Herman the Sturgeon and the Bonneville Dam Salmon Spawn

If you've never met anybody famous, now's your chance. He's got his own pool, he's got his own swag, he's even been in a music video. He doesn't sign autographs but he's racked up a ton of paparazzi. He's livin' his best life at the Bonneville Fish Hatchery where fans admire him from above and below at a custom made viewing facility. He just turned 90.

Herman the Sturgeon is an 11-foot-long, 500+ pound green sturgeon who's still rockin' his ancestor's look from 100,000 million years ago. I call it Jurassic Classic. Sturgeon are anadromous, meaning they can live in both fresh and saltwater. So, if Herman wasn't living a life of luxury in his custom-made pond, he'd be joining all his buddies who head out to sea to feed and then back up the Columbia River again to spawn.

Which the Coho and Chinook salmon of Oregon are doing right now. The shallows are shimmying with red and silver bodies vying for the best nursery rooms. They climb a massive fish ladder to make it over the Bonneville Dam--one look at their workout routine and you'll never bitch about a steep hike again.

We'll meet at the door of the Spruce Gifts and Provisions gift shop and head out on a walking tour of the gardens of Bonneville Hatchery, including a celebrity meet and greet with Herman (if he's feelin' it). We'll circumvent the marshy Mitchell Creek Wetland Area for a little birding and reassemble at the gift shop. They have Oregon- and nature-themed art and souvenirs you've never seen anywhere else and a coffeeshop in the back serving up Longbottom Coffee. All proceeds benefit the Oregon Wildlife Foundation. Restrooms on site, free parking.

Then we'll drive out across Robin's Island and Bradford Island into the middle of the Columbia River to view massive Chinook and Coho salmon scale the 60' high Bonneville Fish Ladder from above and below! That's right, they have a glass partition where you can witness underwater antics, just like with Herman. From here, you can tour the indoor and outdoor exhibits or join me out at the dam overflow parking area for lunch where a mesmerizing fury of white water churns and roars you into a wonderful state of relaxation (if the drought allows). Restrooms on site, free parking.

We'll be walking less than 2 mi. total on relatively flat paved trails with occasional stairs but you are welcome to bring trekking poles. The fall bird migration is on and autumn colors are starting, so keep your eyes peeled for beauty everywhere.

Bring $10 cash, water, snacks/lunch, binoculars, camera equipment, WEATHER appropriate clothing. Adults only, please, and no pets, thanks.