skip to main content
Newsroom
2005 DNRP archived news: this news release may include broken links and outdated information such as programs and contacts that no longer exist.
Oct. 3, 2005

Cedar River offers prime viewing of salmon homecoming

2005 Archived News

If you love to watch sockeye salmon and would like to learn more about these magnificent creatures, October is prime time for King County's Cedar River Salmon Journey.

Beginning October 15, volunteer naturalists will be on hand at three locations along the Cedar River to teach about the journey that takes place every fall as salmon swim from the ocean, into Puget Sound, through the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, through Lake Washington and on up the river to spawn.

"It's an incredible opportunity for people to see first hand the life cycle of salmon," said Charlotte Spang, King County volunteer manager. "The Cedar River offers one of the region's premiere locations for watching the return of native sockeye salmon."

Trained volunteers will be stationed at three different salmon-viewing locations on October 15, 22, 23 and 29, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., to tell visitors about the natural and human history of the river, the life cycle and habitat needs of the fish, and what everyone can do to help ensure the return of the salmon. New this year is a Spanish language program available on October 22.

Now in its eighth year, the Cedar River Salmon Journey program offers a unique salmon viewing experience at each of the three sites. Visitors can see salmon from the bridge at the Renton Library while learning about the changes humans have made to the river. At Cavanaugh Pond, a 30 minute walking tour includes the pond and fish weir.

At Landsburg Park, visitors can learn about Seattle's water supply and a new fish ladder that allows some salmon into the upper watershed. Each of these sites offer a memorable opportunity to learn more about salmon and the many challenges that face them as they return to their home streams to spawn. See below for directions to the three sites. Parking is limited so carpooling is encouraged.

Program sponsors include the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks, Seattle Aquarium, Seattle Public Utilities, the City of Renton and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

If you can't make it out to the Cedar River, follow these tips to protect our water quality and help salmon thrive:

  • Compost. Enrich your garden with compost in place of chemical fertilizers.
  • Avoid pesticides. Instead of pesticides use native plants, rotate your crops and learn to use "friendly" insects that naturally control harmful bugs.
  • Conserve water. Water the yard infrequently but deeply and conserve water in your home.
  • Use a car wash. Don't wash your car in the drive way or on the street. Take it to a car wash where water is treated and recycled.
  • Control oil. Fix engine oil leaks and recycle oil rather than throwing it out.
  • Scoop poop. Dispose of pet waste properly and fence larger animals away from streams.
  • Don't get hosed. Use a broom instead of a hose to remove dirt from sidewalks and driveways, which both protects and saves water.
  • Plant a tree. Plants and trees help control and slow water runoff.

For more information please visit http://dnr.metrokc.gov/wlr/pi/cedar-river-journey.htm or contact Charlotte Spang at 206-296-8359, or charlotte.spang@kingcounty.gov .

Directions:
These sites have limited parking; please carpool! For more information about the Cedar River Salmon Journey, call 206-296-8359.

Renton Library
Take I-405 to Exit #4 (Hwy 169). Coming from south: keep left at fork in the ramp. Merge into SE Maple Valley Hwy and go under 405. Road makes slight left, becoming Bronson (Liberty Park on the left). Cross the Cedar River and take an immediate left at the ‘Y' onto Mill Ave S. Turn left at 4-way stop into Library parking lot (100 Mill St.). Coming from north: after you take Exit #4, go through the first light on Sunset Blvd. Turn slight right onto Bronson (Liberty Park on the left). Proceed as above.

Cavanaugh Pond
Located on the north side of Maple Valley Highway (Hwy. 169) 4.5 miles east of I-405. It is immediately adjacent to the Riverbend Mobile Home Court and less than one mile east of the 149th Ave. SE intersection. Watch for the fish signs! Follow posted parking instructions or directions from on-site naturalist about where to park.

Landsburg Park
Follow Hwy. 169 southeast from I-405 until you reach Kent-Kangley Rd. (Hwy. 516) at the Four Corners Shopping Center (about 2 miles south of the Hwy. 18 interchange). Turn east onto Kent-Kangley Rd and go less than ½ mile. Take the next left (north) onto Summit Landsburg Rd; continue for several miles. At the stop sign, turn left (north) onto Landsburg Rd (also called 276th Ave SE.) and head downhill about ¼ mile. Once you cross the Cedara River, take an immediate left or right into either of two parking lots.