The Canal That Would Make Seattle an Island

SEATTLE, July 18, 1883. Besides containing within its boundaries one of the most magnificent bodies of salt water in the world, Washington Territory can boast of possessing a number of beautiful lakes. One of the largest sheets of fresh water in the Territory is Lake Washington, which lies only about three miles east of Seattle. Lying contiguous to Lake Washington, and almost in the present city limits of Seattle, is another and much smaller body of fresh water—Lake Union. It is a most romantic and enchanting sheet. It is situated about one mile and a half from the center of Seattle, nearly due north. The lake can be said to be in the suburbs of the town, for the extreme outskirts of Seattle have already reached its gravelly margin. Lake Union is about one mile wide and nearly three long. Its waters are clear and cold, and abound in several varieties of excellent fish. Originally this lake was literally shut in on all sides by a dense forest. The steady encroachment of the town and the constant and increasing demand for lumber have resulted in depriving the shores of the natural growth of timber. The lake extends north and south. At the extreme northern end it branches, one toward Lake Washington on the east, and the other toward Duwamish bay on the west. From the end of the latter branch a small creek empties its sparkling waters into the Sound. The distance from the source to the mouth of this stream is only about one mile and a half. The eastern branch of the lake approaches within one fourth of a mile of Lake Washington. Small as Lake Union is, its depth is great. Frequent and careful soundings have been made, and the average depth is ascertained to be about 95 feet. The lake is a popular resort for fishing, pleasure, and sailing parties. CANAL PROJECTS. A very feasible project has been held in contemplation for several years with reference to utilizing this lake and making it subserve the interests of commerce. This scheme is to cut a deep, wide canal from the lake to the bay. The course of the creek can easily be followed. There are no natural obstacles of a serious character to overcome, the ground being quite level and the soil soft and inclined to be swampy. The actual length of the canal will be a fraction over one mile and a half. The plan includes the construction of locks through which vessels of all kinds can pass from the bay up into the lake and down again. Lake Union is located twelve feet above the level of the Sound. This will furnish ample fall to operate the locks. It is also proposed to cut a similar canal from the eastern arm of this lake to Lake Washington. Only one-quarter of a mile separates these lakes. The soil is soft and free from stones. The fall from Lake Washington to Lake Union is about four feet. Like the other canal, locks are to be built. Both routes have been surveyed and estimates of the cost of construction made. Competent and experienced surveyors estimate that both canals can be cut and locks built at an outlay not exceeding $480,000. Should the plan be carried into effect, the Oregon Improvement Company propose to pass their large steam colliers through the canals up into Lake Washington. They can steam to within three miles of the Newcastle coal mines and also to within a short distance of the Kenton coal discoveries. Steamers and sailing vessels by this arrangement can load with coal with little difficulty and much less outlay than at present. Now the coal is transported by cars to the wharf at Seattle, and there dumped from bunkers into vessels. Already a contract has been let to open a canal from Lake Union to Washington, and work, it is thought, will soon be commenced. When this is accomplished, Seattle will practically stand on an island. Lake Union is connected with tide-water by a creek. Cedar river flows from Lake Washington into Duwamish river and the latter empties into Duwamish bay, thus completing the watery chain. LAKE WASHINGTON. No more lovely sheet can be found on the Pacific coast than this body of fresh water. It is nearly thirty miles long, extending nearly due north and south, and ranges in width from one and a half to three miles. Lake Washington lies directly east of Seattle, its western shore approaching within three miles of tide-water. Practically the town and lake join, or are separated by only a slender strip of land. The average depth of the water in this lake is 80 feet. Its waters are not quite so clear as those of Lake Union. Fish abound, some varieties of which are excellent eating. Timber entirely surrounds this lake, the deep green foliage of the fir, cedar, maple, willow and alder showing in harmonizing contrast with the grayish blue tints of the water. On the east side the shores rise rather steep and are crowned with a dense growth of forest. On the west the shores gradually shelve down to the margin and the timber is not so thick. In some places there are short stretches of beautifully pebbled beach, back from which are handsome groves. There is a picnic ground just north of the road leading from the town. Seats and a speaker's rostrum have been built, and also temporary tables where luncheon can be spread. The ground is in the midst of a shady grove and commands most charming glimpses of the white, pebbly shore, blue water and the deep emerald on the opposite bank. During the sweltering days of summer a more secluded, delightful spot could not be chosen to spend a few hours—even days. Near the southern end rises Mercer Island. It is high and densely wooded and almost circular in form. With comparatively small expense this lake could be transformed into a most attractive summer resort and popular watering place.