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.

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