Bodies of water of Seattle facts for kids

Map of waterways in Seattle and nearby areas

Seattle, Washington, is a city built on a narrow strip of land called an isthmus, which has water on both sides. To the west is Puget Sound, a large arm of the Pacific Ocean, and to the east is Lake Washington, a big freshwater lake. About 41% of Seattle's total area is covered by water! The city was founded right on the harbor of Elliott Bay, which is part of Puget Sound. This bay is home to the Port of Seattle, a very busy place where ships load and unload goods. In 2002, it was the 9th busiest port in the United States for container traffic and the 46th busiest in the whole world.

Seattle's Watery World

Seattle's many waterways are super important for both nature and people. They help shape the city's geography and provide places for boats, wildlife, and recreation. Understanding these different bodies of water helps us see how unique Seattle is.

Major Waterways

Seattle has two main waterways that divide the city and connect different areas.

The Lake Washington Ship Canal

The Lake Washington Ship Canal cuts right through the middle of Seattle. It's like a watery highway that connects Lake Washington in the east to Puget Sound in the west. This canal isn't just one straight line; it includes several different sections:

• Union Bay
• The Montlake Cut
• Portage Bay
• Lake Union
• The Fremont Cut
• Salmon Bay
• Shilshole Bay

This system allows boats to travel easily between the lake and the sound.

The Duwamish River

The southern part of Seattle is divided by the city's largest river, the Duwamish River. This river flows into the southern end of Elliott Bay, forming what is known as the Duwamish Waterway. This area has many industries. The lower 5.5 miles (about 8.8 kilometers) of the river have been part of a special program to clean up the environment and make the water healthier for everyone.

Other Important Lakes

Besides Lake Washington and Lake Union, Seattle has three other lakes, all located north of the Ship Canal:

• Bitter Lake
• Haller Lake
• Green Lake

These lakes are popular spots for local activities and provide homes for various animals.

Seattle's Creeks

Seattle is also home to many smaller streams called creeks. These creeks play a vital role in the city's watershed system, carrying water from the land into larger bodies of water.

• Creeks emptying into Puget Sound:
  • Broadview Creek
  • Fauntleroy Creek
  • Longfellow Creek
  • Pipers Creek
• Creeks emptying into Lake Washington:
  • Arboretum Creek
  • Ravenna Creek (which flows through University Slough)
  • Yesler Creek
  • Thornton Creek

You can find a map showing all of Seattle's streams and watersheds on the City of Seattle's website.

Main Bays and Inlets

Bays and inlets are parts of larger bodies of water that extend into the land. Seattle has several important ones:

• From Puget Sound:
  • Elliott Bay
  • Smith Cove
  • Shilshole Bay
• From Lake Washington:
  • Union Bay