What is the best way to see the Locks? I thought about the Grayline tour because you actually get to go thru the Locks on the Argosy boat , but in talking w/ them today I found out that you do not get to get close enough to the ladders to really see anything. I had read watching the salmon run & the seals trying to catch them was enjoyable.
I don't think we will have a car while in Seattle.BTW, there are four of us all adults.

You definitely don't get close enough to see the ladders. I did the Argosy tour last year and really enjoyed it but wish I had more time to go back up and walk around the locks.

Drive or take the bus over to the Locks park! Easy drive to the far end of Ballard. It's a great outing and you shouldn't miss the salmon ladder. You can stand and wave at the boat passengers as they wait ina long line to go from one side to the next. Beautiful gardens are all around you and some fun sculpture.

The locks are located at 3015 NW 54TH ST, and you can get there on bus #17, which leaves from several places downtown. Here is the link to plan your trip:

http://transit.metrokc.gov/

I forgot to mention, when we were at the locks two weeks ago they salmon were running in great profusion.

I agree, it is worth a visit.

HTTY--The guys were there yesterday and said it was great.

It is great. I've never seen seals there, though, so don't get your hopes up for that.

SCRASS, when I did the tour last year, we didn't even have to wait. Talk about luck of the draw

Salmon only run at certain times of year.

I've never seen seals at the ladder.

So.. we can take the bus from Virginia & 3rd correct? Where do we get off?

Tell the driver that you want to get off at the locks, and he or she will let you know when you have arrived there.

It's about eight miles from downtown. You will cross the Ballard Bridge and go through Ballard (a former fishing and mill town now incorporated into Seattle) to get there.

from the locks you can head to Shilshole Bay and many times there are sealions just lounging on the rocks and docks. You can hear them if they are there!

I was just there last week and there were plenty of fish in the locks visible from the visitor center. It is not too far from Discovery Park so you might want to visit that too if you have time and have transportation. It is a beautiful park!

JoniC

will the salmon still be running in Sept? It the locks trip a good one to take then? How much time does the trip to Tillcum Village take and also the locks trip/ If I have a car and stay in downtown seattle- how to get to the locks by car? Thanks

If my friends and I take a taxi to the Locks what else can we do within walking distance? Would we need to take another taxi to the Freemont area or is it walkable?

It's too far to walk from the Locks to Fremont imo (well I guess it's possible but it'd be one LONG walk -lol!)

Do you have a map of Seattle?

but you could walk back up into old Ballard (Ballard Ave and Market St) there are lots of cute shops, bars, restos, etc. From there you could get a cab back to downtown.