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See salmon run |
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Oct 01, 2007 |
What can your children learn from a fish? Plenty — about determination, perseverance, and the weird and fascinating drama of nature.
Every year, Pacific salmon travel hundreds of miles through the ocean, navigating storms and slipping past predators and fishermen’s nets, focused relentlessly on arriving at the local streams where they were hatched.
Their purpose: to mate and bury their eggs in the stream bottom before they die.
In September and October, sockeye and Chinook (also known as “king”) arrive in the area. In November, chum and coho take their turn in fresh water.
By the time they fight their way into the creeks, the salmon’s sleek bodies have been transformed. Males’ jaws become hooked (except for coho, whose females also develop a less-pronounced hooked jaw), and their silver scales take on earthier tones. Chinook darken to copper, sockeye turn red with green heads, chum grow reddish stripes and coho sport green backs and red bellies. They no longer eat, and white fungus often forms blotches on their skins.
While they’re alive, the salmon keep going in spite of the difficulty of their journey. They battle the current to swim upstream, and compete with each other to win mates and spawning spots. They die soon after spawning, and as they decompose, their bodies fertilize the streams.
Why not take your kids to watch this action? Spawning salmon are clearly visible from a number of local vantage points. It’s a chance for your family to get outdoors and learn about an amazing part of the region’s natural history. And don’t feel silly if you find yourself cheering a fish — people do it all the time!
Pipers Creek, Carkeek Park, Seattle
Hundreds of chum return to this North Seattle creek in November and December, making it the city’s best spot to view a salmon run. Volunteer salmon stewards are around weekends from early November through early December to answer questions. Call for exact dates: 206-684-0877.
Info: www.seattle.gov/parks/environment/carkeek.htm
Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, Seattle
While locks ease boats in and out of Seattle’s ship canal, returning salmon thrash their way up a 21-step fish ladder. You can watch the salmon on the 18th step through underwater windows. Peak viewing times are in late summer, but there are still some fish coming through in the fall.
Info: 206-783-7059
Cedar River, Renton
Sockeye run this river from mid-September into early November. The prime spots for viewing are at the Renton Public Library, Riverview Park and Cavanaugh Pond (north side of Maple Valley Highway and Landsburg Park). Volunteer naturalists will be at each of these places from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturdays from Oct. 13 through Nov. 3, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. the last two Sundays in October.
Info: www.cedarriver.org/about/cedarriversalmonjourney.shtml, 206-245-0143
Sammamish River, Redmond
Get a peek at Chinook, coho and sockeye salmon in the heart of Redmond from the Sammamish River Trail on the east side of the 90th Street Bridge. Naturalists will run spotting stations along the trail from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Oct. 6 and 27.
Info: 425-556-2822
Bear Creek, near Redmond
There are two prime spots to see Bear Creek’s thriving sockeye runs. One is at Classic Nursery, 12526 Avondale Road N.E., Redmond (425-882-1846). The other is from the Tolt Pipeline Trail. Park at the end of Northeast 148th Street and walk a quarter-mile east along the trail. Volunteers will be on hand on Oct. 4 from 3 to 6 p.m. and Oct. 6 from 1 to 4 p.m. Info: 425-788-5083
Cottage Lake Creek, near Redmond
Take Avondale Road north out of Redmond. Turn right at Northeast 140th Place and follow the road, which will turn into 194th Avenue N.E. Watch for a paved trail on the right. Park nearby. Follow the trail through wetlands to the bridge over Cottage Lake Creek. Best times for viewing are September through November.
Info: 425-556-2822
Issaquah Creek, Issaquah
The Issaquah Salmon Hatchery (125 West Sunset Way) offers creekside viewing along with glass windows into the fish ladders and interactive displays. Chinook and sockeye pass through in September and October. Coho follow in November.
Info: www.issaquahfish.org, 425-427-0259
Fiona Cohen is a Seattle-based freelance journalist.
Salmon-watching tips
First time out? Here are some tips so you know what to expect.
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Bring binoculars for a better view of the salmon’s physical changes.
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Dress to stay warm — watching salmon is a quiet activity.
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Keep pooches leashed (if dogs are allowed). A dead salmon might look like an irresistible snack.
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If you see a dead fish, leave it where it is. The ecosystem needs them!
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The salmon are hard at work. Don’t disturb them in any way.
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Stay out of the water. Who needs wet feet in October, anyway?
Salmon Festivals
Issaquah Salmon Days Festival
Oct. 6-7, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., free admission
The festival gives you a chance to watch returning fish in action along with thousands of other people. Plus, enjoy a parade, browse arts and crafts for sale, and head to the Field of Fun for lots of kids’ activities.
www.salmondays.org
Carkeek Park Watershed Celebration
Nov. 23, noon-2 p.m., free
Gather at the Environmental Learning Center for an open house, then trek down to Pipers Creek to look for salmon in the water. www.seattle.gov/parks/environment/carkeek.htm, 206-684-0877
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