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By Ellie Friedlob
The salmon season is nearing. This is a spawning year in
the two year cycle of Pink salmon, or humpies, as they are
affectionately known for the prominent hump on their backs,
which makes them easy to spot in the pools and rapids of
rivers and streams.
Though Pinks are not known for
leaping up falls like Chinook and Coho, they still push hard,
something that can be seen best early in the morning. I encourage
you to take some time to go see the “miracle of the
salmon”, as I call
it. Here are a few places to do that this fall:
Lower Canyon
Creek
A few miles before Glacier on the Mt. Baker
Highway, right after you pass the Glacier Springs development
on your left, watch for a place to park just before crossing
the north fork bridge. A two minute walk will take you to
the stream side and a gravelly stream bank. Be careful and
go slow along the gravel banks. Remember, Pinks are
dark fish, but the males, with their humps, are easy to identify.
Thompson
Creek
Continue up the Mt. Baker Highway past the
town of Glacier to Glacier Creek Road on the right. Keep
right at the fork and in a little less than a mile you’ll
see a forested bank. Walk along it carefully. This is ideal
riparian habitat and a public viewing area is planned for
this special site. You’ll see not only Pinks but
possibly some larger Chinook (King) salmon as well. They
do not have the big humps but they are much bigger than the “humpies” and
are slightly bronze in color.
Remember, please, to leave
your dog at home on a salmon viewing trip like this and to
not wade in the creeks or otherwise disturb the fish. They’ve
earned a little peace and quiet.
For more information go
to the Glacier Visitors Center or call Lindsay Taylor of
the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association in Bellingham
at 360/715-0283. |
