Marvel at Migratory Magic

Where to See Spawning Salmon in Seattle

Catch the salmon migration in Seattle Southside and witness this wonder of nature.

Salmon are a keystone species here in the Pacific Northwest, and play such an integral role that they take center stage in many myths and legends of the local native peoples of the Puget Sound. Their annual migration back up the rivers that feed into the Sound was reflected in the belief that salmon are immortal, their souls reborn into a new body each year. However, the runs were not a promised guarantee - should people behave inappropriately and anger the salmon, they may not return to those waters.

Sadly, due to overfishing and pollution, many salmon runs are currently being threatened, and in turn the many other animals in the food chain that rely on the salmon runs (including our Resident Orca population) are also being threatened. However, thanks to the stewardship of native tribes and scientists working in tandem to protect our waters, the population of salmon is being protected for generations to come.

Salmon Spawning Science

There are five species of salmon that spawn in Washington state: Chinook (aka King), pink, Coho, chum, and sockeye. All five are an important part of the ecosystem, but Chinook are an especially important part of the Puget Sound's food chain as they are the primary food source for the critically endangered Southern Resident Orca population. While the orcas will also feed on Coho and chum salmon, as well as some other fish, the Chinook is the variety of salmon that these beautiful creatures rely on the most.

Salmon are an example of anadromous fish - that is, fish who use freshwater environments for spawning and reproduction and saltwater for feeding and growing as adults. After salmon hatch and develop into fry, they will slowly begin making their way downstream towards the ocean, where they will mature into adults. Salmon return to the stream where they're spawned as an efficiency measure - after all, why waste time and energy looking for a safe place to spawn when you know where one is from your own birth? Scientists believe that salmon can tell directions in the ocean by the earth's magnetic field acting like a compass. When they find the river they came from they start using their sense of smell, which is stronger than that of a dog or a bear, to find their way back to their home stream. They build their "smell memory-bank" when they start migrating to the ocean as young fish.

This amazing migration takes place every year, and here in Seattle Southside we're lucky enough to be surrounded by great places to see the salmon.

Best Places to Watch the Salmon Run Near Seattle Southside

Ballard Locks

Miller Creek

Issaquah Salmon Days

More Salmon Watching Resources

Duwamish Gardens

Not only does Duwamish Gardens boast fantastic art relating to the history of the First Nations who lived on this land, but it's a restored salmon habitat as well! Spot pink salmon from July through September, Chinook and coho in August and September, and chum from October through November. And while you're there, don't forget to check out the artwork depicting native legends, which was featured on our Scenes Trail.

Ballard Locks

The Ballard Locks, located in Seattle in the Lake Washington Ship Canal that connects Lake Washington to the Puget Sound, were designed to raise and lower ships to allow them entry to the canal. But they've also built in a fantastic fish ladder with a viewing room that allows for great views of the salmon as they migrate upstream. Three species of Pacific Salmon pass through the Locks during the summer months and, from there, travel 40-50 miles upriver to spawn:

Sockeye (Red) - Runs have been declining over the years and numbers vary widely. Recently the average has been around 25,000 per year, with peak viewing mid-June to mid-July.
Chinook (King) - Average around 15,000 per year, peak viewing in August.
Coho (Silver) - Average around 25,000 per year, peak viewing in September.

While parking can sometimes be a bit tough in Ballard, you can always take the Link Light Rail and connect to a bus to get to the locks.

Miller Creek

This unassuming little creek in Normandy Park is a great place to check out coho salmon from mid-October through mid-November and chum from mid-November through early December. Look up and down the creek in a photo tour to explore spots you might not normally be able to reach!

Tukwila Urban Center Pedestrian Bridge

This beautiful bridge isn't just part of a lovely trail, it's a great place to see the salmon! Go during quiet morning hours for your best chance of spotting fish. Pink salmon can be spotted from July through September, Chinook and coho in August and September, and chum can be seen in October and November.

Issaquah Salmon Days

This annual festival celebrates the return of the salmon to Issaquah Creek, and is an arts, culture and music celebration that takes place in early October every year. With multiple viewing sites for salmon along the Issaquah Crrek, this fun and family-friendly event is a great way to see the salmon and have a good time to boot! The 2023 Salmon Days will take place October 7th and 8th, with festivities centered around the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery. It's also considered one of the best outdoor festivals in America, according to Outside magazine. Keep your eyes peeled for a very rare salmon sighting - Sammy the Salmon, a king salmon mascot for the festival!

More Salmon Watching Resources

A great map of local places to see salmon can be found on the King County Salmon SEEson Website. All of these locations are conveniently located within easy driving distance of Seattle Southside. If you're exploring the Green/Duwamish River, check out this free activity booklet to help guide you on your journey! You can also learn how to spot different kinds of salmon on the King County website. If you want expert information, naturalists from the Seattle Aquarium give regular talks along the Cedar River Journey to teach more about the salmon migration.

No matter where you go to see the salmon, Seattle Southside is an ideal home base for all your salmon adventures. When you stay here, all the locations listed above (and many more!) are within an easy day trip, plus you can add in more Pacific Northwest adventures like going whale watching, seeing the sights of downtown Seattle, or visiting Mt. Rainier.