The Salmon Interpretation Center is located on the Torrent River in the town of Hawk’s Bay.
The salmon population had dropped drastically low in the area back between the 1940’s and late 1950s. Logging caused a lot of the issues. The logs would jam the river not allowing any room for the salmon to go up river and spawn. A creative way had been devised to help the population grow – kind of a ladder for fish since they were having a hard time getting up and over the 10 meter (about 30 feet) fall to the spawning grounds. The ladder was a huge success. The salmon were using it. After some time, a more permanent structure was put in place. Each day during spawning season the fish are counted that go up the ladder. The interpreter told us it is usually a college student that comes in to count the fish. They not only have to count the fish; they must make remarks for each fish that passes through the ladder. The remarks include how long the fish is, any distinguishing marks, or even if there are any anomalies about a certain fish. We were able to go see the “tube” where the fish pass through and the room where the college student works. They use a camera to make sure they get all the details down.
After looking inside, we went outside to an observation deck. We didn’t see any fish trying to go up the 10 meter tall fall, but we did see them enter the “ladder” when we were inside. After leaving the observation deck, we followed a boardwalk to another observation point where we could see some fly fishermen fishing. Poor Zoom Zoom jinxed one of the guys. He was saying how well they could handle the fishing line without tangling it. Next thing we knew the guy had a mess on his hands!
And as usual I love their wildflowers! They are so beautiful here – it’s hard to pick a favorite.
Yes, it’s off the beatenpath! 
Down we go to see the fish in the ladder. 
Opening where the fish enter this step of the ladder. (look on the right) 
Where the logging of each fish occurs. 
Opening where the fish enter the ladder. 
Once they use the ladder, they use it year after year. 
Side view of the ladder. 
These guys caught their limit-2 each 
Poor guy Zoom Zoom jinxed! 
Nursery stump 
Water Aven 
Buttercup 
Bunchberry 
Corn lily 
Corn lily 
Lily-of-the-valley 
Buttercup 
No clue???