As of today, out of season, returns ~February. Earth Exhibit tracks the live conditions and flags it the moment it is on.
Each late winter to spring, the Pacific eulachon (Thaleichthys pacificus), also called candlefish, migrate from the ocean into the Columbia River to spawn.
Runs are ecologically important, supporting seabirds, marine mammals, and tribal fisheries.
Timing and strength vary widely by year and location, driven by river temperature and discharge.
Where to see it
A taste of where to see it. The full map, exact coordinates and the best timing for each spot live in the app.
| Viewing spots |
|---|
| Baker Bay shoreline, Cape Disappointment State Park |
| Fort Stevens State Park - North Jetty and Clatsop Spit |
| + 1 more spot, with exact coordinates and timing, in the app → |
This is the short version
This page shows a taste. The app has the full list of where to see this, the exact timing, and live conditions for 1,000+ natural phenomena worldwide, so you know the moment one is genuinely worth the trip.