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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Neighborhood: Ballard
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528 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- kevan jNorman, Oklahoma1,447 contributionsSomething completely different!Very nice overall experience. We parked in Commodore Park on the south side of the locks where crowds are light and parking is free. This also allowed us to walk right under the trees where the herons were nesting. We then walked across the dam and the locks, stopping to watch as they raised and lowered the boats. Absolutely fascinating! The north side of the locks has a beautiful little park with a museum and really nice bathrooms. The other cool thing here is the railroad drawbridge just to the west. While we were there, the bridge lowered to let a couple of trains motor across.Visited March 2023Written April 23, 2023
- John DNew York City, New York297 contributionsUnusual (in a good way) sightMy wife and I stumbled upon the Locks while biking along the Burke Gilman trail. Luckily a boat was going through the Locks. It was a pleasant surprise seeing the boat go through. It's not something you see every day.Visited May 2023Written May 15, 2023
- CindyGainesville, Florida4 contributionsVery entertaining & educationalThis was really cool! So nice that they allow the public to experience the live working of the locks. We saw larger working boats as well as smaller leisure crafts transit through the locks. Highly recommend!Visited May 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten May 25, 2023
- Brendan SArlington, Virginia1,690 contributionsVery cool experienceThe Locks are the kind of attraction that I fear will be disappointing if my timing was bad. It certainly wasn’t bad on this trip. In just an hour, I saw boats go through the locks in both directions, saw several salmon swimming up the fish ladder and also saw multiple seals and sea lions swimming outside the locks. The technology behind the locks is simple, but I still enjoyed seeing it in action. I did visit on a day when the visitor’s center was closed and this would be worth seeing to learn more about the locks, but that would have been a bonus. This was a great experience.Visited June 2023Traveled soloWritten June 28, 2023
- Tia GFort Wayne, Indiana272 contributionsInteresting and beautifulWe were able to visit the locks twice while in Seattle. One on foot at a stop on our city bus tour, (Seattles best) and on via Argrosky cruises through the locks. The space itself is well maintained with waking areas, near around and over the locks. You can see the fish ladders up close and watch the seals swimming nearby waiting for fish.Visited June 2023Traveled with friendsWritten July 2, 2023
- PGK6 contributionsDon't miss this if your timing (July) is right!Visited on July 5 and it was non-stop action! Boats lined up on both sides of the lock and salmon going up the ladder every few minutes. Maybe we got lucky with the timing, but I feel this is an attraction that tourists don't talk about much. Very cool!Visited July 2023Traveled with familyWritten July 10, 2023
- jsullivan4915 contributionsSo interestingHaving been to the Panama Canal we knew what the locks were about but the rest of the family did not. What a great experience for the whole family to be that close up and watch the locks in action. So interesting!! It was a beautiful day. We arrived about 3 pm on a Sunday just as a lot of leisure boats were coming into the locks so they were busy. The surrounding grounds were beautiful and very clean.Visited July 2023Written July 21, 2023
- OtravelerUnited States116 contributionsInteresting but not excitingMy family (younger teen and older teen) had some time to kill before.oue flight. We spent about an hour at the locks and fish ladder. We saw salmon swimming in the dam area, and down in the observation window. We thought we would see them actually swimming up the ladder, but did not. We watched a few boats go through the lock. It is interesting to see once, but definitely not exciting.Visited August 2023Traveled with familyWritten August 9, 2023
- Heidi-ready-2-travelCrystal Lake, Illinois2,128 contributionsMary Boats Moving ThroughSo glad we came. Not far from the downtown area- beautiful botanical gardens, welcome center, movie, and many boats coming through. This is a very busy waterway. I came from the visitor center side. If you cross the bridge- the is the beautiful silver wave sculpture along with the salmon ladder and underwater viewing area. 😢 if was not spawning season, but I am still glad that I saw the ladder. 🐟Visited August 2023Traveled with friendsWritten August 13, 2023
- bargain_hunter46Bellevue, Washington125 contributionsUnderwater views of salmon migrating to fresh water.The chinook salmon run is happening right now. Don't miss this if you are visiting Seattle this week. The gardens are in full bloom and it is always fun to watch the boats navigating the locks. Underwater viewing of the salmon is captivating for young and old. Great place to take children. We saw seals and heron as well as huge schools of large salmon.Visited August 2023Written August 20, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Popular mentions
4.5
3,258 reviews
Excellent
2,000
Very good
1,069
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175
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10
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4
LRJ2014
Seattle, WA54 contributions
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 February 25, 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, WA1,542 contributions
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 March 11, 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, VA4,635 contributions
Jul 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 August 25, 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, WA356 contributions
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 March 15, 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, WI235 contributions
Sep 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 October 13, 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.
