Are the Ballard Locks open to visitors?

The Visitor Center at the Ballard Locks 30. It’s open Thursday through Monday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Oct. 1 to April 30. You can learn about the history of the locks, attend talks, shop at the gift shop, and sign up for a free, hour-long, walking tour of the locks.

What do the Ballard Locks do?

The locks and associated facilities serve three purposes: To maintain the water level of the fresh water Lake Washington and Lake Union at 20 to 22 feet above sea level. To prevent the mixing of sea water from Puget Sound with the fresh water of the lakes (saltwater intrusion).

Can you cross the Ballard Locks right now?

You can walk across the Lock chambers from either side. City of Seattle metered parking is available at the North main entrance. Sunday parking is free. Tour and school busses have free parking zones on both North and South side of the the Shipping Canal.

When should I go to Ballard Locks?

There’s no doubt the best time to visit the Ballard Locks is between July and late September. The salmon migration shouldn’t be missed in Seattle. It’s an annual event that makes the Northwest so unique.

How long does it take to get through the Ballard Locks?

Some times in may take an hour or more before you get through and no one wants to idle that long. One last thing, when heading into the lake, you’ll be going up in the locks. Heading to the sound, you’ll be going down.

Are dogs allowed in the Ballard Locks?

Dogs are welcome. Dogs must be leashed and cleaned up after at all times.

Can you fish at the Ballard Locks?

The locks are also a critical link for salmon and steelhead heading upstream to spawn. A fish ladder with 21 steps or “weirs” allows spawning fish to climb to the freshwater side (illustration). Young fish, or “smolts” (above) then return down through the locks out to Puget Sound.

Are salmon running in Ballard Locks?

The 2021 sockeye run returning through the fish ladder at the Ballard Locks is another low year, after last year’s record low return. Sockeye are affected by the changing climate, with variable ocean conditions and warming of streams and lakes.

Can you kayak through Ballard Locks?

Guided Kayaking Adventures The Ballard Locks is the second most visited tourist attraction in Seattle. Instead of going TO IT, go THROUGH IT! Our guides will paddle you through Ballard’s scenic Shilshole Bay, where you will likely see multiple seals, sea lions, osprey and great blue herons.

Can dogs go to the locks?

There are free guided tours, a theater program, interpretive exhibits, museum/visitor center, cultural/historic sites, and plenty of hiking areas. Dogs are allowed throughout the park, but neither dogs nor people are allowed off the designated paths.

What’s the name of the Ballard lock in Seattle?

Website | Map. Officially known as the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, the Ballard Locks is one of Seattle’s most popular tourist attractions, especially during the sunny months. The grounds also feature a fish ladder and the Carl S. English Jr.

How did the construction of the Ballard Locks affect Lake Washington?

The construction of the locks profoundly reshaped the topography of Seattle and the surrounding area, lowering the water level of Lake Washington and Lake Union by 8.8 feet (2.7 m), adding miles of new waterfront land, reversing the flow of rivers, and leaving piers in the eastern half of Salmon Bay high and dry.

How tall are the Chittenden Locks in Seattle?

The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (locally known as the Ballard Locks) is a waterway system that connects the saltwater of the Puget Sound to the fresh water of the Ship Canal, which sits about 20 feet above sea level. Boats enter the locks, the gates…more.

What are the hours for the Ballard Locks?

You can lounge on the grass and watch the boats go by. The Ballard Locks also features a visitor’s center with interpretive exhibits and a gift shop. Visiting hours for the locks and surrounding garden is 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. year-round. The fish ladder is open 7 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. year-round.

Are the Ballard Locks open to visitors? The Visitor Center at the Ballard Locks 30. It’s open Thursday through Monday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Oct. 1 to April 30. You can learn about the history of the locks, attend talks, shop at the gift shop, and sign up for a free, hour-long, walking…