Each year, thousands of chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) return from feeding in the open ocean to the stream they hatched three to five years earlier. In Gig Harbor, the chum salmon migration takes place in the late fall and early winter, long after most other species have spawned. While there are many wildlife viewing areas […]
The Outdoors
Local outdoor aficionados share tips and information about outdoor recreation, from fishing to bird watching.
Posted inBlog, The Outdoors
5 Tips for Safe Trail Use
It’s no secret (or surprise) that more and more people are heading to the trails for their regular exercise, whether walking/hiking or running. Last month, we talked about basic tips that will make your trail experience more enjoyable and safe. In part 2, we’ll review some trail-specific technical tips that will make adjusting to the […]
Posted inAround West Sound, Blog, The Outdoors
Fall Birdwatching Field Trips on Washington’s Ferries
Western Washington’s ferryboat fleet provides two ways to enjoy fall birdwatching. Not only can you take a round-trip ride as a passenger to see different birds, you can bird around your favorite ferry terminal. Several unique species hang out near these easily accessible docking areas. Just don’t forget the binoculars. Kingston-Edmonds This ferry crossing intersects […]
Posted inBlog, The Outdoors
Finding Gold in the Forest: Chanterelle Mushrooms
Walking gingerly, I trained my eye for the golden color that is so easily mistaken for leaves or bare sticks. It was early September, and there was a recent rain, so my mother and I were out on the mossy slopes of a fir forest in search of chanterelle mushrooms. I watched for moss pieces […]
Posted inBlog, The Outdoors
5 Tips for Safe and Fun Exercising on the Trails
It’s no secret (or surprise) that more and more people are heading to the trails for their regular exercise, whether walking/hiking or running. Whether you are new to the trails or have countless trail hours under your belt, there are some basic tips that are worth reviewing. In this two-part series, we’ll talk first about […]
Posted inBlog, The Outdoors
HAPPY Trails to You — The Benefits of Running Outdoors
Perhaps John Muir, the great American environmentalist, said it best: “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” You probably know that exercise in general is good for us and that we are lucky enough to live in the Pacific Northwest, arguably the greatest area for trail endeavors in the United […]
Posted inBlog, The Outdoors
Tips for Successful Salmon Fishing
Through summer and into fall, salmon begin their annual migrations to their natal streams for spawning. July and August angling is focused on chinook (kings) and coho (silvers) and in odd numbered years, pinks (humpies). Being an even-numbered year, pinks are not available in substantial numbers so it’s a king and silver show this year. […]
Posted inBlog, The Outdoors
July and August Mean Crab For West Sound Anglers
There are reasons those of us living in Western Washington manage to endure the interminably short, gray and damp days of winter and early spring, and for many of us, it’s the memory of summers past and the promise of the summer to come. And let’s face it, summer really does begin in July and […]
Posted inAround West Sound, Blog, The Outdoors
Volunteers Needed for Beach Cleanup at New Harper Pier Site
The Harper Pier in Manchester was once a booming Mosquito Fleet destination. In the automobile era, the maritime traffic has dwindled, but the pier continued to be popular with boaters and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The historic pier had to be demolished last year because it became unsafe — but soon, the community will get its […]