Hiram M. Chittenden (Ballard) Locks and salmon ladder

The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (Ballard Locks) connect the freshwater Lake Washington Ship Canal to saltwater Puget Sound and include a fish ladder used to monitor and assist migrating salmon. The site has long been a local gathering spot for people watching salmon runs, and sea lions have periodically been observed near the locks while following fish. The locks are operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and are a documented feature of Seattle's maritime infrastructure.