The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks is the most popular site along the Lake Washington Ship Canal. The diversity of visitors from around the world attests to its universal appeal. The project is a combination of features: two navigation locks, a spillway dam, a fish ladder, a botanical garden, a regional visitor center and gift shop.

From the Eastside (Bellevue, Issaquah, etc.) - Take Interstate 90 or Hwy 520 westbound to Interstate 5. Follow "From South of Seattle" instructions below. From South of Seattle (Tacoma, Olympia, etc.) - Take Interstate 5 northbound and get off at Exit 169. At stop light, turn left onto NE 45th Street going westbound. Follow 45th through intersection. At Stone Way bear right onto N Midvale Place, then left onto N 46th Street. Stay in right lane and go under Aurora overpass. Continue west on 46th, which curves into NW Market Street. Follow NW Market westbound across 15th Ave NW and through the Ballard business district to the Taco Time. At Taco Time bear left onto NW 54th Street. Turn left immediately after the Lockspot Cafe. This is a city parking lot. From North of Seattle (Shoreline, Everett, etc.) - Take Interstate 5 southbound and get off at Exit 172. Follow exit ramp onto N 85th Street heading westbound. Continue on N 85th Street across Aurora Ave, across 15th Ave NW, to end of road (32nd Ave NW). At stop sign, turn left onto 32nd Ave NW and follow it southbound to end of road, which will be NW 54th St. A 7-11 Store is on your right and Totem House Restaurant is on your left. Turn left on NW 54th Street, then turn right at the Lockspot Cafe. This is a city parking lot. From Downtown Seattle or Hwy 99 Viaduct - If you are in downtown, take Denny Way westbound and follow the road as it curves around to the right. Denny Way turns into Elliott Ave. If you are on the Hwy 99 viaduct (Alaskan Way Viaduct), exit onto Western Ave. Follow Western till it merges with Elliott. Once on Elliott, follow Elliott Ave W northbound, it will curve into 15th Ave W. Continue north on 15th Street, across the Ballard Bridge to Market Street NW (the first traffic light). Turn left at NW Market Street. Follow NW Market westbound through the Ballard business district to the Taco Time. At Taco Time bear left onto NW 54th Street. Turn left immediately after the Lockspot Cafe. This is a city parking lot.