Sockeye Salmon Spawning on the Cle Elum River

If you travel to the Salmon la Sac campground in the fall, I'm sure you will see spawning Sockeye. Just look down off the bridge that crosses the Cle Elum River. I went there twice this fall, the first time was the last week in September and I saw over 50. I went again the second week in October and we only saw about 20. It was an awesome experience. It's incredible how far they travel during their lifetimes only to return where they were born. 

Looking up at the Cle Eum River bridge

Cooper River Trail

This hike was a pleasant surprise. We went to the Salmon La Sac Campground at the end of 903 to watch the Sockeye Salmon spawn. We did see about 20, looking down from the Salmon La Sac bridge that crosses the river (I will post pictures in a different post). So we did that and then kept driving to the trail head for Cooper River. The hike follows the river for 3 miles where it ends at Cooper Lake (which you can drive to). We didn't go to the lake today, as we have been there many times before. The trail has some moderate up and down climbs. The Vine Maple were turning and the air was slightly crisp so it defiantly felt like fall. We saw a few large fish in one of the pools towards the beginning of the hike, I'm not sure what they were maybe someone else will know?

Keep your eyes peeled for little tree frogs

Round Trip

6 miles

Directions

Take exit 80 off of I-90. Travel north on SR 903 about 15 miles until you reach Salmon la Sac, take the left branch in the road that travels over the Cle Elum River bridge and then turn right, heading away from the campground and you will reach the trail head parking in 1/2 mile. 

Cowiche Canyon

This was a beautiful fall hike. This trail was a rails-to-trails project, and took many years to complete. Brilliant fall colors from the Sumac lined the trail. About a 3 mile walk each way it crosses Cowiche Creek in several places. 

Here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure....

"Would you look at that!"

We saw a total of 3 rattlesnakes resting on the trail! So awesome! (don't worry I used my zoom, so I wasn't that close)

 

A beautiful fall day, perfect for a little hike with the hubby!

Directions:

From Ellensburg, drive east on Interstate 82 to exit 31A to get on westbound US 12. Take the second exit off US 12 --the exit is signed "N. 40th Ave. and Fruitvale Blvd." Drive under the freeway, across Fruitvale, and in 1.5 miles from US 12 turn right onto Summitview. Continue for 7.1 miles and turn right on Weikel Road (signs on Summitview indicate Cowiche Canyon turnoff). Drive 0.4 mile on Weikel Road, and turn right at the sign for Cowiche Canyon.