Hiram M. Chittenden Locks

The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks located in Ballard provide a link for boats between the saltwater of the Puget Sound and the fresh water of the Ship Canal connecting to Lake Union and Lake Washington.

The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, often called the Ballard Locks, link salty Puget Sound with the fresh waters of Salmon Bay, Lake Union, Portage Bay and Lake Washington.

Hiram M. Chittenden Locks Attractions

Pass a sunny day watching boats of all shapes and sizes come into the locks, and the water level is adjusted to allow their safe passage to the lake or sound.

Stop by the fish ladder, built to allow salmon to pass between fresh and salt water. Glass panels make it possible to view the fish as they navigate their way through the ladder, adjusting to different levels of salt each step of the way. Occasionally, a clever sea lion will hang out, waiting for his next meal. For the historically-minded among you, the locks' official name is, "Hiram M. Chittenden Locks," and was built in 1911 so that coal and timber could be easily transported by boat.

When you enter this National Historic Place, you immediately feel like you have left the big city behind. The combination of the beautiful botanical garden, the architecture of the buildings, seeing the boats, locks, fish, and the visitor center all can capture the hearts of young and old.

Next, head over to the locks for some real action. Rarely is there a time when one of the locks isn't moving vessels. Cross over the locks and spillway dam to the fish ladder and viewing windows. Returning adult salmon can usually be seen between the months of June and November.

Hiram M. Chittenden Locks

Both tourists and locals enjoy watching the parade of sailboats, motorboats, tugs, barges and yachts passing through.

Hiram M. Chittenden Locks Map

Hiram M. Chittenden Locks Directions

From Downtown Seattle or Hwy 99 Viaduct:

Take Denny Way westbound and follow the road as it curves around to the right. Denny Way turns into Elliott Avenue.
If you are on the Hwy 99 viaduct (Alaskan Way Viaduct), exit onto Western Ave. Follow Western till it merges with Elliott.
Once on Elliott, follow Elliott Ave W northbound, it will curve into 15th Ave W.
Continue north on 15th Street, across the Ballard Bridge to Market Street NW (the first traffic light).
Turn left at NW Market Street.
Follow NW Market westbound through the Ballard business district to the Taco Time.
At Taco Time bear left onto NW 54th Street.
Turn left immediately after the Lockspot Café

Directions from North Seattle
From North of Seattle (Shoreline, Everett, etc)

Take Interstate 5 southbound and get off at Exit 172.
Follow exit ramp onto N 85th Street heading westbound.
Continue on N 85th Street across Aurora Ave, across 15th Ave NW, to end of road (32nd Ave NW).
At stop sign, turn left onto 32nd Ave NW and follow it southbound to end of road (NW 54th St). A 7-11 Store is on your right and Totem House Restaurant is on your left.
Turn left on NW 54th Street, then turn right at the Lockspot Cafe.

Directions from South Seattle
From South of Seattle (Tacoma, Olympia, etc.)

Take Interstate 5 northbound and get off at Exit 169
At stop light, turn left onto NE 45th Street going westbround.
Follow 45th Street through intersection.
At Stone Way, bear right onto N Midvale Place, then left onto N 45th Street. Stay in right lane and go under the Aurora overpass.
Continue west on 46th,which curves into NW Market Street.
Follow NW Market westbound across 15th Ave NW and through the Ballard business district to the Taco Time.
At Taco Time bear left onto NW 54th Street.
Turn left immediately after the Lockspot Cafe.