Late July through early August marks the peak of summer chinook salmon runs in Puget Sound and other Pacific Northwest waters, with these massive "king" salmon entering rivers and staging in nearshore areas. Summer chinook represent distinct genetic stocks from spring and fall runs, adapted to specific river systems and timing windows. These powerful fish, which can exceed 30-40 pounds (with some individuals reaching 50-60 pounds), navigate through Puget Sound's complex waterways to reach spawning tributaries. Watch for chinook holding in deep pools, leaping at barriers, and moving through fish ladders at dams. Summer chinook populations have declined significantly from historical levels due to habitat loss, dams, warm water temperatures, and overfishing, making many runs listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act. These iconic fish remain culturally vital to Coast Salish tribes and represent the Pacific Northwest's ecological heritage.