On our trip to Seattle this summer, we checked out the Ballard Locks, also known as the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks. This popular tourist attraction includes locks, fish ladder, and a botanical garden.
We had no problem finding the locks using Google Maps. There was plenty of parking, but being a popular attraction, parking was pretty filled up, so plan accordingly. We used a paid lot, but if you visit the Ballard Locks website, there is information about free parking.
Walking from the parking lot to the locks, we walked through a garden area. While we didn’t spend much time at the gardens, it was nice to see some of the pretty greenery.
Once we reached the locks, which is a very short walk, there were already ships lining up. We joined other spectators as ships lined up and prepared for the locks to open.
It takes a while for the boats to dock and prepare for the locks to open.
You can watch as the water levels rise and lower as the locks open and close.
After watching the boats pass through the locks, we walked over to the fish ladders on the other side.
As we walked over the bridge, we saw a harbor seal and a giant jellyfish as well.
You can view the migrating salmon June through September. We saw the outer part of the locks as we walked downstairs to view the salmon underwater. There is a lot of educational information about the fish and their journey.
On the far side of the locks, there are areas to walk and sit. We were lucky to visit on a nice August day, with sunshine and warm weather.
Visit the Ballard Locks at http://www.ballardlocks.org/
You can also take a Seattle Locks Cruise, a great way to experience the locks from the water!
This would be so cool to see! I’ve always wanted to go to Seattle. We always like being by the water.
Wow-what an incredible place to go and look around, I can’t believe the view of the under the water that is so cool, things like that always fascinate me for some reason and I love seeing Seals!
This looks like a great place to take the family to see how the locks work. I have never been out to that part of the country but hope to some day.
I have visited Seattle but never heard of this attraction. It looks like a fun place to explore. I love that tentacle sculpture too!
You’ve just put Seattle back on my radar! Thank you so much for that. It’s been nearly two decades since I visited there last. I’m sure so much has changed and there are so many great things to see like the Ballard Locks.
I’ve always wanted to visit Seattle. This would be a wonderful trip to take my family on.
This would be so cool to see! I’d love to visit Seattle and see all these fun!
Wow, what wonderful photos these are. Looks like a lovely place to visit. I’d love to see the garden myself. That is always a favorite of mine.
I would love to visit the botanical garden and I would be in all my glory if I actually saw a seal! I’d probably sit there and watch it all day! lol
I’m planning a trip to Seattle next summer and will definitely be adding this to our list of must do’s. I’ve been there once before and have always wanted to come back.
I love new adventure ideas, this looks like a spot we’d love to check out. Thanks for sharing, we’ll have to add this pin to our map of places we plan to venture to and explore next summer. WE already have a huge list of places in NY.
Oh my goodness! How did you spot that seal in that pic! How cute! This place looks like a great spot to visit with the fam.
Seattle is one place I’d love to explore with the family. Much to see, or so I hear.
Such a cool thing to see in person! I think it would be great fun to enrich lessons on engineering. Plus, it’s gorgeous in those gardens!
Seattle is my wishlist, I don’t know when I can make a visit. When I visit sure I will visit this park. thanks for sharing this.
I’ve never been to Seattle.. i’ve always wanted to go. The locks there look really cool I didn’t even know that was part of the landscape.
I’ve been missing Seattle lately! This post makes me want to hop in the car and go there pronto! I’ll put Ballard Locks on the list for when we do get to go.
It looks like a fun place to takes the kids. It nice for them to go fish spotting and to learn about them too.
Ever since grunge, I wanted to visit Seattle 😉 Since I’ve never been to the northwest of the US, I’d love to visit there. I’ve never heard of the Ballard Locks before but now, I’m putting there on my list. And yes, google maps is a great tool when travelling – how did we find spots before google?!
We have visited Seattle many times but have not every visited the Ballard (Hiram M Chittenden) Locks. But we do seek out locks when we know they are around. Must be the Civil Engineer in me who is fascinated by moving parts. Fun to have a viewing port to see the migrating salmon. Good tip for a return visit to Seattle.