Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
4.5
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
About
The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (locally known as the Ballard Locks) is a waterway system that connects the saltwater of the Puget Sound to the fresh water of the Ship Canal, which sits about 20 feet above sea level. Boats enter the locks, the gates close and the water rises or falls to the level of the destination waterway. Watching boats pass through the locks, exploring the 7 acres of botanical gardens and looking for fish on the fish ladder is fun and free entertainment that draws locals and tourists alike.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Address
Neighbourhood: Ballard
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See what travellers are saying
- TLG056Kansas City, Missouri389 contributionsSalmon were runningThis was a short walk from our AirBnB, and was a nice visit on a sunny day. The salmon were still running, so it was fun to see the salmon ladder and hear about how it works. Watching the boats come in and out of the locks was impressive. There is also a small gift shop with a museum that had some interesting artifacts.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 September 2023
- Borenfamx5Trussville, Alabama320 contributions“The Wizard”We took a one way tour from Ellliott Bay to Union lake. We went through the locks at the same time the wizard from the tv show deadliest catch was coming in for the season. It was really neat to be able to seeVisited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 20 September 2023
- ValleyblueSacramento, California381 contributionsVery fun and interestingSometimes it's the attractions you don't hear about that become highlights of a trip. The Ballard (Hiram M. Chittenden) Locks are a fine example. We were wandering the Ballard area and headed to the locks. Watching the boats go through the locks is absolutely addictive and fascinating. While you're there, also check out the botanical gardens and the salmon ladder. Definitely worth a bus ride out to Ballard for this.Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten 1 October 2023
- TennisStar602New Jersey704 contributionsThis was a fun attraction.I walked around these locks for about fifteen (15) minutes. There was free street parking nearby this free attraction. I saw some fish in an underwater chamber, I viewed a man who caught a salmon, and I witnessed some boats and some kayakers go through the locks.Visited June 2024Travelled soloWritten 30 June 2024
- WestBromwichBaggie122 contributionsFascinating. Salmon and boats and locks. Much more than you would expect.Fascinating. We went on the free tour which initially started a little dry and ended up as one of the highlights of our stay in Seattle. Very informative about salmon and how the area fits in their life cycle. Our guide was excellent. The locks are huge and spectacular. It doesn’t sound great but it’s a wonderful afternoon. Allow plenty of time.Visited July 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 23 July 2024
- WillieMacfanHealdsburg, California893 contributionsEducational OpportunityStop first at the Army Corp of Engineers visitor Center. The proceed to the large boat lock. While we were there there was a large coast guard cutter returning with tugs on each end. Watching the locks fill and open and close is a clear picture of how the locks work. Proceed to the small boat lock- interesting to watch because at busy times they load up to ten or so boats in the lock before the transition. Then cross the "dam" and watch for sea lions on the ocean side trying to chow down and when to get to the other side you can see the fish ladder where large salmon are swimming and jumping up the ladder to get into the lakesVisited August 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 26 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
3,262 reviews
Excellent
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1,070
Average
175
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4
LRJ2014
Seattle, WA
Feb 2020
The locks and fish ladder are always interesting to view. This is a busy commercial and recreational boat passage. The interpretive center is also very interesting. The gardens, however, are a real show-stopper, quite sensational and spectacular anytime of the year.
Written 25 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Timzorrr
Edmonds, WA
Mar 2020 • Couples
The Hiram M. Chittendon Locks are a Seattle landmark. The Locks are located in a beautiful park setting with plenty of room, grass and benches to relax. Uou can stroll around and learn about native trees and plants which are all marked.
The Locks themselves are beautiful and interesting as well. Watching the boats or all sizes going through as well as making your way to the fish ladder to see if there any salmon coming through, everyone will enjoy something about the place.
The Locks themselves are beautiful and interesting as well. Watching the boats or all sizes going through as well as making your way to the fish ladder to see if there any salmon coming through, everyone will enjoy something about the place.
Written 11 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
urbanguy
Richmond, VA
July 2021
I've seen several of these locks in my life, and they're all fascinating to watch. There is a "method" to filling up each lock with watercraft, and the folks that do that have it down to a "science."
Just outside the locks, there were some seals (or sea lions) swimming around. Interesting to watch.
