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Naturalist Trip - Kennedy Creek

The primary goal of this trip was to view the Chum salmon run, and they didn't disappoint. Recent rainfall has allowed a good number of salmon to enter the creek and we were able to witness classic spawning behavior.

Becky Andrade Becky Andrade
November 10, 2024
  • Road suitable for all vehicles

  • We visited four viewing stations where we saw salmon swimming, resting, digging redds, and spawning.  Trails were wide and easily traveled - in fact most of the trails we were on were ADA suitable.  They were wet and leaf covered, but there weren't any logs or mud, and walking was easy.  We arrived at 9:00 to a parking lot with only one or two other cars; the lot was over-flowing when we left around 11:00.  

The salmon trail will be open to the public on weekends through Thanksgiving from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and there are many informational/educational displays along the trail.  We saw a lot of salmon today in various phases of travel and spawning.  We saw 4 to 5 dead salmon, and they will become more numerous as the season progresses.  As time goes on the odor of salmon decomposing will become strong, but the opportunity to see wildlife scavenging the carcasses will increase as well - especially bald eagles.  Two clean and well-stocked port-a-toilets were at the trailhead.