There is something oddly fascinating about locks. No, not the locks on doors, the locks that raise and lower boats. Locks don't provide panoramic views and they aren't nearly as dramatic as waterfalls, but for some strange reason, a lot of people are intrigued by the concept of two side-by-side bodies of water on two different levels. Consequently, the Hiram Chittenden Locks are among the most popular attractions in Seattle. These locks, operated by the Army Corps of Engineers, consist of a large lock and a small lock. The latter accommodates barges, large commercial fishing vessels, and the like, while the small lock stays busy shuttling small private boats (including sea kayaks) between the salt water of Puget Sound and the fresh water of the Lake Washington Ship Canal, which connects to both Lake Union and Lake Washington. It's a slow process locking boats back and forth, but none of the onlookers seem to mind, and people on shore and those on the boats often strike up conversations.

When the gates of the lock are closed, it's possible to continue to the far side of the ship canal to the fish ladders and fish-viewing windows that provide opportunities for salmon viewing during the summer months. The chance to see salmon in a fish ladder is as much of a draw as the locks themselves, and in the past the fish runs have also attracted hungry sea lions, which have become regular salmon-swallowing pests.

Also here at the locks, you can stroll the grounds of the Carl S. English Jr. Ornamental Gardens, a city park filled with rare and unusual shrubs and trees. There are free tours of the grounds on Monday and Friday at 1 and 3pm and Saturday and Sunday at 11am and 1 and 3pm.

The locks are located a 10- to 15-minute drive north of downtown. To reach the locks, follow Elliott Avenue north along the waterfront from downtown Seattle; after crossing the Ballard Bridge, drive west on NW Market Street.