Ballard Locks: Fish Ladder, Gardens, and Free Admission
· Seattle, Washington · USA Travel
We went to the Ballard Locks on a Sunday and got there about 11:45. Admission is free. We walked the gardens, watched a few boats go through, and looked at the fish ladder.
The official name is the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks. They opened in 1917, named for U.S. Army Major Hiram Martin Chittenden. Boats move between the salt water of Puget Sound and the fresh water of the Ship Canal, which connects Lake Washington, Lake Union, and Salmon Bay.
Functionality of the Ballard Locks
The locks raise and lower boats between the sound and the canal, and they hold Lake Washington and Lake Union at about 20 to 22 feet above sea level. There are two chambers, a small one and a large one, with gates and valves to move the water.
Holding that level also keeps salt water out of the lakes. That’s the practical reason the locks are there, besides letting boats through.
How much does the Ballard Locks cost?
Walking in is free. All vessels may use the locks for free too. They allow passage through both the large and the small locks 24/7. The only time this is not the case is during the annual maintenance period or during repairs.
Note: The locks will always give priority to emergency or service vehicles.
Salmon Ladder Meaning – What is it?
The fish ladder is how salmon get upstream past the locks to spawn. It’s a series of pools they can rest in and climb. You watch them through underwater windows.
Salmon Run Ballard Locks
When is the best time to go to the Ballard Locks Salmon Ladder?
The salmon run is usually late spring into early summer, and the busy stretch is June through August. The exact weeks move around with the weather and which fish are coming in, so check the locks’ site before you make a special trip for it.
For boats, morning and early afternoon are better. We showed up at 11:45, parked, and were at the water by noon. It was busy but not packed, and we saw several boats lock through.
During the run you can see a lot of salmon in the ladder. There are displays about the fish if you want them, and Ballard itself is a block or two away if you want food after. Bring a camera if you care about the photos. I did.
Parking
At the North entrance, we found metered parking, which suited us just fine. There were plenty of spots available initially, but they filled up fast, and soon enough, we noticed a line of cars waiting for spots to open up. Just be aware, there’s a railroad track dividing the parking lot and the entrance area.
Once parked, you have options. You can start with a leisurely stroll through the botanical gardens or simply take a relaxing walk around the beautifully maintained property. During our visit, we were treated to the sounds of a jazz band performing right in the middle of the property, adding a delightful touch to our experience.
If the parking lot happens to be full, there are other free spots scattered throughout the residential area nearby. However, those tend to fill up quickly too. My advice? Aim to arrive early, especially if you’re coming on a weekend.
Oh, and a quick note: We lucked out with free parking on the Sunday we visited, but I can’t say for sure if that’s a regular thing or just a happy coincidence.
The Ballard Locks Visitor Center
There’s a visitor center and a gift shop. Most of the shop is salmon. Upstairs, the exhibit is about how the locks were built and how they work, with some hands-on displays and a few older pieces from the site.
Best time to visit Ballard Locks
If you want to see boats, go in the morning or early afternoon. That’s when we went. Late afternoon is quieter, and the light is better for photos.
April through September is the easy season for weather, and it’s when more boats are moving. You can go the rest of the year. We just happened to pick a Sunday in summer.
Ballard Locks Photos
The Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Gardens
The Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Gardens are on the same grounds, on the way in from the north lot. We walked them. The paths are kept up, and there’s a historic house in the gardens. It’s a reasonable place to start if the locks are between boats.
More things to do in Ballard
Ballard is right there once you leave the grounds.
Ballard Farmers Market
- If I’m in Ballard on a Sunday, this is where I go. Vendors from around the state set up with food and goods. It smells like the grills.
Boating and Kayaking
- Boats and kayaks use the Ship Canal from here. That’s how they get between the lakes and the sound. I didn’t do that part on this visit.
Quirky shops
- Ballard has a run of odd shops: Nordic stuff, a place with potions, taxidermy. I’ve spent whole days wandering them and I usually leave with something.
Nearby Dining Options and Sunsets
Places to eat near the Ballard Locks. If you’re still on the grounds at the end of the day, the sunset over the water is worth staying for.
- Lockspot Cafe
- Ray’s Boathouse
- Ballard Kiss Cafe
- Pestle Rock
Conclusion
If you live in Seattle, the Ballard Locks are an easy afternoon. Free to walk in, boats if you show up late morning, and the fish ladder when the salmon are in.
FAQs
Can I watch boats going through the locks at the Ballard Locks?
Yes. That’s most of what we did. We watched several boats go through around noon.
Are there guided tours available at the Ballard Locks?
Yes. On our visit we just walked the grounds.
Is there an entrance fee to visit the Ballard Locks?
No. Walking in is free. Boats can use the locks free too, any time, except during the yearly maintenance closure or repairs. Emergency and service boats get priority.
Can I bring my pet to the Ballard Locks?
Yes, on a leash.
What is the best time of year to visit the Ballard Locks?
Any time. April through September is easier weather, and June through August is when the salmon ladder is busiest.
Check out more cool places in the United States HERE!
Need a ferry to get there? You can see the Washington Department of Transportation schedule and daily routes HERE!