Ballard Fish Ladder
Good for: Anyone and everyone!
- Address
- 3015 NW 54th St
- Phone
- visitors center: 206-783-7059
- Hours
- ladder & gardens 7am-9pm, visitors center 10am-6pm May-Sep, 10am-4pm Thu-Mon Oct-Apr
Lonely Planet review for Ballard Fish Ladder
On the southern side of the Hiram M Chittenden Locks, the fish ladder was built in 1976 to allow salmon to fight their way to spawning grounds in the Cascade headwaters of the Sammamish River, which feeds Lake Washington. Visitors can watch the fish from underwater glass-sided tanks or from above (there are nets to keep salmon from over-leaping and stranding themselves on the pavement). Sea lions munch on the salmon while the fish attempt to negotiate the ladder. Just what to do about the sea lions has stymied environmentalists, anglers and the local Fish & Wildlife Department. The best time to visit is during spawning season, from mid-June to September.
Traveller reviews for Ballard Fish Ladder (1)
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A must see..especially in the summer...bring the kids!
otteergirl1 recommends this,
This is a wonderful place to bring your kids, especially when they need to run and blow off steam! A perfect teaching area, see salmon(kids go crazy when they see the salmon through the fish ladder windows), fish, herons and their nests, eagles, geese (one has a nest in the rosebed)seagulls and seal lions,tour the rose garden and watch the boats come through the locks. Later, sit on the grassy hillside, have a picnic (stepped so you dont roll!) and watch the boats go by, the seagulls dive for fish and the people enjoying themselves. Sundays, the parking is free! Don't plan on feeding the seagulls or the geese..by restricting the feeding the area is clear of poo...well, almost!
Good for: Anyone and everyone!
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