This walk passes through parks, several residential neighborhoods, commercial and historic Ballard, and the Chittenden Locks which provide a means for boat access between the Ship Canal and Puget Sound. Chittenden also features a good Visitor Center and beautiful gardens and grounds. You’ll enjoy panoramic views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.
Distance & Trail Rating: 6K, 7K and 10K. Rating: 2A.
Start Location: Saleh’s Delicatessen. 2401 NW 80th St., Seattle, WA 98117. Start box is a folder kept on the floor behind the counter – kindly ask the cashier for it. GPS coordinates for Start Location: 47.68662, -122.38797.
Start Location Hours: M-F: 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Sat/Sun: 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Store may be closed on major holidays – call store at (206) 789-8022 to confirm.
Amenities: Restrooms: yes | Pets: yes | Strollers: medium | Wheelchairs: hard
Comments: Fees must be mailed. The 7K and 10K routes walk across the Chittenden Locks, for a view of the operation of the locks and then a visit to the fish ladder. The 6K route goes direct to the Locks and back without entering the grounds.
AVA Special Programs: Par for the Course. Rails-to-Trails (10K only). Walking with America’s Veterans. Walking with the Wild Things (Troll).
ESVA Special Programs: Frontline Heroes (Essential Services, Sustenance Providers). Rails-to-Trails (10K only).
Driving Directions & Parking: From I-5, take exit 172 and drive west on N. 85th St (NB drivers turn left, SB drivers turn right). Continue for approx. 2.5 miles, as N. 85th St becomes NW 85th St. Turn left on 24th Ave NW and continue 1/3 mile to the neighborhood shopping area at NW 80th and 24th NW. Saleh’s is on your right, at the SW corner of the intersection. Do not park in the store lot – please use street parking.
Metro Bus: Route 40 on 24th Ave. NW. Route 45 on NW 85th St. (five blocks north of Start).
Contact: Dave Madsen. (206) 789-1960
AVA Walk Sanction Name and Number: Ballard. Y1865.