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13 Best Places to See Salmon Spawning Around Seattle, the Eastside and South Sound

The best salmon viewing in rivers and creeks around town

Fiona Cohen
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13 Best Places to See Salmon Spawning Around Seattle, the Eastside and South Sound

Salmon spawning near Seattle
Photo:
Spawning salmon can sometimes be hard to spot. Photo: iStock

Green River and Hatchery Natural Area, Auburn

Green River, Auburn

Location: Gather at Whitney Bridge Park on Southeast Green Valley Road. The best viewing is from the 212th Street bridge. From the west parking lot, walk up to 212th, turn right and follow the broad sidewalk to the bridge for viewing. There is no need to cross this active county road. 

When to see salmon: See Chinook, pink, coho and chum make their way up the Green River, from September through December.

Hatchery Natural Area, Auburn

Location: Also in Auburn, head to the natural area adjacent to the Soos Creek Hatchery at 13030 Auburn-Black Diamond Road.

When to see salmon: Spot Chinook and coho returning to the hatchery in the fall.

Next stop: Longfellow Creek

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