The pink salmon were thick & busy, splashing in the sunlight over the shallow gravel beds in the Green River Natural Area at O'Grady- it was the most amazing display of spawning ferocity! We stayed out of the areas most densely populated and watched from the edge. They are also called humpies because the males have an arched dorsal ridge that rises out of the water. Also along the water was noxious but lovely Impatiens capensis / spotted jewelweed.
Prior to exploring the river and viewing the salmon, we worked with King County Parks to maintain the trail system in the forest by removing rocks larger than a golf ball size. Many horses ride the miles of trails, as well as hikers and trail-runners. The salmon reach far into the forest up the streams, so we are looking forward to returning and helping to restore the forest further. Our little cedars from last spring are looking spry and lush despite the drought!