Lake Washington Ship Canal Filming and Photography
Film and photography permits are required on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers managed land. A permit ensures that the public's interest and valuable resources are protected.
Filming and photography is permitted for those who already possess, or who intend to apply for a special use permit under "Lake Washington Ship Canal Special Event Spaces." Filming and photography permits are required for those whose exclusive purpose is not associated with a wedding, ceremony, or other event within one of the five special event venues.
Note: Special Use Permits are not required for non-commercial photography for groups up to 30 people or non-commercial filming for groups up to 10 people. Please contact facility staff if you have questions about these groups.
Construction of the Lake Washington Ship Canal and Hiram M. Chittenden Locks was completed in 1917 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Connecting the waters of Lake Washington, Lake Union, and Salmon Bay to the tidal waters of Puget Sound, the canal and locks allow recreational and commercial vessels to travel to the docks and warehouses of Seattle's busy freshwater harbor.
The grounds feature a visitors' center, fish ladder, as well as the Carl S. English, Jr. Botanical Gardens. The Lake Washington Ship Canal Visitor Center is a great starting point for any visit. Both floors of the Visitor Center are ADA accessible, including the theater where short films are shown about the navigational and recreational aspects of the project.
Lake Washington Ship Canal Filming and Photography are managed by an application process. A non-refundable application fee of $8 is assessed when a request for filming or photography are submitted. Upon approval, the remaining use fee will be automatically assessed, and the permittee will receive a signed copy of the Special Use Permit for the event
Need to Know
Need To Know
Lake Washington Ship Canal is an active operational site. Adhere to all restrictions and posted signage while on project grounds.
Once your request for filming or photography has been submitted, facility staff will receive and respond to your request with a Special Use Permit application within 3 business days. Facility staff will work with you through the permit process. Please allow at least 14 days from submitting your request to the date of your activity for permit processing.
Special Use Permits are not required for non-commercial photography for groups up to 30 people or non-commercial filming for groups up to 10 people. Please contact facility staff if you have questions about these groups.
The Operations Project Manager has the authority to deny an event permit. Please contact facility staff if you are unsure about whether your event may be approved (locktours@usace.army.mil or (206) 783-7059).
Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on the property.
Please consider when booking that from the first weekend in June through Labor Day, the locks host outdoor concerts and events on weekends and Federal Holidays from 2:00pm – 4:00pm.
The north parking lot adjacent to the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks is city-owned and the only available parking for visitors, including event hosts and participants.
Public restrooms are available at the Visitor Center during normal hours of operation. Restrooms are also available from 7:00am to 9:00pm along the large lock on the north side of the waterway and at the fish ladder plaza on the south side of the waterway.
Currently, Interagency Passes are not sold at Lake Washington Ship Canal. There are no Day Use Fees charged at this site.
Contact Information
3015 NW 54th Street Seattle WA 98107
Phone Number
(206) 783-7059
