Commodore Park

Breathtaking Canal Views

Located on the Magnolia side of the Ballard Locks in Seattle, Commodore Park spans a modest 3.9 acres with impressive scenery. The foaming water cascading through the spillways of the Lake Washington Ship Canal is quite mesmerizing. If you're into maritime activity, you can spend hours here just watching vessels of all sizes navigate through the government locks.

The park slopes gently downward with winding paths leading to a lovely promenade along the canal. It's ideal for a peaceful stroll, with benches and sheltered spots where you can pause and take in the views. From here, you get a front-row seat to boats passing through the locks and a great perspective of the historic Salmon Bay Bridge as it rises and falls to accommodate passing ships.

Wildlife Wonderland

At canal level, you can clearly see the fish ladder - an engineering feature that's actually pretty fascinating. During salmon season, it's worth timing your visit to catch these determined fish battling their way upstream. It's interesting to observe their determined journey upstream.

Perhaps the park's most notable residents are the Great Blue Herons, Seattle's official bird, who decided to make Commodore Park their home in 2013 after relocating from nearby Kiwanis Ravine (apparently eagles were becoming a bit too interested in them there). From May through September, you can spot these majestic birds roosting in the red alder trees that provide ideal nesting conditions.

Beyond herons, keep your eyes peeled for cormorants, kingfishers, and if you're lucky, bald eagles soaring overhead. You might also spot marine life, including a local harbor seal that frequently appears in the canal waters. On particularly fortunate days, you might even catch otters or sea lions hunting for salmon.

What to Expect

The park offers some nicely terraced grassy areas that make perfect picnic spots while you watch the maritime traffic float by. If you're a dog person, your leashed furry friends are welcome to join you on your explorations.

You'll find clean restrooms available for when nature calls. There's a small parking lot off West Commodore Way with free parking, but spaces fill up quickly on nice days. Note that you should keep valuables out of sight in your car - unfortunately, break-ins do happen occasionally.

Gateway to the Locks

Many locals know that Commodore Park offers a less crowded entry point to the famous Ballard Locks. A short and pleasant walk from the park takes you right to the locks and the educational displays about the salmon ladder.

Near the fish ladder, you'll discover a mini-museum with interesting exhibits about salmon migration, including windows where you can watch the fish up close. It's a fantastic starting point if you want to explore this historic engineering marvel without battling the main entrance crowds.

Preservation in Action

The park isn't just a pretty face - it's also a site of active conservation. Dedicated volunteer groups like Heron Habitat Helpers work tirelessly to maintain the ecosystem, removing invasive plants and adding native vegetation along the shoreline.

In recent years, the park has faced challenges with beach erosion and hillside slides that threaten parts of its landscape. These natural processes highlight the delicate balance in this unique urban spot where maritime activities and wildlife habitat coexist.