How much does it cost to go through the Ballard Locks?
free
It’s currently free to travel through the Locks. Given all the recent tolls in our area — I-405, the 520 bridge and the Highway 99 tunnel when it opens in 2019 — what do you think of the idea to toll non-commercial boats at the Ballard Locks?
How do the Seattle locks work?
Here in the small lock, boats are headed west out to Puget Sound. Once in the lock, the water level drops as much as 26 feet to bring the boats even with Puget Sound. The fresh water is exchanged with salt water. Ten to fifteen minutes after the process began, the boats are on their way.
How do I get to Ballard Locks?
The Locks can be accessed from either Ballard or Magnolia. The Locks are open from 7 AM to 9 PM; the fish ladder viewing room closes at 8:45 PM. The Visitor’s Center is open from 10 AM to 4 PM, with extended hours during the summer. From the Ballard side, just follow Market Street west from 15th Ave NW.
Why are there locks in Seattle?
Chittenden Locks was completed in 1917 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Connecting the waters of Lake Washington, Lake Union, and Salmon Bay to the tidal waters of Puget Sound, the canal and locks allow recreational and commercial vessels to travel to the docks and warehouses of Seattle’s busy fresh water harbor.
Is the Ballard Locks free?
The Ballard Locks are FREE to visit, with a paid parking lot along 3015 NW 54th St in Ballard.
How long do the Ballard Locks take to fill?
Unless there are long lines, which are more likely to form in the summer, the entire process takes about 10-15 minutes, after which you can continue out to Shilshole Bay and Puget Sound. There are many great kayaking routes in Puget Sound, but taking a trip through the Ballard Locks is hands down the most unique.
Can you kayak through the Ballard Locks?
Note that while recreational kayaks and canoes are allowed through the locks, standup paddleboards are not. Ballard Kayak offers group tours from Golden Gardens through the locks and back again.
Are the Ballard Locks open Covid?
The entire Ballard Locks area closed to pedestrians at the start of the pandemic last year, however maritime traffic has been unaffected by the COVID-19 closures. In October, the U.S. Army Corps reopened the botanical gardens, but limited pedestrian access to the park grounds.
Can you cross the Ballard Locks?
You can walk across the Lock chambers from either side. City of Seattle limited metered parking is at the North main entrance. Sunday parking is free. Tour and school busses have free parking zones on both the North and South sides of the the Shipping Canal.
Are Ballard Locks free?
Can you walk across Ballard Locks at night?
Gates will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Because crossing the Ballard Bridge is such an awful experience on foot or bike, the walkways across the Locks have long been a popular and useful option for people trying to get to the other side of the Ship Canal without going all the way to Fremont.
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.
Can I walk across Ballard Locks?
Can you walk across Ballard Locks?
What are the Ballard Locks in Seattle?
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.
What is the purpose of the Washington State locks?
The locks and associated facilities serve three purposes: To maintain the water level of the fresh water Lake Washington and Lake Union at 20–22 feet (6.1–6.7 m) above sea level, or more specifically, 20.6 ft (6.3 m) above Puget Sound’s mean low tide.
Where are the Chittenden Locks?
An aerial view of the locks, facing west. The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, or Ballard Locks, is a complex of locks at the west end of Salmon Bay, in Seattle, Washington’s Lake Washington Ship Canal, between the neighborhoods of Ballard to the north and Magnolia to the south.
How do boats travel through the Washington State locks?
Boats as large as 760 feet in length and as small as a kayak can travel through the locks. This is the large boat lock. Here in the small lock, boats are headed west out to Puget Sound. Once in the lock, the water level drops as much as 26 feet to bring the boats even with Puget Sound. The fresh water is exchanged with salt water.