Fall is here, and salmon are returning to streams and rivers around Puget Sound. Watch for these natural beauties at the listed spots as they make their seasonal journey.
Here are the best places and times to see the salmon:
Best viewing through September (free tours/talks twice a day)
Chittenden Locks in Seattle (Ballard neighborhood)
For more information: 206-783-7059 or search web for “Chittenden Locks”
September and October (call for details)
Locations along the Sammamish River Trail in Redmond
For more information: 425-556-2845 or bsullivan@redmond.gov
Every Saturday through November 5, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Issaquah Salmon Hatchery on Issaquah Creek, 125 W. Sunset Way
For more information: 425-392-8025 or www.issaquahfish.org
Late September to mid-November; every day (weather dependent) during business hours
Bear Creek in Redmond, 12526 Avondale Road N.E.
For more information: Linda at 425-882-1846 or lyhussey@comcast.net
*Self-guided tours
Throughout October
Mercer Slough fish ladder on Kelsey Creek in Bellevue
Call or email first: 425-452-5200 or streamteam@bellevuewa.gov
*Self-guided tours
October 15, 16, 22, 23, 29 and 30 (11 a.m.-4 p.m. each day)
Five locations along the Cedar River near Renton
For more information: 206-245-0143 or www.cedarriver.org
On weekends from November 12 to December 11 (11 a.m.- 2 p.m. each day) and November 25 with special activities (11 a.m. -1 p.m.)
Piper’s Creek in Seattle’s Carkeek Park
For more information: 206-684-5999 or www.seattle.gov/parks/environment/carkeek.htm
Early November through late January (new – see kokanee salmon!)
Ebright Creek at the East Lake Sammamish Trail, Sammamish, and Lewis Creek at 185th Pl. S.E., Issaquah
Call 206-263-3661 first to make sure fish are visible
*Self-guided tours
For more information on these opportunities, visit www.kingcounty.gov/salmon and click on “Salmon SEEson.” Also on the website, you can learn how to protect salmon and their habitat this fall and year-round.
