Return of the Kings

August 20, 2012 - Today, less than five months after the removal of the Elwha Dam, adult Chinook (king) salmon were observed in Olympic National Park in Washington. These are the first observed Elwha River salmon to naturally migrate into the park. When the Elwha Dam became operational in 1913, twenty-five years before the establishment of the park, over 70 miles of habitat were blocked to fish passage.

The Chinook were observed approximately two miles upstream from the boundary of the park by Phil Kennedy, Lead Fisheries Technician for the park, “We knew this was going to happen and as I saw the fish roll, my heart jumped!”

The Fisheries Crew has been conducting weekly surveys along the Elwha River since the start of August in search of Elwha River Chinook salmon in the park.

The return of the salmon marks an important milestone in the restoration of the Elwha River ecosystem and a historic moment in the history of the park.