Since we were going to Issaquah to see the latest Dambo troll, we stopped at the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery half a mile away. A dozen years exploring the PNW with kids, and this one was a first for us! It was nice! Lots of fishy action, some interactive educational displays, space to run around. 10/10 recommend.
It's easy to spot the salmon in the creek.Issaquah is really beautiful. Those mountains!The salmon's journey isn't easy. They have to hatch from eggs, swim out the Ballard Locks, into Puget Sound and the Pacific Ocean. Hang out for 2-3 years, and then make their way BACK. And not get lost, eaten or die along the way. The odds aren't good.Just the survival rate of the eggs is pretty tough. The eggs could get eaten by ducks, trampled by dogs, whatever. Paul found a way to game the system and get most of his eggs to survive.See that?* Not my kids.Cool salmon mosaic.Fish ladder viewing areaThere are warning signs around this salmon sculpture saying not to climb on it and that there is 24-hour camera surveillance. I guess they're pretty serious, DON'T climb on the art.There's even a cute little playground across the street.