Ken R
27 contributions
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 January 26, 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.
wireless_in_CA
United States5,032 contributions
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 October 23, 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, NY745 contributions
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 August 30, 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.
Diana Z
Phoenix, AZ76 contributions
Sep 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 September 29, 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.
TLG056
Kansas City, MO390 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
This 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.
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.
Written September 15, 2023
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.
ballardlocks100
Seattle, WA1 contribution
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.
Northwest T
Seattle, WA15 contributions
Good response, apparently to a comment/question about dirty windows
ger w
Welshpool, UK389 contributions
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
Brodethedog
Seattle, WA19 contributions
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.
Brodethedog
Seattle, WA19 contributions
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?
SeaTraveller2015
Seattle, WA27 contributions
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.
Karen W
Tucson, AZ4 contributions
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?
Brodethedog
Seattle, WA19 contributions
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
Brodethedog
Seattle, WA19 contributions
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
ladybird108
Seattle, WA169 contributions
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.
Karen G
Charlotte, NC4 contributions
How long should we plan to get the most out of our day at the locks?
Ballard L
Bainbridge Island, WA5 contributions
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.
Shauna C
6 contributions
Is there parking available? or is public transport easier?
Karen M
Bellevue, Washington, United States42 contributions
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.
experienced t
3 contributions
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.
Darla V
Yuma126 contributions
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.
Brodethedog
Seattle, WA19 contributions
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.
Quincyonian
Charlotte, NC103 contributions
I don't see a question here. I have not seen the movie system.
Brodethedog
Seattle, WA19 contributions
Did you get a chance to see the new educational touchscreens located around the site?
Bill E
Manorville, NY171 contributions
No I didn't get a chance to use them.
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Claim your listingHiram M. Chittenden Locks - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Hiram M. Chittenden Locks:
- Seattle City and Snoqualmie Falls Half-Day Guided Tour (From $89.00)
- Seattle Locks Cruise - One-Way Tour (From $62.83)
- Premier 3-Hour Seattle City Tour (From $94.00)
- Seattle Grand 4-Hour City Tour (From $107.00)
- 3 Hour Show Me Seattle Best Of The City Tour (From $80.29)
- Hotels near Hiram M. Chittenden Locks:
- (0.65 mi) Hotel Ballard
- (3.11 mi) Greenlake Guest House
- (3.58 mi) Staypineapple, The Maxwell Hotel, Seattle Center
- (4.71 mi) Shafer Baillie Mansion Bed and Breakfast
- (5.28 mi) Lotte Hotel Seattle
- Restaurants near Hiram M. Chittenden Locks:
- (0.03 mi) Lockspot Cafe
- (0.07 mi) Red Mill Totem House
- (0.08 mi) Taco Time NW
- (0.12 mi) Portage Bay Cafe - Ballard
- (0.11 mi) 7-Eleven
- Attractions near Hiram M. Chittenden Locks:
- (0.00 mi) Carl S. English Botanical Garden
- (0.08 mi) Ballard Locks Visitor Center / Museum & Gift Shop
- (0.11 mi) Stone Gardens
- (0.14 mi) Sloop Tavern
- (0.22 mi) National Nordic Museum