If you're a tourist in the Seattle area, this is one attraction not to be missed. It's free!
Just outside the locks, there were some seals (or sea lions) swimming around. Interesting to watch.
If you're a tourist in the Seattle area, this is one attraction not to be missed. It's free!
Written 25 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jason Hennig
Renton, WA
Mar 2020
I'd never seen the Locks before, and let me tell you: it was awesome. If you enjoy watching machines work, or watching boats travel, you'll enjoy the Locks. Unfortunately the salmon ladder was closed when we went, under renovations. There's parking at the parks on either side of the Locks, and I'd recommend taking a stroll from one end to the other. It's a wonderfully relaxing experience.
Written 15 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wtravelers2120
Wisconsin Dells, WI
Sept 2021
The ladders to view the salmon were very cool. It is a very large area to spend some time. Make sure you look closely to look for the harbor seals. The botanical gardens are also located here so take time to see them also. It was nice to see how they moved many different sizes of boats at the same time.
Written 13 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jan 2020
The Locks should be on the top 10 list of places to take out of town visitors. On a nice day there is no better place to enjoy a picnic lunch and watch boats. Seeing a salmon through the underground viewing area is sure to please your visitors too.
Written 26 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheLeongOhana
United States
Oct 2022 • Family
We took a walk over to the Locks after a filling breakfast. It was good to see that the previous construction was completed and we could walk across the locks and over to the salmon ladder without any issues.
We did manage to catch the lock getting filled to lift some kayakers up and then a bunch of boats were dropped down when it was their turn in the opposite direction. Watching the lock fill or drain took some time….
The path above the lock was good for single file and no one was supposed to stop.
We did get to see a couple seals frolicking in the water next to the locks.
The salmon ladder was quiet except for one lone sockeye salmon that the ranger said had been there for a couple weeks waiting for a male (?) before continuing into the lake. She was a late arrival while most had already passed into the lake.
The visitor museum nearer to the parking lot was also open this time. A 15 minute movie about the locks was playing and on the second floor were most of the exhibits. It was rather small.
We did manage to catch the lock getting filled to lift some kayakers up and then a bunch of boats were dropped down when it was their turn in the opposite direction. Watching the lock fill or drain took some time….
The path above the lock was good for single file and no one was supposed to stop.
We did get to see a couple seals frolicking in the water next to the locks.
The salmon ladder was quiet except for one lone sockeye salmon that the ranger said had been there for a couple weeks waiting for a male (?) before continuing into the lake. She was a late arrival while most had already passed into the lake.
The visitor museum nearer to the parking lot was also open this time. A 15 minute movie about the locks was playing and on the second floor were most of the exhibits. It was rather small.
Written 23 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
seanworc
New York City, NY
Aug 2022 • Family
The Ballard Locks is a lock system on Lake Washington in Ballard, Seattle. There is a beautiful, tranquil, and small garden next to the Locks on the Ballard side. If you are fortunate, visitors can see the salmon climb up the ladders to help them spawn. Magical. It is free. Also, there are 8 major brewers in Ballard to sample.
Written 30 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WillieMacfan
Healdsburg, CA
Aug 2024 • Couples
Stop first at the Army Corp of Engineers visitor Center. The proceed to the large boat lock. While we were there there was a large coast guard cutter returning with tugs on each end. Watching the locks fill and open and close is a clear picture of how the locks work.
Proceed to the small boat lock- interesting to watch because at busy times they load up to ten or so boats in the lock before the transition.
Then cross the "dam" and watch for sea lions on the ocean side trying to chow down and when to get to the other side you can see the fish ladder where large salmon are swimming and jumping up the ladder to get into the lakes
Proceed to the small boat lock- interesting to watch because at busy times they load up to ten or so boats in the lock before the transition.
Then cross the "dam" and watch for sea lions on the ocean side trying to chow down and when to get to the other side you can see the fish ladder where large salmon are swimming and jumping up the ladder to get into the lakes
Written 26 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Diana Z
Phoenix, AZ
Sept 2021
We took a tour boat over to the Ballard Locks. It was interesting to actually pass through the locks from the water level as opposed to just viewing from the shore. Saw sea lions catching salmon close by. Tour ends at South Lake Union where there are lots of restaurants and the Museum of History and Industry.
