Pinks salmon return at highest this century, Sultans annual celebration is Sept. 27

Sultan anticipates a remarkable return of 7. 8 million pink salmon this year, marking the largest population in 25 years. To commemorate this event, the Sky Valley Chamber of Commerce will host the “Return of the Salmon Celebration” on Sept. 27, from 10 a. m.

to 4 p. m. The celebration will focus on environmental education and the cultural heritage of local tribes, featuring activities like wooden fish cut-outs for children and a 5K run. Indigenous musicians will perform and offer traditional foods, further enriching the event's cultural significance. Additionally, the celebration aligns with the final day of Sultan's farmers market, encouraging attendees to explore local restaurants and breweries.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife reports that this year has one of the strongest cumulative pink salmon returns since 1959. Local efforts by the Snohomish County Public Utilities District aim to restore salmon habitats, highlighting ongoing environmental initiatives. While pink salmon populations remain stable, Chinook salmon are endangered, underscoring the importance of species identification for fishing regulations.