First Salmon in 100 Years in Upper Elwha River

PORT ANGELES — A fisheries biologist found three adult Chinook salmon in the upper Elwha River, according to Olympic National Park officials.

The biologist made the discovery during a snorkel survey of the area above the old Glines Canyon Dam site.

These fish hadn’t been spotted in this area for 102 years.

“When dam removal began three years ago, Chinook salmon were blocked far downstream by the Elwha Dam,” said Olympic National Park Superintendent Sarah Creachbaum.  “Today, we celebrate the return of Chinook to the upper Elwha River for the first time in over a century.”

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