The story of salmon in the Methow is well represented by this small but impactful park located just a short distance from downtown Twisp. Once abundant native salmon have suffered a precipitous decline and are only now beginning to return to the area in substantial numbers. Their story, and that of the surrounding biome, is well told in the self-issuing trail guide and an educational placards available at the kiosk.

"The salmon decline began in the mid to late 1800's when there were canneries on the shores of lower Columbia River with extensive weirs & fish wheels. These operated for a number of years until the salmon declined to the point that the canneries felt they could no longer make enough money to continue operations. Salmon populations continued to decline and hatcheries were built trying to supplement the population - while logging and the process of sending logs to mills by floating them down rivers during spring runoff surely did not help with spawning efforts or survival of juvenile fish. Add in the diversion of water for irrigation with no fish screens, irrigation dam construction, power dam construction, resulting blockage to habitat, and stream & upland habitat destruction have all lead to where we are today. Knowledge and awareness helps people better understand the issues facing our fragile salmon populations." ~ Dale Swedberg

Easy (though limited) parking provides access to the trails where visitors of all ages will experience gentle trail walking and abundant opportunities for wildlife viewing.