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Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, Seattle

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Hiram M. Chittenden Locks

3015 NW 54th St, Seattle, WA 98107 (Ballard)
206 783 7059
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Seattle Locks - sea lions wating for salmon
141 visitor photos
Ranked #10 of 189 attractions in Seattle
4.5 of 5 stars 525 Reviews
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Type: Landmarks/ Points of Interest, Wharfs/ Piers/ Boardwalks, Bodies of Water
Fee: No
Recommended length of visit: 1-2 hours
Owner description: 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... more » Owner description: 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. « less
Useful Information: Activities for young children, Activities for older children
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525 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
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    175
    36
    3
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Date Rating
Caroline, Canada
Top Contributor
76 reviews 76 reviews
33 attraction reviews
Reviews in 29 cities Reviews in 29 cities
34 helpful votes 34 helpful votes
“Worth a visit”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2013 NEW

It is interesting to see the lock system - even more interesting when there is watercraft coming through (which, unfortunately, wasn't happening on our latest visit). Workmen were working on the fish ladders so we weren't able to get in to see if any salmon were going through. We have seen them on a previous visit and it was fascinating... More

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See 5 more reviews by Aldergreen for Seattle
Boston
Top Contributor
66 reviews 66 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 33 cities Reviews in 33 cities
29 helpful votes 29 helpful votes
“Worth the trip to Ballard”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2013 NEW

We took a long bus ride out to Ballard to see the locks and ladder - so glad we did even though there were no fish swimming. The "technology" of the locks was fascinating and we watched boats going each way up the canal. Talked with staff about the process and just continued to be amazed about the ingenuity of... More

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See 7 more reviews by FancyNancyBoston for Seattle
Leawood, Kansas
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
“Worth it to see by boat”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 May 2013 NEW

We took an Argosy Boat Locks Tour and so were on one of the boats going through the locks. This was one of the highlights of our trip. You get to see several boats from The Deadliest Catch and of course the Sleepless in Seattle boats. Most of all you get a great view from the boat. Very scenic and... More

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See 5 more reviews by KBT1014 for Seattle
Detroit, Michigan
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
11 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Need a Narrator”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 May 2013 NEW

This was my first time seeing locks. I live in Michigan and we have the Soo Locks but I have never seen them. So, it was educational. I had questions, but there was no one to ask about the locks.

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See 3 more reviews by Hurtfam for Seattle
Seattle, Washington
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
“Something simple but enjoyable”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 May 2013

One of my favorite places in the Emerald City is also one of the leading attractions! Amazing when you think that all there is to watch is boats go up and down in the locks as they travel from fresh water Lake Washington to salt water Puget Sound. The best thing about visiting, it is free to enter and walk... More

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See 2 more reviews by mkemows for Seattle
Vancouver, BC
Top Contributor
99 reviews 99 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 59 cities Reviews in 59 cities
99 helpful votes 99 helpful votes
“Worth a short sidetrip”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 May 2013

Worth a 1/2 hour visit to see the locks in operation and take in the views of the harbor. Good for family outing.

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See 3 more reviews by Esquimalt for Seattle
Marysville
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
9 attraction reviews
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“Locks, worth the trip”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 May 2013

Great side trip. Leisurely activity. Watched a couple boats pass through the locks. Very interesting for someone from central Ohio. Salmon were not running in April, but had seen them on a previous trip. Very enjoyable.

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See 11 more reviews by JeffMarysville for Seattle
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
“Always interesting but no fish!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2013

I have been to the locks several times. I find the gardens pretty and the mechanism for how boats come and go interesting. It is a great way to explore and learn. In May, there are not many fish in the fish ladder but it is still interesting. I would recommend. YOu pay for parking ahead of time with change... More

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Gig Harbor, Washington
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
15 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
“Good for a short visit.”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 May 2013

The locks are worth a short visit if you've never seen them. There were no fish in the ladders when we visited, but the viewing area is nicely done and would be fun during the salmon runs. We watched three boats go through the locks which is quite fascinating. Parking is easy, the bathrooms are close and there is a... More

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See 6 more reviews by Kathy D for Seattle
Los Angeles, California
Senior Contributor
44 reviews 44 reviews
20 attraction reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
“Sounds boring but worth the stop”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 April 2013

Wasn't too enthused to stop here, sounded boring but it was rather educational and different. It was nice to get two "attractions" at one stop. The botanical garden was very soothing compared to the commotion of the locks

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See 10 more reviews by waitingtoexhale for Seattle

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Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
3015 NW 54th St
Seattle, WA 98107
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