The Elwha River is an example of how dam removal can successfully restore a salmon fishery and create a healthy ecosystem. Years ago, we watched a documentary about these efforts and it is thrilling to stand at the spot where one of two dams were removed.
The upper dam at Glines Canyon has an overlook but the road is currently closed. We are able to walk part way to see the now wild and natural Elwha River. Along the way, we see salmon that have swum all the way from the ocean to spawn here. It is a spectacular sight. The video below talks about this long dam removal process.
Today was all about fish. We hike out to the roaring cascades of the Sol Duc River where Coho salmon come in from the ocean between July and October. Watching them swim upriver and attempt to jump up the sections of the falls in order to spawn fills us with wonder at the power of nature. I manage to capture one on camera.
The Olympic National Park is mostly rainforest, very lush with moss covered tree trunks and spanish moss hanging from branches. It is misty this morning but the skies clear to give us a cloudy hiking afternoon and a lovely evening sunset.
