12 Best Places to See Salmon Spawning Around Seattle and the Eastside
Photo:
Salmon in the fish ladder at the Ballard Locks swim past the viewing windows. Photo: iStock
Ballard Locks, Seattle
At the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, commonly known as the Ballard Locks, boats of all sizes ease in and out of Seattle’s ship canal. A few yards away, spawning salmon thrash their way up a 21-step fish ladder, which is actually more like a staircase of water.
From the refurbished viewing area, you can watch the salmon swim through the 18th “step” through underwater windows. Whether you spot a salmon or not, the Ballard Locks make a great destination for families any time of year.
Location: 3015 N.W. 54th St., Seattle
When to see salmon: Peak salmon viewing times are in August and September, and some stragglers continue through October. The visitor center is currently open Wednesday–Sunday (closed Monday and Tuesday), 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Be sure to check the website for updates, the open hours will shift Oct. 1, 2024.
More info: Check Salmon SEEson Ballard or call 206-783-7059. The Ballard Locks Facebook page also has helpful info.
Next spot: Cedar River
