The Lakes- To-Locks Water Trail

In Seattle, the Rivers & Trails Program worked with the Washington Water Trails Association to build a broad-based constituency for the Lakes-To-Locks Water Trail, Puget Sound's newest "blue trail" that includes over 100 miles of shoreline and 100 launch and landing sites. The Lakes-To-Locks blue trail was specifically designed for day users and small, non-motorized boats to access local waterways, it features stopping points along water front parks that enable people to enjoy the area's natural landscape. Users experience a sampling of unique ecosystems in this region, which ultimately fosters an ethic of respect and stewardship and low impact use of the precious natural resources of Puget Sound. Water trails are also links to local culture, paths for improved health, and even new routes to work.

This regional freshwater trail connects inland lakes, rivers, and the ship canal with the shores of Elliott Bay, where it makes a direct connection with its saltwater sister, the Cascadia Marine Trail a National Millennium Trail stretching 150 miles from Olympia to British Columbia. Other partners include local cities from Seattle to Bothell, and local, state, and federal agencies. As with every Rivers & Trails project, we provided technical assistance and helped empower our partners to see their project goals come to life.

In the summer of 2000, we celebrated official designation of the water trail with a series of events, including interpretative paddle trips, shoreline tours, treasure hunts, ribbon cuttings, boathouse dedications, and more. Rivers & Trails staff also provided assistance in trail development, public involvement, marketing, and map publication. The response from the public has been overwhelmingly supportive. More water trails similar to Lakes-To -Locks are planned across the country; offering a wonderful opportunity for people to enjoy their communities in a new and exciting way.

Link to our latest press release about the trail