Granite Falls Fish Ladder: The Beginning of Summer (3)

A short moment, enjoying the beauty of the rushing river at the Granite Falls Fish Ladder.

There is no restroom or even a water fountain.
Conditions can get slippery and muddy when it is raining/snowing.

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🌲 Extra Knowledge 🌲

Located at the confluence of the Stillaguamish River, Granite Falls stands proud, serving as the namesake for a captivating natural wonder—the Granite Falls. These falls mark the sole cascade on the south fork of the river and have a history steeped in environmental conservation. In 1954, the state’s Department of Fisheries erected an exceptional fish ladder, the Granite Falls Fishway, offering an up-close view of the falls and an easy outdoor adventure. Springing from the northern reaches of the Cascade Range, the two forks of the Stillaguamish River converge near Arlington before embarking on a 22-mile journey to Puget Sound, eventually emptying into Port Susan near Stanwood. The south fork, originating from Del Campo Peak and Morning Star Peak, meanders past the towns of Silverton, Verlot, and the namesake Granite Falls. The river has carried various names throughout history, each revealing a rich tapestry of cultural influences. Though the Granite Falls are constituted of three distinct drops, they're considered one magnificent waterfall stretching approximately 50 feet in height and 300 feet in length. In times of robust flow, the falls roar thunderously, echoing the raw force of nature. But this river, the Stillaguamish, known for its frequent flooding, has at times seen its waters surge over the grated walkway of the fish ladder during unprecedented events, such as the flood in 2006. Situated at the southern gateway of the Mountain Loop Highway, just outside Granite Falls, the fishway is a pivotal hub for salmon and steelhead spawning along the river's 30-mile expanse north of the falls. Constructed to aid the fish's upstream journey, the Granite Falls Fishway, upon its completion, held the record for the longest vertical fish ladder ever built, measuring between 540 to 560 feet, composed of 50 ascending steps and 51 pools. This ladder, a crucial passage for migrating salmon and steelhead, is open year-round for human visitors, providing a window into the unique cycles and seasonal changes of the falls and the river. The surrounding trail, while well-trodden, offers an easy, forested 0.7-mile roundtrip walk, gradually ascending and connecting visitors with the base of the fish ladder, all while delivering historical insights and magnificent views. Whether the river thunders or whispers, a visit to the falls promises a remarkable experience—nature's symphony, from its tempestuous highs during the spring melt-off to its serene lows, shaping the landscape and offering an enchanting glimpse into the grandeur of Granite Falls.

🌲 Links 🌲

Snohomish County Website: snohomishcountywa.gov/1574/History
Snohomish Tribe Source: snohomishtribe.org/
Another Tribal Resource: snococan.com/tribal_organizations_of_snoco
Wikipedia Entry: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snohomish,_Washington
Visit Downtown: www.historicdowntownsnohomish.org/

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