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Somass River
The Somass River begins at the mouth of the Alberni Canal which feeds into the Pacific Ocean. The river is the highway for Pacific Salmon returning to their spawning grounds. The name comes from Nuu-chah-nulth meaning "washing".
Lyndon Cassell Photography
Sunset over the Somass River. One of the best locations in Port Alberni to view sunsets any time of year.
Somass River at Orange Bridge
Clouds above the Somass River.
Overlook the Somass River from Victoria Quay
Somass River leads to the Canal and the Pacific Ocean
Overlook the Somass River from Millshone Park
Tseshaht and Hupacasath fishers cast their nets in the Somass River in early summer for Sockeye and in the fall for the Chinook salmon run.
Eagles
Eagles are visible in the trees of the Somass River all year. It's their home and if you look closely you're bound to spot one or more sitting atop a tree across from the boardwalk at Victoria Quay. When the salmon are running in the summer and fall, these majestic birds of prey are very active. You won't see one or two eagles at that time, you will see dozens. In early morning and just before sunset is when they will be most active. They will be soaring in the air, diving and picking off the salmon!
Canadian Geese
The Canada Goose is no stranger to the Somass River or the Alberni Valley in general. They say Canadian Geese fly south for the winter! I believe they fly here. All year round you will see Canadian Geese flying overhead. They love hanging out at the Somass Estuary. Early morning they will make their trek towards the estuary and late in the evenings they will will also fly in and out of the estuary. Some days you might spot a few of them and other days you will see an army of them. I've got to get our more and get some epic images to illustrate their magnificanse as they fly overhead.
Lyndon Cassell Photography
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