From Salmon Runs to Slugs: Why the Mamquam Salmon Spawning Trails are a Squamish Gem

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The Mamquam Salmon Spawning Trails have a special place in my family’s hearts. We affectionately call them the “Snail Trail,” because late summer/early fall brings out a surprising number of slugs among the decomposing leaves and leftover salmon. You can see all sorts, from big black ones to green and even white varieties, slowly making their way across the forest floor. The name “Mamquam” comes from the Squamish Nation word meaning “smelly river,” a nod to the decaying salmon carcasses that fertilize the ecosystem and create the perfect conditions for all those slugs and snails we love to spot.

salmon spawning and wildlife

These trails offer a front-row seat to nature’s cycles. The Mamquam River is home to Pacific salmon varieties like coho, chum, chinook, and sockeye, depending on the season. And in odd-numbered years the pink salmon run, which is a particularly exciting event for little ones and wildlife enthusiasts alike since they are so abundant. Prevalent along the river are great blue herons, often standing patiently just off the dyke banks scanning for fish, while merganser pairs glide gracefully in calmer sections, sometimes with juveniles trailing behind. Eagles and other birds also frequent the area, and interpretive signs along the way provide insights into the spawning cycle, helping families understand the importance of protecting this sensitive habitat.

For bird lovers, winter is spectacular. The combination of salmon remains and quieter trails attracts eagles, herons, and a variety of songbirds. A little further up the river, you can also catch the annual Squamish eagle count if you time it right. Summer, while less dramatic in terms of salmon activity, is perfect for observing these birds in shaded, cooler sections of the trail, making it an ideal spot for families who enjoy quieter wildlife encounters. Adding bird-watching to your walk turns it into a richer, year-round adventure.

Trail overview and location

The Mamquam Salmon Spawning Trails run along the Mamquam River, accessible from Mamquam Road, near the Squamish Valley Golf Course (east side of Highway 99) or directly off Highway 99, just south of Mamquam intersection. They offer a mix of hard-packed earthy trails and loose gravel paths, with off-shoots and loop options for those wanting a longer or shorter walk. The area sees hikers, cyclists, and and sometimes horseback riders, so the trails are multi-use but remain easy and family-friendly.

trail accessibility and difficulty

These trails are perfect for families, casual walkers, and anyone looking for an easy outdoor outing. They’re mostly flat with very little elevation gain, and the mix of gravel and dirt paths makes them simple to follow, though things can get a bit mucky after rain. Around here, that’s part of the adventure though — Squamish weather shifts quickly, and in the fall especially, you’re almost guaranteed a shower or two. The trick is to come prepared and roll with it. If you’re visiting without your own gear, our baby equipment rentals make it easy to borrow what you need, and our jogging stroller weather shield rental is a lifesaver on damp days. Dogs are welcome on leash, and strollers can handle the trails with a little planning. Offshoots add a bit more variety if you’re up for it, but the main paths stay accessible for most visitors, including those who are mobility challenged.

Slug Safari on the "Snail Trail”

One of the things that makes the Mamquam Salmon Spawning Trails so memorable for our family is the abundance of slugs and snails. We started calling it the “Snail Trail” years ago because of how many we’d spot in late summer when the leaves start to decay and the salmon runs leave their mark on the forest floor. If you slow down and look closely, you’ll see all kinds. Small, inky-black slugs creep across the gravel path, while pale green and even white ones tuck into the mossy edges. The real stars, though, are the banana slugs — bright yellow, often speckled, and sometimes longer than your hand. They thrive on the damp, shaded West Coast trails, where the mix of moisture and decaying plants (and yes, salmon too) creates a buffet for them.

