Also known as the Ballard Locks, the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks serves as the link between the Puget Sound and Lake Union and Lake Washington. Constructed back in 1917, these locks serve to allow sailboats, yachts, ocean liners, and other watercraft to cross from the lakes to the sound safely, without allowing the fresh and saltwater to intermingle. Visitors enjoy watching the locks adjust the water level for the boats as they sail past, and the fish ladder gives people a chance to watch as the salmon return from the ocean. Other attractions include a visitors’ center and the Carl S. English, Jr Botanical Gardens.
The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks are located north of our motel in Puyallup, near Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood. See the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks website to learn more.