Not many city dwellers actually get to watch spawning salmon without leaving town. But Tacomans – and anyone else in these parts – can watch this marvel amazingly close to home.

Years of effort by volunteers and the Puyallup Tribe have established a successful chum s almon run in Swan Creek, at the eastern edge of the city just off Pioneer Way East near its intersection with Waller Road.

During a Dec. 8 Salmon Celebration sponsored by Friends of Swan Creek, visitors were thrilled by the sight of dozens of fish migrating upstream. In shallow places, with their bodies half out of the water, the fish thrashed furiously to make headway. Farther up a creekside trail, families were mesmerized by salmon pairs engaging in the timeless spawning ritual, the female digging gravel with her tail, the male waiting to fertilize the eggs.

The salmon returned to Swan Creek several years ago. With luck, they’ll come back every December. We are privileged to see one of nature’s great dramas performed virtually at the city’s doorstep.