When dam removal began three years ago, Chinook salmon were blocked far downstream by the Elwha Dam,” said Olympic National Park Superintendent Sarah Creachbaum. “Today, we celebrate the return of Chinook to the upper Elwha River for the first time in over a century."

The adult Chinook salmon all measured between 30 and 36 inches long in the former Lake Mills. Officials said two of the fish were resting near submerged tree stumps and a third was found in a deep pool.