Seattle - Ballard Locks - Travel Guide

 

The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, nicknamed the Ballard Locks, is a complex of locks at the west end of Salmon Bay, in Seattle.

Ballard Locks provides a transition for boats between Puget Sound and the Ship Canal then eastward to Lake Union and Lake Washington.

You can watch boats of all kinds passing through as the locks' water levels adjust allowing passage through the canal.

Walk to the fish ladder, and watch salmon through a glass panel.

Stroll through the Carl S. English, Jr. Botanical Garden and the Visitor Center to find out more about the Lake Washington Ship Canal.

Check this Out - Seattle Locks Cruise

More useful information below in this Ballad Locks or the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks travel guide for visitors.

 

Ballard Locks Address

 

3015 NW 54th St
Seattle, WA 98107

 

Ballard Locks Hours and Admission Fee

Ballard Locks Hours:

7 AM - 9 PM (Daily)

Free - No Admission Fee

 

Getting to Ballard Locks in Seattle

 

By Car to Ballard Locks:

Directions from the South:

• Take Interstate 5 northbound and get off at Exit 169

• Turn left onto NE 45th Street going westbound.

• Take a slight right onto N Midvale Place, then continue onto N 46th Street. Stay in the 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.

• At Taco Time bear left onto NW 54th Street.

Turn left immediately after the Lockspot Cafe.

Directions from the North:

• Follow Interstate 5 southbound taking Exit 172.

• Merge onto N 85th Street heading westbound.

• Continue on N 85th Street to end (32nd Ave NW).

• Turn left onto 32nd Ave NW and follow it southbound to end

• Turn left on NW 54th Street, then turn right before the Lockspot Café

By Public Bus to Ballard Locks:

Check with your hotel or King Country/ Metro Bus websites for Bus routes from your location to the Ballard Locks.

 

Recommendations

- This is a good picnicking spot. Bring lunch and play in the park/gardens after or before viewing the locks.

- Take a free tour of the locks with a volunteer ranger.

- Don’t forget to wear sunscreen or wear a hat when the sun is out. (There is no shade while watching the boats).

- Once finished with the locks explore downtown Ballard with its trendy restaurants and shops, or go to Golden Gardens state park (West on 54th) and play on the beach in Summer.

- Also available is a fully narrated tour Cruise for visitors to experience going through Ballard Locks.

 

Website

 

Ballard Locks Website
Seattle Locks Cruise - $46.79

Take in the spectacular views and experience the transition from salt to fresh water on a Locks Cruise! This fully narrated tour provides you with knowledge, fun facts and the chance to become the attraction to those on shore as your vessel raises up or lowers, due to the ever-changing tides of Puget Sound. Between Elliott Bay and Lake Union you’ll be surrounded by large fishing vessels, seaplanes, majestic city parks, and more.