Donkey Creek Chum “Walk”

Saturday, November 18 from 10-2pm

Every year, the greater Gig Harbor community celebrates the return of salmon to our local waters. The Donkey Creek Chum Festival serves to remind us that the quality of our water, and the habitat it supports, connects us all.

Due to construction at the Harbor History Museum, Harbor WildWatch will host a modified Donkey Creek Chum Festival in 2023 – we are calling it the Donkey Creek Chum Walk. 

Held on Saturday, November 18 from 10-2pm, participants will start their walk at Austin Park along Harborview Drive where they will receive a Salmon Passport. They will visit booths with activities and information for kids and adults along the trail through txʷaalqəł Estuary, behind the Harbor History Museum, and ending in Donkey Creek Park. Completed passports should be turned in to the front desk at the Harbor History Museum by 2pm on the day of the event to be entered into a drawing for a salmon-themed prize.

From face-painting to salmon life-cycle art projects, we are grateful to the many participating organizations in this year’s event, including:  

• Crescent Valley Alliance

• Curious by Nature School

• Gig Harbor Land Conservation Fund

• Harbor History Museum

• Harbor WildWatch (event organizer)

• KGI Watershed Council

• National Wildlife Federation

• Pierce Conservation District

• Pierce County Surface Water Management 

The goal of this event is to bring people together to promote sustainability, sound environmental stewardship, preservation of our maritime history and culture, responsible recreation, habitat preservation, and shoreline restoration — one salmon at a time. Join us on November 18 as we recognize new ways to improve and protect our waterways!

This event is free and open to people of all ages and abilities. The trail is less than 0.25 in length on a gravel packed pathway. Free public parking is available at the Museum, along Harborview Drive and Austin Street. If you have any questions, please contact your Festival Chair and Harbor WildWatch Executive Director, Lindsey Stover, at lindsey@harborwildwatch.org.