
Elliott Bay is a body of water located between downtown Seattle and the West Seattle peninsula. The bay is named after Samuel Elliott, a member of the Wilkes Expedition that explored the area in the mid-19th century. Elliott Bay serves as the gateway to Seattle, with the city’s skyline providing a stunning backdrop.
The bay is also home to the Port of Seattle, which handles a significant amount of cargo and passenger traffic. The Seattle waterfront, located along the bay, is a popular tourist destination featuring attractions such as the Seattle Aquarium and the Great Wheel.
Green Lake: A Popular Recreational Spot
Green Lake is a freshwater lake located in north-central Seattle. The lake is surrounded by a popular park that features walking paths, sports fields, and picnic areas. The lake itself is a popular destination for swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating.
Green Lake is also home to a variety of wildlife, including ducks, geese, and herons. The lake and park are a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and are especially busy during the summer months.
Lake Union: The Heart of Seattle
Lake Union is a freshwater lake located in the heart of Seattle. It is surrounded by a number of popular neighborhoods, including South Lake Union and Eastlake. The lake is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and other water activities, and is home to a number of marinas and docks.
Lake Union is also home to a number of famous landmarks, including the Space Needle and Gas Works Park. It is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and provides stunning views of the Seattle skyline.
Salmon Bay: A Small Inlet Connected to the Sound
Salmon Bay is a small inlet located in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle. It is connected to Puget Sound via the Lake Washington Ship Canal. The bay is named for the salmon runs that used to occur in the area.
Salmon Bay is home to the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, which provide a way for boats to pass between the fresh water of Lake Union and Lake Washington and the salt water of Puget Sound. The locks also serve as a popular tourist attraction, with a fish ladder that allows visitors to watch salmon migrating upstream.
Lake Sammamish: A Scenic Lake in East King County
Lake Sammamish is a freshwater lake located in east King County, about 15 miles east of Seattle. The lake is surrounded by a number of parks and recreational areas, including Marymoor Park and Lake Sammamish State Park.
The lake is a popular destination for swimming, boating, and fishing. It is also known for its scenic beauty, with the Cascade Mountains providing a stunning backdrop. The lake and surrounding area are a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and provide numerous recreational opportunities.
Lake Washington Ship Canal: Connecting Seattle to the Sound
The Lake Washington Ship Canal is a waterway that connects Lake Washington to Puget Sound. The canal was built in the early 20th century to provide a transportation route for cargo and passenger ships.
The canal is also an important part of Seattle’s infrastructure, serving as a source of hydroelectric power and providing a way for fresh water to flow to the city. The canal is also home to the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, which allow boats to pass between the fresh water of the lake and the salt water of the Sound.
Union Bay: A Shallow Bay in Northeast Seattle
Union Bay is a shallow bay located in northeast Seattle, near the University of Washington. The bay is part of Lake Washington, and is surrounded by a number of residential neighborhoods and parks.
The bay is a popular destination for bird watching, with a variety of waterfowl and shorebirds present in the area. The bay and surrounding wetlands are also an important habitat for a number of species, including beavers and river otters.
Portage Bay: An Artificial Bay with Beautiful Views
Portage Bay is an artificial bay located in the Eastlake neighborhood of Seattle. It was created in the early 20th century as part of the Lake Washington Ship Canal project.
The bay is surrounded by a number of residential neighborhoods and provides stunning views of the city skyline and the Cascade Mountains. It is also a popular destination for boating and other water activities.
Shilshole Bay: A Sheltered Body of Water for Boaters
Shilshole Bay is a sheltered body of water located in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle. It is connected to Puget Sound via the Lake Washington Ship Canal.
The bay is a popular destination for boaters, with a number of marinas and docks located in the area. The bay is also home to Golden Gardens Park, a popular beach park that provides stunning views of the Olympic Mountains.