Written 29 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Duly noted your comment on dirty windows in fish ladder viewing room. We are very short handed and under funded and cleaning the windows is both dangerous and very labor intensive (takes 2 people). They were just cleaned on Mar 15th...see Facebook post, so you can tell how quickly they get dirty. There are no salmon this time of year, so that along with lack of staff, means window don't get cleaned as often as one would like.
Sorry this left a bad impression, but we are fully aware of what needs to be done at this 100+ year old facility and are doing our best to keep it operating with limited funds. On the plus side, the fish ladder room will be closed for some major renovations (using privately raised funds)...stay tuned for details.
Written 11 April 2019
Good response, apparently to a comment/question about dirty windows
Written 12 April 2019
HI
I hope to visit from the UK next September and would like to know when the salmon runs take place.Any information would be great.
Ger
Written 11 May 2017
Check out the website and social media links at bottom of site for detailed information. There is a Questions tab which will answer most everything. The salmon season is short, from June through Sept. There is a YouTube video, linked off the website updated seasonally, that give you more information. Be sure to schedule a tour (free) to get the most out of your visit...always something going on.
Written 13 May 2017
Jeff C:
Sorry you didn't enjoy your visit. Seeing Salmon can be iffy, even during peak season, they may have been waiting for high tide to move into the viewing room. Maybe you expected a circus act that performs on schedule?
Written 11 September 2016
What's the question?
Jeff C."s response to Pamela M was rather snotty. Whatever the question or comments made by Pamela M., Jeff C. owed her more respect than his comment suggested.
Jeff...you don't know everything about the Chittenden Locks. I'm sure you have glaring areas of ignorance about the Locks and other Seattle attractions.
Written 12 September 2016
I am planning a visit to the locks on a Friday. Is there a better/best time of day to see the happenings with boats and fish?
Written 28 August 2016
Mid day to late for pleasure boat traffic. Salmon at high tide, you'll have to check tide tables. Commercial boats, pretty much pot luck... Recommend tours
Written 8 September 2016
To be clear, the parking meters and ticket enforcement was added by the City of Seattle for the sole purpose of making money for the City of Seattle...no funds go to the Locks and it amounts to around $250K/yr...not a trivial amount. To top it off they also took away half the spaces...a real sore point
Written 31 July 2016
Try parking on the Magnolia side and walking to the locks from there. There is a nice view that overlooks the locks from that direction. While in Magnolia, there is Discovery Park and the Daybreak Star Center to visit.
Written 31 July 2016
How long should we plan to get the most out of our day at the locks?
Written 20 July 2016
Highly recommend the 1 hour tour to get the most out of your visit. Lot of history here, so drop in the visitor center and see a couple films if you have time. Check their website for more info ballardlocks org.
Written 20 July 2016
Is there parking available? or is public transport easier?
Written 19 May 2016
From the Locks Q&A: Free parking is available in the neighborhoods on both the North and South side of the Locks. 2 hr. Paid parking is available at the North main entrance gate. This is a City of Seattle parking lot and is tightly patrolled. All fees and fines collected go to the City of Seattle not the Locks. Sunday parking is free but can be crowded.
For transit - it looks like bus 17 does the trick!
The City of Seattle has an efficient bus system with a Metro "Trip Planner" app that works well. You can even bike from downtown on a 12 mile route.
Written 19 May 2016
I see that you enjoyed your visit but only rated it as 3 stars. What would have made this visit 5 stars? We are looking to improve the visitor experience to a world class level and are open to any suggestions.
Written 19 May 2016
I do love visiting the locks but was thinking about it in terms of other landmarks in the Seattle area. Definately needs improvement for parking, it's a nightmare on weekends, better areas for inclement weather, also the gift store and educational area could use some updating. It is still a wonderful experience and we always put it at the top of our list for out of town visitors.
Written 22 May 2016
Have you seen the new movie system in the visitor center? You can now chose from a number of interesting videos....great way to pass some slack time on a winter day.
Written 7 February 2016
I don't see a question here. I have not seen the movie system.
Written 9 February 2016
Did you get a chance to see the new educational touchscreens located around the site?
Written 29 January 2016
No I didn't get a chance to use them.
Written 31 January 2016
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