FOLLOW THE SALMON: Where to See Them Near Campus
Two destinations near MHCC offer students an opportunity to witness Oregon's annual salmon migration, from spawning grounds at Eagle Creek to the fish ladders at Bonneville Dam.
By Olin Finders
The Advocate
Fall is the best season in Oregon to watch the salmon migrate from the ocean to their home creeks where they will spawn. Unfortunately, the temperature of the Mt Hood Community College pond has affected the ecosystem of Kelly Creek, making it uninhabitable for salmon.
However, there are still many amazing parks and recreations centers near campus to view this natural phenomenon. Eagle Creek Recreation Area is a beautiful park just about 30 minutes from campus; this park is home to many trails, Eagle Creek, and the Eagle Creek Fish Hatchery. The fish hatchery releases fish directly into Eagle Creek, making this park an amazing viewing area to watch coho salmon return home to spawn. From October to November is the peak of the coho salmon spawning season, during this time you can see large numbers of salmon in their bright red breeding colors.
The best viewing points for salmon are from the beach connected to the fish hatchery, where you can see large groups of salmon spawning and going further up the creek. Although the views of the salmon are breathtaking here, hiking around Eagle Creek is not for the weak stomached. Salmon who either died along their long journey or after spawning line the shores, creating an aroma of rotten fish. If you are willing to look past the smell, the views at Eagle Creek Recreation Site are unforgettable.
"October to November is the peak of the coho salmon spawning season, during this time you can see large numbers of salmon in their bright red breeding colors."
If you can’t stomach the smell of Eagle Creek, but you still want to view salmon spawn, just about 25 minutes from campus is the Bonneville Dam. Inside the dam’s visitor center there are many different views of the fish ladder which allows the salmon to go through the dam. Outside of the visitor center you can get a top-down view of the fish ladder where you can see salmon jump up the steps, ascending the pools which are staggered like stairs. On the lowest floor, there are views into the fish ladder through indoor windows looking into the water. Here you can get an up-close view of the many different types of salmon like the coho and Chinook salmon and also other migratory fish native to Oregon.
Both parks are open year-round and are very affordable. Eagle Creek Recreation Area is only $5 for parking, and Bonneville Dam is free. Since we can no longer see salmon spawn in Kelly Creek on campus, the low cost, amazing views and proximity to campus make these parks a must see during the fall months.
WHERE TO WATCH
EAGLE CREEK RECREATION AREA
View Coho salmon spawning in natural creek setting. Parking: $5
BONNEVILLE DAM
Indoor underwater viewing windows and outdoor fish ladder observation. Fish: Salmon and other migrating species.
Admission: Free
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