About this event
We invite you to join us in traveling to the Elwha River Restoration Area to view salmon as they migrate upstream to their natal spawning grounds.
Both the Elwha dam, built in 1913, and the Glines Canyon dam, built in 1927, were constructed on the Elwha River without a fish passage. While they supplied power and water to Port Angeles, they were violating treaty rights with the local tribe and blocked fish passage to the vast majority of this pristine mountain river. After an unprecedented decades long mitigating process the dams were removed a century later. A remarkable recovery effort followed and all species of Pacific Northwest salmon plus several species of ocean-going trout made astonishing come-backs including the legendary Tyee, Elwha Chinook salmon up to 100 pounds in weight. A Steelhead trout run believed extinct returned with force to the river originating from land-locked rainbow trout rediscovering migration routes which had been blocked to their ancestors. With their return these fish also brought back marine derived nutrients, nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon which were carried upstream and absorbed into the water, soils, and riparian vegetation. Within a few years, ecological studies documented an increase in the diverse number of species returning to the area. Sediments trapped for a century behind the dams flushed out recreating a vibrant estuarine environment.
For this trip, we welcome special guest Sam Brenkman who has 26 years of experience with salmon as the Chief Fisheries Biologist for Olympic National Park. He will be joining us for the entire day as we explore the restored area and learn more about the salmon who call it home. During our field trip you will learn all about this and more. You can also view the Elwha Salmon Recovery Video SWS’s director made a few years ago for the Center for Whale Research to celebrate and share the story of this remarkable salmon recovery:
https://vimeo.com/639486731/92110624bd?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci
WHAT​ TO EXPECT:
This field trip will begin at 8:00 am in the parking lot next to the Coupeville - Port Townsend Ferry Terminal (12981 State Rte 20, Coupeville, WA 98239). After everyone has been checked in and the itinerary gone over, all 5 cars will get into the ferry waiting line. As a group, we will take the 8:45 am ferry crossing to Port Townsend. After disembarking the ferry, we will then make the roughly one hour and twenty minute drive west to the Elwha River. We will be stopping at multiple locations along the river, from the base of the Olympics upstream out to the Salish Sea, and then returning to Port Townsend in time for the 6:45 pm ferry.
While the hiking trails are less than a mile from the parking area to the river, we will be hiking over uneven and rough terrain. There will be opportunities to use the restrooms at some of the stops as well as a lunch break along the river.
If you would like to offer your vehicle for carpool, please contact us! Carpool drivers will be reimbursed after the event.
PURCHASING TICKETS:
$158: Each ticket includes your ferry crossing fees, contributions to drivers (to be reimbursed after the trip), payment for our educator, and support for Sound Water Stewards. The tax deductible amount for this trip is $80.
Fees & Receipt: A ticket processing fee of $7.67 is charged for this event. After your purchase, you will receive a confirmation email with ticket details. Please note that ticket sales are final unless the trip is cancelled, but can be transferred.
WHAT TO BRING/WEAR:
- Please bring a sack lunch, snacks, and beverages as this is an all day trip
- Don't forget to bring your binoculars or camera! There will be multiple opportunities to view wildlife and capture the beauty of this restored habitat
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes
- Wear layered clothing that can easily be exchanged depending on the weather
- For those who need assistance walking, you may want to bring a walking stick or hiking poles
CONTACT:
If you would like to offer your vehicle for carpooling or have any further questions, please email Ciera Edison at administrator@soundwaterstewards.org
