South Puget Sound Salmon Enhancement Group

Kennedy Creek Salmon Trail

The Trail

Kennedy Creek Salmon Trail (KCST) is our region’s premiere salmon-viewing experience. Each year, over 5,000 students and local residents visit the Trail to learn more about the salmon life cycle and to observe Chum spawning and courting behaviors. In any given year, the spawning salmon population can reach as high as 80,000 fish. Normally, the range is between 20,000 and 40,000. These spawning adults can produce approximately 30 million to 60 million eggs annually; not all eggs will survive to become fry or even to adults. On average, only 2-3 individuals will complete their natural life cycle and return to the natal stream where they were hatched. These dying fish and carcasses are actually a critical part of salmon’s overall survival strategy.

This half-mile community gem, includes 11 tailor-made viewing stations and interpretive signage, to assist the visitor in viewing tens of thousands of wild chum salmon spawning in their natural environment. The site also has a parking lot specially designed to minimize the impact of visitors on the environment. Volunteer trail guides are available to answer visitor questions, and lead groups scheduled by appointment.

Access to the trail is FREE for everyone. The Trail is supported directly by visitor donations and the annual Kennedy Creek Salmon Splash fundraiser. The KCST is managed by SPSSEG and Mason Conservation District. The land is owned by Taylor Shellfish Farms, who graciously provide access to the trail.

A big THANK YOU to our 2011 Trail sponsors!

In 2012, the Trail will be open to the public from 10 am to 4 pm on weekends, starting Saturday, October 27 through Monday, November 26 (plus 11/11 and 11/23). During the week it is reserved for local school groups. So mark your calendars! You don’t want to miss the return of the Chum!

Check our Kennedy Creek Blog for the latest trail updates as well as our latest pictures from the Kennedy Creek Salmon Trail season.