Fascinating lock complex connecting fresh and salt water. Watch boats rise and fall 20 feet, explore 7 acres of botanical gardens, and see salmon climbing the fish ladder in summer. Free educational fun for families.
Free admission. Parking $2/hour. Free 1-hour tours at 2pm daily (May 1 - Sep 30). Fish ladder viewing gallery closes 8:45pm.
Mid-late August for king salmon, late September for coho, July for sockeye. Weekends are busier. Allow 1-2 hours to see locks, gardens, and fish ladder.
faq.subtitle Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (Ballard Locks)
An underwater passage helping salmon return to spawn. You can watch them through underwater windows in the viewing gallery. Best times: July (sockeye), August (king), September (coho).
Average temperature by month
12°
13°11°14°11°12°7°8°4°12°2°10°5°9°3°Interesting places nearby
