Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden Tour
Hiram M. Chittenden Locks and Lake Washington Ship Canal
This tour will focus on the unique aspects of the Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden. These lovely grounds are a masterpiece of horticultural splendor, combining the elegant lines and vistas of the romantic English landscape style with the original character of more than 570 species and 1,500 varieties from around the world. One of Seattle's best kept secrets is yours to enjoy. The garden offers color, fragrance, and open spaces to awaken your senses all year long.
This botanical garden is a tribute to the devotion of the Garden's namesake, Carl S. English, Jr. During the 43 years working for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Carl transformed the lawn, left after the construction of the locks, into a garden worthy of serious study.
Select a date to see a list of times
Need to Know
- Parking
The north parking lot adjacent to the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks is city-owned. Pay stations ensure adequate parking turnover of the limited spaces and minimize all-day parking by non-locks visitors.
- ADA Compliance
A limited number of wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The Visitor Center is wheel chair accessible. Many of the walking paths in the Botanical Garden are paved.To request a wheelchair, notify a staff member upon arrival.
- Inherent Risk
An inherent risk exists while visiting areas on or around an active navigational waterway. Please follow tour guide instructions, observe all signage and keep out of restricted areas.
- Pets
Only service animals are allowed inside the Visitor Center and Fish Ladder Viewing Room buildings. Dogs are permitted outside the Visitor Center, but must be kept on a leash no greater than 6 feet long.
- Interagency Passes
Currently, Interagency Passes are not sold at Lake Washington Ship Canal. There are no Day Use Fees charged at this site.
