Out + About/The Great Outdoors

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

By Fiona Cohen

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

See salmon spawning at Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls, where a fish ladder helps salmon get upstream in the Deschutes River
Photo:
A fish ladder helps salmon get upstream in the Deschutes River. Photo: iStock

Deschutes River, Tumwater

Watch spawning Chinook in Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls (formerly Tumwater Falls Park) in late September and early October, open from 8 a.m.–7 p.m. This incredible park has a fish ladder, which helps salmon make their way upstream. Walk the half-mile trail, watch the falls and enjoy a picnic on the lawn. It’s farther out than other salmon viewing spots, but worth the drive. (Tip: This park is dog-friendly and features a historic playground and picnic eating areas. Plenty of fun for your whole family!)

Location: Head to Brewery Park, located at 110 Deschutes Way S.W. in Tumwater.

When to see salmon: August through October

Last stop: Kennedy Creek

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About the Author

Fiona Cohen

By Fiona Cohen

Fiona Cohen lives, writes and grows tomatoes in Seattle. She has a passion for the natural history of the Pacific Coast. She has two children who still talk to her, and not just when they require transportation somewhere. She is the author of Curious Kids Nature Guide by Sasquatch Books.

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