The annual salmon runs in Washington State offer a natural spectacle, drawing wildlife enthusiasts and those interested in the region’s ecological heritage. These migrations are deeply interwoven with the cultural fabric and environmental health of the Pacific Northwest. Witnessing thousands of salmon battling upstream to their spawning grounds provides a glimpse into the cycles of nature.
Washington’s Iconic Salmon Species and Their Run Seasons
Washington is home to five Pacific salmon species, each with distinct run seasons that vary by river system and environmental factors like water temperature and flow rates.
Chinook salmon, often called King salmon, typically run from June through August, with some continuing into early September. Peak viewing for Chinook usually occurs in August. Spring Chinook are seen from May through August, while fall Chinook runs are prominent in October and November.
Coho salmon, or Silver salmon, migrate during summer and fall. Their peak presence often spans July, August, and September, with late September being a good time for viewing.
Sockeye salmon, or Red salmon, are summer-run fish, with peak numbers typically seen in July, though they can be present from June through October.
Chum salmon, sometimes called Dog salmon, generally run later in the year. Most fall Chum runs occur from September through December, with some extending into January in rivers like the Nisqually. In southern Puget Sound, the largest numbers of Chum salmon typically arrive between late October and early December.
Pink salmon, or Humpies, appear in significant numbers only in odd-numbered years, such as 2025. Their peak presence in Puget Sound is usually from mid-August into September.
Prime Viewing Locations for Salmon Runs
Washington State provides numerous opportunities to observe salmon runs.
- The Ballard Locks in Seattle features a fish ladder and an underwater viewing room where visitors can watch Chinook, Coho, and Sockeye salmon migrate upstream.
- The Issaquah Salmon Hatchery offers prime viewing of returning Chinook and Coho salmon from late August through November, with viewing windows and a fish ladder.
- Rivers within Olympic National Park, such as the Sol Duc River, offer natural viewing experiences, particularly at the Salmon Cascades Overlook in late September and early October.
- The Duwamish River in the Seattle/Tukwila area has several accessible viewing points, including Codiga Park, Duwamish Gardens, and the Tukwila Urban Center Pedestrian Bridge, where multiple salmon species can be seen.
- Along the Sammamish River Trail in Redmond, observers can spot Chinook, Coho, and Sockeye salmon during September and October.
- For those interested in Chum salmon, the Kennedy Creek Salmon Trail in Mason County is a notable location, typically open for viewing on weekends from November to December.
- The Rocky Reach Dam Fish Ladder near Wenatchee allows visitors to see salmon and steelhead, with Chinook visible in May and August, Sockeye in July, and steelhead in September.
The Journey of Salmon
The life cycle of salmon begins and ends in freshwater, yet encompasses vast oceanic migrations. It typically involves several stages: egg, alevin, fry, parr, smolt, and the adult ocean phase, culminating in the return to spawn. The cycle commences in the fall when female salmon deposit their eggs in gravel nests, known as redds, on the river or stream bed. These eggs typically incubate for two to three months before hatching.
Newly hatched salmon, called alevins, remain hidden within the gravel, sustained by a yolk sac for three to four months. Once the yolk sac is absorbed, they emerge as fry, feeding on small plankton and aquatic insects. As they grow, some species, like Pink and Chum, head directly to sea, while others, such as Sockeye, Chinook, and Coho, may spend more time in freshwater, developing into parr with camouflaging vertical markings.
The next stage is the smolt, during which young salmon undergo physiological changes to adapt to saltwater before migrating to the ocean. They spend one to seven years in the ocean, feeding and growing, with the exact duration depending on the species. Mature adult salmon embark on their journey back to natal streams, guided by the Earth’s magnetic field and their acute sense of smell, to spawn. Most Pacific salmon species die after spawning.
Responsible Salmon Viewing
Observing salmon runs is a privilege that comes with the responsibility of minimizing human impact on these ecosystems. Maintain a respectful distance from the fish, allowing them to continue their journey undisturbed. Avoid entering the water or disturbing spawning beds, as walking on redds can crush salmon eggs. Staying on marked trails and designated viewing areas helps protect riparian habitats and prevents erosion.
Adhering to local regulations is important, whether at a hatchery or a natural river setting. When fishing, anglers should minimize handling of fish, especially those intended for release, by keeping them in the water and using appropriate tools to remove hooks. Protecting these events ensures that future generations can witness the journey of salmon. This respect extends to recognizing the deep cultural connections Indigenous peoples have with salmon, acknowledging their stewardship of these lands and waters for millennia.