Ballard Locks & Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Gardens

Entrance to the Ballard Locks and Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Gardens is not far from the commercial part of the Ballard neighborhood, off NW 54th st. You can also access the Locks (and a smaller park) from the south side of the ship canal off W. Commodore Way.

Because of Covid restrictions the path over the Ballard Locks is currently closed (as of January, 2021). We’ve done it before with Lucas in his wheelchair and it’s cool, though certainly tight in spots with people walking both ways.

That meant more time exploring the Botanical Gardens which is a nice loop stroll with a lookout at the top over the Locks.

Key stats:

Distance: The trail is maybe 1/3 mile long, a full

Wheelchair accessible parking? Yes, multiple spots in the parking lot off NW 54th st.

Wheelchair accessible bathrooms? Yes but currently closed because of Covid.

Trail condition? Very wide (12 feet) paved trail. A few gravel spur trails go off into the woods.

Highlights?  There are lots of interesting plant and tree species that are marked with signs, great for the intrepid nature lovers (like our kids) who want to learn new species. We especially enjoyed the lookout which made a great place to snack and sit (there are multiple concrete benches throughout the park), even on a chilly day.

More information about the Ballard Locks & Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Gardens.