|
Where is Salmon Safaris located?
Salmon Safaris take place on The Mountaineers Kitsap Cabin property (the same place as The Mountaineers Forest Theatre) and The Mountaineers Foundation Rhododendron Preserve. Located minutes away from Bremerton and Silverdale at 3000 Seabeck Highway you may click here for directions.
How long is the trail?
The trail out to the Big Tree (see optional Hike Extension) is approximately 3/4 of a mile. The hike to the salmon viewing area is about 1/2 a mile.
How difficult is the trail?
This single file trail descends into the valley along a gentle series of switchbacks and hills. It is well within the capabilities of a healthy person but enough of a challenge to provide a real sense of accomplishment. Our executive director routinely took her children on this trail from the time they were two years old.
Under what conditions would you cancel a trip and how would that be done?
We cannot control the weather so we try not to let the weather control us. We are willing to go in almost any kind of weather. The exceptions are conditions that would cancel school—if school is canceled so is the safari—strong winds and snow on the trail. In a forest environment strong winds can toss branches around and even knock down trees. Although the trail is monitored for dangerous trees we will not put children at risk if there are very windy conditions. Because the weather is so changeable here in the Pacific Northwest we make the determination on wind conditions the day of the trip. Should conditions be dangerously windy we will call your school and discuss conditions with an eye toward rescheduling. Snow tends to linger longer in the forest and snow on the trail is dangerous because the trail becomes indistinguishable from the surroundings. We will cancel and try to reschedule the day before if there is snow on the trail.
What about heavy rains?
We believe that all residents of this area are familiar with the rain and able to dress appropriately. Most of the hike is under the forest canopy and the trees act almost as umbrellas blocking and deflecting a lot of the rain. Even though it may be pouring down in torrents in the open it will be significantly less intense along the trail. There are also three natural destinations along the trail. The first is the bridge across Wildcat Creek, the second our stream side viewing area and the final destination is Big Tree. If the group so chooses they can go just to the bridge, view spawning salmon and return. Or if the group has elected to use the optional hike extension to Big Tree and prefer to cut the trip shorter they can view salmon at stream side and then return. We strive to be flexible but believe weather should not be a significant detriment.
With all this rain, is the trail very muddy?
No. Trees drink an amazing amount of water and while the trail is definitely wet it is not coated in sticky mud and there is no standing water. We believe that the wet leaves that cover much of the trail require hikers to exercise reasonable caution but that no more than that is necessary.
I understand that Salmon Safaris are now available in the spring. What is the difference?
The available safari options are identical in either fall or spring. The biggest differences are the age of the salmon being seen, the weather and the look of the forest. In the fall participants see the dramatic struggle of salmon as they return to their hatching place to spawn and die. In the spring schools of young salmon are visible just after they've emerged from their gravel hiding place. In the fall the weather is almost certain to be chilly and rainy. In the spring it will be warmer although it may be just as wet. In the fall the trees are shedding their leaves and going dormant for the winter. In the spring the forest is waking up and putting out new growth. At Salmon Safaris our ideal would be to have groups visit us in both seasons, booking one of our more popular options in the fall and returning in the spring for another safari.
I’ve heard there are bears out there. Should I be worried?
No. While bears have been sighted from time to time they are, as a rule, shy and school groups, even while trying to be quiet, tend to be loud in the woods. We do not expect that we will ever encounter a bear. However, a sharp eye is kept on the lookout and should a bear be spotted we will immediately retreat back up the trail and leave the bear to his fishing.
How long does it take?
The hike lasts between 60 and 90 minutes depending on whether the optional Hike Extension is included.
What kind of salmon will we see?
Chum salmon.
How large is the run?
The size of the Salmon run varies from year to year. The run can range form 5,000 fish to as many as 40,000. The Oyster Bay Estuary support one of the largest population of returning Chum salmon in the Southern Puget Sound Region.
How big is Big Tree?
Big Tree is among the 10 largest Douglas Fir trees in the world. It was a seedling about the time of the Magna Carta. The tree is 9' 9" in diameter at 6 feet from the ground.
How long does a classroom activity take?
Classroom Exercises take about an hour.
How long does the storyteller take?
Storytellers vary depending on many factors but an estimate of between 30 and 45 minutes is generally used.
When can I book my safari?
Availble dates can be seen by viewing this calendar. Please use our Contact Form for questions and bookings.
|
Salmon Safari
Salmon Safaris is the first of the environmental and conservation education programs that Kitsap Branch has established to encourage the development of healthy connections between young people and nature. This program is designed specifically to support classroom teachers by offering a number of field trip options. Although it is designed to support classroom teachers Salmon Safaris are not limited to school groups. Any group of 10-30 people is welcome to come on safari.
Salmon Safaris,