Clark’s Creek, Puyallup
Leave the car at Puyallup’s Clark’s Creek Park and follow a short trail to a footbridge overlooking spawning chum salmon, starting in November. The main run is in December.
Info: www.wdfw.wa.gov/fish/chum

Minter Creek Hatchery, Gig Harbor
Visitors can tour the hatchery (12710 125th Ave. Court KPN) and then walk three-quarters of a mile down a gravel road to view a large run of chum and coho salmon, starting in November.
Info: 253-857-5077

Capitol Lake, Olympia
View incoming chinook from the Fifth Avenue Southwest bridge in September and early October. Volunteer salmon stewards will be available to give information on evenings and weekends.
Info: 360-753-8454

Deschutes River, Tumwater
Watch spawning chinook in Tumwater Falls Park in September and early October. Salmon stewards will be on hand evenings and weekends.
Info: www.olytumfoundation.org/park.html, 360-754-4148

McLane Creek Nature Trail, Capitol State Forest
This gentle nature loop offers streamside views of spawning chum salmon in November and December. Stream stewards will be there on Saturdays and Sundays from about Nov. 10 to Dec. 9. From Olympia, drive west on Mud Bay Road. Turn left onto Delphi Road. Turn right at the sign for the trail.
Info: 360-357-2491

Kennedy Creek, Mason County, northwest of Olympia
Around 40,000 chum cram into the lower two miles of this creek to spawn each fall. Best viewing is from a half-mile interpretive trail. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 3 to Dec. 2. From Highway 101, turn west at Old Pacific Highway. Follow the sign onto a gravel road to Kennedy Creek.
Info: 360-427-9436

Fiona Cohen is a Seattle-based freelance journalist.

Salmon-watching tips

First time out? Here are some tips so you know what to expect.

• Bring binoculars for a better view of the salmon’s physical changes.
  
  
• Dress to stay warm — watching salmon is a quiet activity.
  
  
• Keep pooches leashed (if dogs are allowed). A dead salmon might look like an irresistible snack.
  
  
• If you see a dead fish, leave it where it is. The ecosystem needs them!
  
  
• The salmon are hard at work. Don’t disturb them in any way.
  
  
• Stay out of the water. Who needs wet feet in October, anyway?