We know you all are asking about this annual field trip! Here’s the scoop…So females are not returning. With lack of rain and warm temperatures, they have barely started. So let's all do a rain dance because these fish need to know it’s fall!
We are tentatively looking/hoping to have this field trip when the fish return. Tentatively Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday October 20, 21 or 22nd but we can’t give a specific date yet.
So mark your RSVP to follow for changes and event updates as the rain comes and brings the fish back home to spawn. 🗓️
Salmon Spawning!
End of life cycle studies!
This type of salmon is Fall Chinook, and the adults returning this year are about 4 years old.
Pretty crazy, they were released from Samish Hatchery when they were only a few months old, traveled most likely to Alaska and back to this exact spot!
Fun fact, the Fall Chinook make up over 40% of the resident Orcas diet!
The Samish River will also have Coho coming back, the brightly colored ones! They are trying to rebuild that population on its own, so Coho will spawn in Friday Creek on their own. Hopefully there are some passing through though during our field trip, they are so pretty!
Note: there are 2 locations for Samish Hatchery.
Address for this Fall Field Trip: 6595 N Green Rd. Burlington WA 98233.
This part of the Salmon life cycle, fish are coming up the fish ladder. This is 1 mile south of Samish Hatchery.
In early spring, eggs will be hatching at the northern part of the facility, directly behind Pamona Grange. That could be another fun field trip to see the whole life cycle!
Students from Bellingham Technical College come to volunteer during this time, for older kiddos looking into future studies.
Parking on N Green Rd near the entrance.
Also! Pamona Grange Park along Hwy 99 or Donovan Park on Friday Creek Road is a great spot for a picnic lunch afterwards if anyone is interested!
Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Burlington.