For kids, slug spotting can turn a walk into a full-on adventure. We’ve made it a game in our family, a kind of “Slug Safari” where everyone keeps count of how many they see and tries to find the biggest or oddest colour variation. Some days it’s a competition, other days it’s just about noticing how slowly they move or just how many there are at times! It’s a reminder that even the smallest creatures are part of this sensitive habitat, and it keeps little legs moving happily down the trail. The bonus is that while the kids are watching the ground, adults often spot other wildlife nearby — ducks gliding on the river, herons standing in the shallows, or eagles circling overhead. There’s always something to discover at every level of the trail.

experiencing the mamquam salmon spawning trails in every season

One thing often overlooked is how much the Mamquam salmon spawning trails change with the seasons. Most people only think of fall and the salmon runs, but the trail has a completely different personality depending on when you go.

In winter, the quiet riverbanks fill with eagles drawn by the salmon remains. Great blue herons and merganser pairs are active along calmer stretches, and families can follow the dykes for excellent viewing opportunities. If you’ve never experienced the annual Squamish Eagle Count, it’s worth learning more about this local phenomenon before heading out. Bundle up, bring a thermos of hot chocolate, and plan a slow walk where kids can spot eagles in the trees while the Mamquam River moves quietly beside you.

By spring, the forest floor shifts into a carpet of wildflowers and mushrooms. Families who love a good treasure hunt can turn this season into a game of spotting tiny bursts of colour or new growth along the off-shoot trails. It’s also a gentle way to reintroduce kids to walking longer stretches after winter. If you’ve got a really keen eye and are quick and quiet, you can also often spot garter snakes, frogs and salamanders.

Summer, on the other hand, is less about salmon and more about comfort. These wooded sections provide some of the shadiest family walks in Squamish, which makes them perfect for hot afternoons. You can still spot herons standing along the dykes or mallards gliding downstream, adding quiet wildlife highlights for kids and adults alike.

Together, these seasonal shifts remind us that the Mamquam Spawning Trail isn’t just about salmon. It’s a year-round space where families can connect with nature in new ways every few months.

visitor logistics and tips

Parking is available near the trailhead, just beyond the Squamish valley golf club. The trails are popular year round, but not so much so that you’ll feel like there are people on top of you. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed, and the hard-packed paths are ideal for biking or easy walking. Check local trail updates before visiting, as there can be wildlife warnings sometimes, and if you’re planning a family day, consider pairing the outing with some of our other ideas on what to do in Squamish with kids. For families needing gear, our baby equipment rentals make it easy to bring little ones along without sacrificing on comfort.

For the most up-to-date seasonal information, current trail conditions, and special events, check out the official Squamish Trails Mamquam Spawning Channels page before visiting.

FAQ

What are the Mamquam Salmon Spawning Trails?

The Mamquam Salmon Spawning Trails are family-friendly paths in Squamish, BC, where visitors can watch salmon runs, spot wildlife, and enjoy easy multi-use trails.

When is the best time to see salmon at the Mamquam Trails?

Salmon runs usually occur from late summer to early fall, though timing can vary each year depending on water levels and weather conditions.

Are the trails suitable for children and families?

Yes! The trails are easy to navigate, mostly flat, and perfect for children, strollers, and beginner hikers.

Can pets go on the Mamquam Trails?

Pets are allowed on a leash, but they should not disturb the salmon or wildlife along the trails.

How long are the Mamquam Salmon Spawning Trails?

The trails are relatively short and easy to explore in under two hours, though visitors can spend more time observing salmon and wildlife.

Is there parking at the Mamquam Trails?

Yes! The there are a few good trailheads, one is off Government Road near the old SPCA/Waste Management site—this is where most people start. You can also park past the golf course on Mamquam Road or just off Loggers Down, down the forest service road across from Brennan Park. There’s a pull-out just south of the lights at Mamquam and Highway 99, but we don’t recommend it—it can be tricky to see and traffic can busy. Parking fills up quickly during peak salmon season, so try to get there early!

Are there any special attractions along the trails?

In late summer or early fall, you’ll likely see lots of slugs and snails when the salmon are running and the leaves start to fall. Other wildlife is active at this time too, including eagles, blue herons, and even bears, attracted by all the food in the rivers. In spring and summer, if you’ve got a keen eye, you can spot garter snakes, frogs, salamanders, and lots of other small creatures along the trails.