Hiram M. Chittenden Locks

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

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. Visitors from around the world and of all ages find something here that brings a smile to their faces. Come out and see for yourself, you'll come back often to see the changing of the seasons, and you will know why we say this is a place "Where the Activity Never Stops!"

As you walk around, the best first stop is the visitor center. Here you'll find brochures, exhibits, and a 12-minute orientation video of our facility. Then step outside to the Carl S. English, Jr. Botanical Garden. People who tour the garden are in awe of the number of plant species grown here. The garden is beautiful year round.

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. Lucky visitors may catch a glimpse of a steelhead returning to spawn from January through April, and it's a treat to watch the young salmon (smolts) during the months of May and June as they head to the ocean to mature.

On your return walk, before you go home, stop in the visitor center again and browse through our gift shop. Operated by the Northwest Interpretive Association, the gift shop books, videos, souveniers, and fun items to purchase as a memento of your visit.

Directions from Downtown Seattle

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.