Chittenden Locks Fish Ladder

Before visiting Seattle, I heard about the Chittenden Locks and Fish Ladder from two different sources. Both recommended it. Both said it was free. Seemed like a pretty good Pacific-​Northwesty-​Oceany-​Lakey thing to do, especially for free, so we went for it.
No regrets. The locks are seriously cool.
We were fortunate to pull a fine Seattle day in the upper 50s, sunny, with cotton ball clouds dotting the sky.
About 10 minutes after arriving and checking the place out, a huge private yacht appeared on the «saltwater» horizon (which is to say, the northwest). We watched right from the head of the smaller of the two locks as that enormous vessel pulled slowly, carefully in, tied into the sides, and readied itself to float up to lake-​level. A couple smaller sailboats pulled in behind it, and then the rear doors of the lock closed up, a couple lock dudes dressed in uniforms waived and radioed to each other, and all of a sudden, the water was rising in that puppy extremely fast! I would say that the entire lock filled within three minutes, max.
After all the rich people and their fancy-​pants boats passed through to the lake, we decided to walk over to the fish ladder. This, too, WOULD be very cool, I could tell. However, on this late-​winter day, far from salmon run season, we just stared and stared at still, green water. A tiny fish of unknown (to me) species finally made its way into the first ladder step on the left. We watched in awe for about 40 seconds as it just swam there, in place. That was enough enthralling fish laddering for one, off-​season day.
Aside from the locks and ladder, there is a lovely walking path through a beautiful garden, and a great view to a large, old railroad drawbridge about a half mile upstream toward the Sound. While we were on the property, two trains passed by, causing the bridge to come down, and tall-​masted boats needed through in between trains, causing the bridge to draw up. Fun to watch!
I could see the potential in this place to be a five-​star location. There’s a lot of value here for cheap — yes, cheap, not free. Like so many places in this amazing town, you have to pay to park, unless you are extraordinarily resourceful and/​or a knowledgeable local. Since the salmon didn’t make a magical, out-​of-​season appearance for us, I have to settle on 3 stars for now. Worth it, no doubt, and lots of potential, if the timing is right!

it’s hard not to get mesmerized watching the fish return to Lake Union, trying to get through the final stretch. The glass view makes for a great photo display and since these are fish that have survived diseases, being eaten by humans or other animals, etc, it’s kind of like watching a salmon tournament of champions. These are the fish who made it. And it’s completely free!

Locks of fun! What a great little day trip to see something different and learn a little Seattle history! I had never been to the locks before, so I expected to park on the side of some desolate canal and peer over the banks at an engineering monstrosity that would have produced a «wow» factor circa 1900, then drive away thinking nothing more than, «OK. I saw the locks.»
I was surprised to find this place is actually REALLY cool! The locks were constructed in 1917 and at the time created the largest North American passage between bodies of water.
There are two water-​ways and observation decks on both sides of each of the locks. Right up until they prepare to open the gates, you can also stand on the gate bridges for great photo opportunities. The bell sounds, the boats dock to the sides with rope, then the water suddenly rises or sinks about 25 feet within 5 minutes. The entire process takes 15 – 20 minutes, but it is amazing to watch!
We stayed for about 90 minutes, in which time we observed all locks in full operation, including the Chief Seattle fire ship and even a kayaker!
If you gaze off to the west, the backdrop landscape includes an old, wooden train trestle draw bridge spanning the waterway, which connects Lake Union and the Puget Sound. To the east, the sun reflects off boats in the marina, windows of distant houses, and snow-​capped mountains; gorgeous!
Take a walk across the dam to the fish ladder, which sees the most salmon running in July and August, or stroll through the gardens while inhaling the clean, pine-​scented air and listening to the soothing sounds of ships passing through the canal.
It was a balmy 36° outside in the beginning of January, so bring a winter coat and some gloves if you decide on a winter’s day trip!
The Visitor’s center closes at 4pm, but the observation areas stay open until 8:45pm.
Great fun for the entire family!

I think I went at a bad time. This review is for the fish ladder only, not the locks as they are pretty awesome. There were a few fish in the ladder. And a decent amount of fish that were near the ladder even though I was told this is pretty high season. Overall our visit was pretty good but the ladder was probably the less impressive because we wanted to see more. I think everyone should go because it is free. And I also just gave it a 3 that might be low but did not see it being worth a 4 this time. I would go here just because all the cool things at the locks anyway.

The fish ladder is near the very top of the list of things I love about living in Ballard. I love walking through the gardens to get to it… I love watching all of the people and the dogs around the locks… I love crossing the spillway and looking down at the foamy water, smelling the sea air, looking for seals and kingfishers and seeing the salmon schooling and boiling just below the surface, sometimes jumping…
…and then, to finally go down below, into the cool air of the viewing area and see the green light through the windows and the marvelous fish on the other side, it just makes me feel like a kid again and like the rest of the world is light years away. I could come here every day and not grow tired of it.

We visited today on July 14^th and saw the sockeye running and a few chinook’s as well. The salmon can be seen in schools from above, being chased by a seal. the window viewing area was very cool. the audio tour button’s didn’t seem to work. Heron nests nearby and the locks were cool too!

