Salmon Viewing

A community shining light is the Kennedy Creek Salmon Trail. The Trail, built in 2000 has been described as the “premier salmon viewing trail” in the South Puget Sound region by National Geographic’s Traveler magazine. Each year, over 2,500 students from over 80 schools and 2,500 local residents visit the Trail to learn about the salmon life cycle and observe Chum Spawning and courting behaviors. This half-mile long community gem includes 11 informative viewing stations and interpretive signage to assist the visitors as they view tens of thousands of wild chum salmon spawning in their natural environment. The site also has a parking lot specially designed to minimize the impact of visitors on water quality and the environment. Trained volunteer trail guides are available to answer visitor questions and lead scheduled school and organizational groups.

Access to the trail is free for everyone. The Trail is supported directly by visitor donations, and a $2,500 grant from the Squaxin Island Tribe, Olympia Federal Savings and The Dawson Charitable Trust. The land is owned by Taylor Shellfish Farms, who graciously provide access to the Trail and assist with our “Chili and Chowder” fundraiser in November. SPSSEG works diligently to ensure there is a place for local student and our community to learn more about these wild, iconic northwest salmon. Since its inception, the Trail has grown into a local and regional destination for salmon viewing. Media coverage ranges from the local Olympia area newspapers and blogs, to regional magazines such as Sunset and national exposure in the National Geographic Traveler. The word is out about this excellent program.