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Hiram M. Chittenden Locks

Canal Lock and Historic and Protected Site

Seattle

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9.2^/10

590

ratings

Ranked #4 for picnics in Seattle
"Argosy locks tour"(14 Tips)
"Visit in July for the best views of the salmon on the fish ladder."(13 Tips)
"You can also check out the salmon ladder."(3 Tips)
"Fun to walk the gardens and watch the locks in action."(2 Tips)

78 Tips and reviews

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Enrique Gutiérrez ArzateMarch 11, 2018
Scenic views, great for picnics, or just to wander around. What a piece of engineering!
The ArtificialNovember 27, 2017
Where freshwater meets saltwater, there are nice hillsides to picnic and watch the boats go by, and a small botanical park on the grounds. The fish ladder gets quite busy during salmon season.…
Doug ShapleighMay 25, 2014
Great place for a lazy weekend stroll. Weekdays are quietest time to visit. Check out the Salmon ladder viewing. Parking on Ballard side is mostly metered. Limited free parking on the Magnolia side
Christina Tyler WenksAugust 27, 2018
Boats stack into locks as three species of a salmon navigate the adjacent fish ladder around hungry seals and sea lions. Underwater viewing area allows visitors to see salmon up close. Educational.
Josh JonesOctober 15, 2012
Park on the North side of the locks at Commodore Park. It's less crowded so it's easier to find parking and you can easily walk across the locks to enjoy the garden and museum on the other side.
Caroline DengJuly 2, 2015
Check out the salmon viewing windows. Follow the bronze salmon medallions on the ground to get there.
Sean SalmonJune 22, 2015
Watch the boats go through the locks and check out the fish ladder. Amazing engineering all around
Nick ElsberrySeptember 11, 2018
Been here 5+ times
Watch the boats travel between the lake and the sound and the salmon at the fish ladder on their return trip to the spawning grounds.
DANIELMay 2, 2014
Worth the stop. Fragrant gardens and free entertainment, provided a boat is meandering its way thru - what an engineering marvel!
Scott RoseFebruary 12, 2014
After coming here numerous times over 4 decades, we finally visited the exhibits while killing time in poor weather. And it's great- notably, a lot to learn about what might have been and why.
TruthorDare.usNovember 13, 2012
We dare you to find out how big the ship canal actually is and how the underground water tunnels help to keep the water flow clean and neat!
Trudy AlefaioSeptember 26, 2011
Love this place always lots going on. Grab take out from Paseos or one of the local fish & chips places and enjoy a picnic while watching boats cruise through.
John L.January 18, 2022
Come & watch a feat of engineering at work!
Tomiana DeBellisMarch 15, 2016
Watch the water change levels in order for the boats to go through. Don't miss the fish ladder or wild seals either!
CrystalJuly 2, 2019
The fish ladder is surprisingly touching and mesmerizing.
Angelo De Ieso IIMay 16, 2014
Been here 10+ times
A great peaceful escape within a bustling surrounding urban setting
TJuly 21, 2015
Great, educational free hour long tours (3 tours available) on weekend afternoons.
Brian IbarraMay 5, 2016
Very lovey place surprisingly it's so cool watching the ships coming in and out
Lindsey Burks ReynoldsAugust 19, 2015
This is a fun outing wether you live around here or not. Very family friendly. Don't forget to pack a picnic.
Timbuk2May 9, 2013
Fresh water meets salt water. You can also check out the salmon ladder. And you may see seals!
Sonja BojkoAugust 9, 2018
Watch the fish ladder and go inside to the information room. But beware the pathway will close at 9pm.
In BallardJune 24, 2011
Watching boats going through the locks can be fun, but grab a seat on the grassy hillsides for great people watching also!
Lucky StrikeOctober 25, 2013
Been here 5+ times
Great place to check out how boats are able tiger around, watch out for goose poop it's everywhere!
Celeste ThayerAugust 14, 2014
Look for the underground viewing window, in the right season you will see salmon!
Todd Z.August 5, 2013
Fun to walk the gardens and watch the locks in action.
Carlos SmithAugust 19, 2011
Been here 100+ times
At low tide you can see the salmon better as they approach the fish ladder from the salt water side.
Tammy McCrayApril 1, 2017
Been here 5+ times
My favorite place to picnic in Seattle!
Melody ManwaringJuly 25, 2013
Early morning is my favorite time. No crowds. Very peaceful.
NicoleNovember 1, 2018
Take the free tour! You’ll learn a bunch 😁
Jeff HackmeisterOctober 4, 2011
Been here 10+ times
Watch for jumping salmon and salmon chasing sea lions Read more
Katrina DaskalogianniSeptember 26, 2012
It's really worth taking a tour of the locks and the fish ladder.
Peggy DolaneOctober 19, 2011
yep, it's really that good. (but park on the south side where it's free)
Connie LuOctober 3, 2013
Watch the salmon swim upstream in the underground viewing glass!
David HenstockAugust 26, 2016
Park grounds unexpected bonus to super cool and busy working lock system
dimpleJanuary 25, 2015
What a gorgeous day for a walk in Jan!
AnthonyApril 9, 2012
See live Salmon here. Don't get trapped on the far side when boats pass through.
DustinAugust 14, 2016
Watch some salmon try to swim upstream through the locks
Simone AMarch 6, 2011
Been here 5+ times
Don't miss the fish ladder - see if you can spot the different kinds of salmon.
Asia MinorDecember 14, 2013
Check out the free museum. Fascinating.
Robert EntenmanFebruary 1, 2011
Been here 10+ times
Park on the South side(Magnolia) to avoid paying for parking. Space is limited, but nothing beats free!
Robert A.August 19, 2018
Fast, once you're in the lock
DoraJune 30, 2010
Visit in July for the best views of the salmon on the fish ladder. Powered by ParentsConnect.com Read more
Sian WuFebruary 9, 2012
If you've enjoyed the salmon and the view, check out more ways to help Puget Sound at Read more
Iris HungryJuly 5, 2013
Late August at sunset is the best time to visit!
Zak RicardsDecember 22, 2010
Been here 25+ times
take the Argosy locks tour and check out the fish ladder and the botanical gardens
Bonny FolkestadJune 14, 2012
Loved exploring the neighborhood. Seattle is a beautiful place.
prat krishnanOctober 22, 2010
peaceful and nice. Fun to watch the boats on weekends
Irene MorenteAugust 15, 2018
watch the locks in action; salmon ladder
Alice HuangJanuary 28, 2016
Watch out for the harbor seal!
David ☕️ KleinSeptember 4, 2012
It's totally worth it to wait for the locks to open and close.

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