Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (Ballard Locks) fish ladder

The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, commonly called the Ballard Locks, include a fish ladder that lets migrating salmon travel between Puget Sound and Lake Washington. The salmon ladder and public viewing areas attract photographers during seasonal runs and images of the fish and viewing crowds are frequently shared online. The locks complex opened in 1917 and is operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; it also features nearby botanical gardens and visitor facilities. The site is a notable Seattle spot for nature photography and social-media posts.