Ballard Locks is an oddly soothing place to go. Watch the boats go up and down in the locks. Check out the salmon leaping out of the water during the runs (late summer and early fall are best), and the great blue heron plotting its next meal. Wander the gardens and check out the ridiculously fragrant roses and fuchsias. (Did you know they could get that big?) And go check out the salmon ladder. There's nothing like seeing dozens of spawning salmon heading into fresh water to remind you what a unique place the Pacific Northwest is. If you take a picnic and get in a nap afterwards, it could be the perfect afternoon.
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