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Olympic National ParkBackpackers on the Wilderness Coast
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Olympic National Park
Anadromous Fish
 

Overview:
Including the five species of Northwest salmon, steelhead, and certain bull trout, anadromous fish refers to those that migrate from freshwater rivers to the ocean and back to spawn in their natal streams. These populations of fish play an integral role in the wildlife community. Bears, otters, eagles, and many others feast on salmon carcasses as a main source of protein when other food is scarce. As well as a significant food source for members of the park community, the life cycle of various anadromous salmon stocks facilitates the transportation of key nutrients to lakes, rivers and streams.

For more information about a particular species, click on the links below.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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This webpage was made possible in part by a grant from Washington's National Park Fund.
leaping salmon
Fishing Regulations
View and print current regs.
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river in winter
Elwha Restoration
Learn about restoring the Elwha River's native fish and ecosystem.
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Migrating coho
The Salmon Life Cycle
Click here to learn more about the life cycle of Pacific salmon!
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star-shaped purple flowers growing in a crack of a rock  

Did You Know?
That the Piper's bellflower is unique to the Olympic Mountains? Named after an early Olympic peninsula botanist, the Piper's bellflower grows in cracks and crevices of high elevation rock outcrops.

Last Updated: February 25, 2009 at 17:30 EST