Loved it! We especially loved the harbor seals in front of the ladder and watching them try to hunt among the arriving salmon and the interaction between the seals trying to eat and the fish trying to survive. That was fascinating. This was really cool and it would be on my short list of things to do in Seattle. The locks were interesting and we enjoyed watching that for a couple of minutes but the seals and salmon are what we really enjoyed here.

Don’t miss seeing the locks when visiting Seattle! I saw 6 boats (large ands all) go through in a matter of maybe 20 minutes. You can also see the fish ladder both from above and from viewing windows below water level. Unfortunately, I came too late to see the salmon swimming to their spawning grounds.
Other than a small parking fee, there is no admission. You can also see the botanic gardens on your way to or from the locks. Great for kids and adults!

Awesome place to visit to see boats, locks and the fish ladder. The fish climbing ladder is visible walking down some stairs and viewing through the glass. It is a sight to see all those different kinds of fish swimming. The information in the viewing room about different salmon, timing and even examples of the growth of the eggs.
We sat on the top level and had some snacks with the wonderful atmosphere around, water, boats and cool breeze. It is a unique attraction that I have never experienced before. Best of all it is free!

When I asked in Unilocal talk where I should visit for my August trip to Seattle — the suggestion of «Ballard Locks» came up quite a few times.
Honestly, I don’t think it was worth the bus trip to get there.
I only saw a few fish through the window, so it wasn’t impressive.

This is a great place to come with the family and check out the fish ‘climbing the ladder’. Although the run was a bit slow (mid June) we’ll try and come back during one of the many salmon runs. There is some good information in the viewing room about the different kinds of salmon and the timing of the runs through the fish ladder. If you’re at the ladder it is also worth taking the time to watch a few boats go through the locks that are located right next door.

The locks is a perfect place for a seattle summer picnic. I usually grab a paseo sandwhich or something from QFC and take it to the rolling hill area of the locks. Then you can stretch out, eat, and watch the boats go in and out if the locks on a beautiful seattle summer day. Its a cheap, fun, and beautiful date or a great outing for visiting friends and family.

DON’T COME IN OFF SEASON. Super boring and nothing to see. Not even a lone straggler. Why are they even open?!

A monument to man’s ability to control & overcome nature. Very pretty site, wc includes a 7 acre botanical garden.
Built & run by the Army Corp of engineers. It’s fascinating to watch the whole process of lowering & raising the water levels & watching the gates open & close to allow the boats & ships to pass into & out of Lake Union & Washington to & from Puget Sound.
Didn’t see many salmon in the fish ladder (depends on the time of year & when they happen to be running) but did see a number of them jumping out of the water in the locks.
Tours are given & an introductory film is shown during the day. Oh, yeah, and everything is FREE!

The fish ladder is definitely a unique attraction. It’s free and educational so bring the kids. Also, I’ve heard that the huge amount of salmon has attracted some sea lions recently which you might even see if you’re lucky! You can also check out how the boats are raised and lowered between the two water levels of the canal. Pretty cool.
Definitely not something to fill a whole day with nevertheless it’s worth a quick visit.

Get a taste of true Seattlehood at the fish ladders in Ballard. Saw an incredible amount of Sockeye here the other day, along with some Chinook and Coho as well. Looks like July through September is the best time to go to catch a glimpse of these awesome little swimmers.
Catch an informative talk by the park’s staff for free.
Makes a great place to take guests from out of town, as the botanical gardens are also nearby.

This place is part of the Ballard Locks which is easily one of my favorite places in the city. I love that we have something like the Fish Ladder in Seattle. It’s really a side of fishing and fish life you don’t see in too many places.
I last came during June which is a time when salmon come but sadly, I couldn’t see a lot. I wish there were more fish but it’s hard to criticize that. It definitely has nothing to do with my review rating because that’s just nature! Maybe there’s more further into the season.
There’s some educational information which is useful and cool and I love taking tourist friends here!

This is very unique. This is a must see.

This is cool. When you are done watching the boats go up and down in the locks, or the awesome drawbridge tip back and down again, or just hanging in the park, look for the silliest sign you have ever seen.
A fish hopping up stairs is the silly sign that you are looking for. Once you follow it, it will bring you to a series of informational installations explaining who built the fish ladder. What a fish ladder is. Where the actual fish come from and go from. When the fish come and go and even why the fish need a ladder!
Did you know that only Native Americans local to the Puget Sound are allowed to fish near the ladder?
Follow the signs down to the underground viewing room of part of the fish ladder itself. Its sort of like an aquarium but there is only this tank… which is actually a series of basins that the salmon jump up through to get upstream to spawn. It is pretty awesome and hard not to cheer when one makes it out!

Come here to think, ponder, be at awe of nature. Little fish swim so far and climb this ladder, or in other rivers with no ladders find a way to their source.
it is truly inspiring how nature plays out in its different life forms. One caveat. parking is all pay now. be careful– be sure to feed the green towers-​. no these are not natural — nor is the fine if you don’t pay. It’s enormous!