Where to view spawning salmon around Portland area

[biederboat]

My son would like to do some photograph on spawning salmon, is there any place in the Portland area he could go within a 1.5 hour max drive? Preferably a smaller clear running stream like the Wilson or Nehalem. We're trying to get out within the next week or two.

Thanks,
Biederboat

[cutt plug]

Last year I was driving East on Hwy 20 coming back from a late archery elk hunt on the coast and I saw a ton of chinook salmon spawning in the creek next to the hwy.

I noticed them splashing around as I was driving down the road, I pulled over and saw several salmon spawing in very shallow water.

Good luck.

[AlseaAssassin]

If your willing to drive a little further there are gobs of Coho spawning in the upper Nestucca above Dovre. Also, Elk Cr and Bear Cr on the Nestuca are loaded up :grin:

[Rank Amateur]

You are late for chinooks on the Nehalem, they are best viewed in late September/early October up here at Vernonia. Probably some coho around, but I'm not sure where with easy access. If you get by the rest area on Hyw. 26 going to the coast, the coho usually spawn in that area. Best bet though is when the Chinook are in.

[biederboat]

Thanks all, the Nestucca area sounds enticing, used to be my favorite west side hunting area and only just over an hour from where I live.

Thanks,
Biederboat