Salmon runs at Ballard Locks fish ladder viewing area — live counts
Ballard Locks fish ladder viewing area: Grounds & Gardens: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily. Fish Ladder Viewing: 7:00 AM – 8:45 PM daily. Visitor Center & Museum: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily (May through September) and Thursday through Monday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (October through April)..
Ballard Locks is a historic Seattle waterway landmark and the busiest locking system in the Nation, operated by the Army Corps of Engineers since 1917. It is a National Historic Site and top tourist attraction where visitors can explore the Visitor Center/Museum, watch ships and boats, learn about salmon, and tour the locks.
Data as of October 1, 2026 · Sources: WDFW
Details
- Address
- 3015 NW 54th St, Seattle, WA 98107
- Hours
- Grounds & Gardens: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily. Fish Ladder Viewing: 7:00 AM – 8:45 PM daily. Visitor Center & Museum: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily (May through September) and Thursday through Monday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (October through April).
- Fees
- Free
- Parking
- Parking available
- Notes
- Busiest locking system in the Nation
Common questions
- Are salmon runs active at Ballard Locks fish ladder viewing area right now?
- Ballard Locks fish ladder viewing area is open Grounds & Gardens: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily. Fish Ladder Viewing: 7:00 AM – 8:45 PM daily. Visitor Center & Museum: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily (May through September) and Thursday through Monday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (October through April)..
More places nearby
- Salmon runs at Ballard Locks Fish Ladder
- Salmon runs at Bear Creek (trail behind Keep It Simple, 12526 Avondale Road NE, Redmond) — live counts
- Salmon runs at Carkeek Park (Piper's Creek) — live counts
- Salmon runs at Cedar River Salmon Journey - Landsburg Park and Dam — live counts
- Salmon runs at Chinook Bend Natural Area, Carnation — live counts
- Salmon runs at Duwamish Gardens Park (Tukwila) — live counts
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