Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (Ballard Locks), Seattle

We always enjoy a casual stroll through the on-site gardens before we head down to the locks to check out the marine traffic passing through. If you're really fortunate you can see the really large ships transit the larger lock. Cross on over to the other side to check out the Salmon Ladder. This is a great place to toss a blanket down on the hillside and just watch the world pass by!

Interesting and a must see if you're a nerdy type or have kids. Or both. The boats go up and down qickly so there isn't a lot of waiting. The area is very well kept and completly open to wonder without restriction. You actually walk out on the locks and over the damn which really gets you into the whole process. The fish ladder was a velcome suprise. The only cost is transportation there and a couple of bucks for parking.

we are planning a trip to seattle summer of 2006. we want to see the gardens and the locks and fish ladders , but nowhere does it giva address or traveling info. understand please we have never been to seattle.

There's nothing like spending a couple of hours on a summer weekend watching the pleasure boat traffic pass through the locks between Lake Washington and Puget Sound. The Fish Ladder is a nice bonus, as are the gardens that are also on the property.

Salmom jumping, lots of people having fun, boats of all types to see and watch the locks going up and down. People are just plan having fun.

I have a passion to see dams and locks wherever I travel. This one is very charming because of it's age and it's still very functional. I didn't like the parking lot,too small to accomodate all the people . We had to find a parking space on the street pretty far away. Admission is free,so no complains here! They have a movie where you can see how was built. It's amazing to see how little technology they had, but a lot of determination. I recommend going there at least once!

On the way to the Locks, you will enter through such a beautiful japanese garden , Its so peacefull in the garden and so big. The locks are very interesting to whatch how it works and if you love big boats you can catch an eye of some really huge boats coming through. I really like the Locks

Great for people that want to visit the fish ladder or see all the watercraft or even horticultural buffs. The locks are something unique and worth a visit. Best of all, it's free!

Nothing here but a cement bridge. Don't fool yourself, this is about as boring as it gets. If this is your idea of a great attraction to see while in Seattle, it attests to the fact that Seattle has very little to see.

We try to include a visit to the locks for all our out of town guests and we never tire of visiting with them. Our trip to the locks requires passing through Belltown, which gives a great flavor of Seattle and ample opportunities for a stop. When we arrive at the locks a relaxing stroll through the "botanical garden" is always relaxing and educational. The engineering of the locks themselves is very interesting and educational. We recommend taking the guided tour for insight to the history and workings of the locks. We always find the variety of vessels passing through the locks as well as the visitors watching to be a source of entertainment and discussion. An added bonus to the locks visit is the salmon ladders. We consider the locks to be a requisit visit for tourists and a great outing for locals too. A botanical garden, an aquarium an engineering marvel, and the everchanging variety of vessels in the locks all for free. Wrap up your visit with a stop at Ray's Boat House, just around the corner and watch the sun set over the sound and hopefully the Olympics too.