Water defines Seattle’s geography, economy, and identity.
## Major waterways - **Puget Sound** borders Seattle on the west and connects the city to the Salish Sea. - **Lake Washington** forms much of the city’s eastern edge. - **Lake Union** lies near the city center and is famous for houseboats, seaplanes, and small craft. - **Salmon Bay** and the **Lake Washington Ship Canal** connect freshwater lakes to Puget Sound.
## Notable water features - **Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (Ballard Locks)** regulate vessel passage and include a fish ladder. - **Green Lake** is a smaller but much-loved recreational lake within the city. - Seattle’s shoreline includes beaches, marinas, ferry terminals, working waterfronts, and restored habitat areas.
## Waterfront character - The **central waterfront** includes piers, tourism, ferries, and aquarium facilities. - **Alki Beach** and West Seattle shoreline areas are important recreational waterfront spaces. - North and west Seattle offer views across the sound toward the Olympic Mountains.
## Water-based uses - Ferries, cargo shipping, fishing, sailing, kayaking, rowing, and liveaboard boating all play roles in daily life. - **Kenmore Air** and other seaplane operations have long been associated with Seattle’s lakes and waterfront aviation culture.
## Environmental importance - Salmon-bearing waterways and nearshore habitats are ecologically important. - Water quality and shoreline restoration are major public policy issues in the region.