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.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Ballard
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Best nearby
Restaurants
621 within 5 kms
Attractions
369 within 10 kms
See what travelers are saying
- kevan jNorman, Oklahoma1,413 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
- Mktpro99West Palm Beach, Florida1,290 contributionsWatch the boats go thru locksWalk to the end of the path and watch the boats get lowered into the lake via the locks. You might even see some seals waiting for the fish to go up the ladder. Don’t need to spend a lot of time here.Visited May 2023Traveled soloWritten May 20, 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, Virginia1,576 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 States115 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, Illinois2,123 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
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
3,258 reviews
Excellent
2,000
Very good
1,069
Average
175
Poor
10
Terrible
4
Valleyblue
Sacramento, CA416 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
Sometimes 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.
Definitely worth a bus ride out to Ballard for this.
Written 1 October 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.
amholle94
Denver, CO5 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
Loved it- very interesting and great view of downtown. On time, decent drinks offered, knowledgeable narrator/guide. It was rainy- dress in layers!
Written 25 September 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.
Borenfamx5
Trussville, AL155 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
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 see
Written 20 September 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.
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 15 September 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.
Angelo Z
Evant, TX281 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
We visited the locks on foot and also took a boat ride though them. Found both experiences very interesting. It’s free and you do get to explore the whole lock area.
Written 14 September 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.
bargain_hunter46
Bellevue, WA125 contributions
Aug 2023
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.
Written 20 August 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.
Heidi-ready-2-travel
Crystal Lake, IL2,123 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
So 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. 🐟
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. 🐟
Written 13 August 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.
Otraveler
United States115 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
My 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.
Written 9 August 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.
jsullivan491
5 contributions
Jul 2023
Having 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.
The surrounding grounds were beautiful and very clean.
Written 21 July 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.
Lori F
Asheville, NC156 contributions
Jul 2023
Interesting but took awhile for locks to fill so boats could pass through. Saw salmon swimming upstream. Blue herons in trees I had never seen before.
Written 18 July 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, NY166 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 (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Hiram M. Chittenden Locks:
- Half-Day Guided Tour of Seattle City and Snoqualmie Falls (From ₱4,930.20)
- Seattle Locks Cruise - One-Way Tour (From ₱3,298.25)
- Premier 3-Hour Seattle City Tour (From ₱5,207.18)
- Seattle 4-Hour City Tour (From ₱5,081.99)
- 3-Hour Seattle City Tour (From ₱4,447.71)
- Hotels near Hiram M. Chittenden Locks:
- (1.04 km) Hotel Ballard
- (4.98 km) Greenlake Guest House
- (5.73 km) Staypineapple, The Maxwell Hotel, Seattle Center
- (7.54 km) Shafer Baillie Mansion Bed and Breakfast
- (0.98 km) Ballard Inn
- Restaurants near Hiram M. Chittenden Locks:
- (0.05 km) Lockspot Cafe
- (0.11 km) Red Mill Totem House
- (0.12 km) Taco Time NW
- (0.19 km) Portage Bay Cafe - Ballard
- (0.18 km) 7-Eleven
- Attractions near Hiram M. Chittenden Locks:
- (0.00 km) Carl S. English Botanical Garden
- (0.13 km) Ballard Locks Visitor Center / Museum & Gift Shop
- (0.17 km) Stone Gardens
- (0.22 km) Sloop Tavern
- (0.26 km) Ballard