It's huckleberry gathering time, and many are saying better late than never for these tasty berries that should be at their prime.

"Based on what I've heard there are adequate berries out there, and we're about two to three weeks behind," said Andrea Ruchty, a Mount Adams and Mount St. Helens Ranger District botanist.

You can find huckleberries on mountain hillsides and open meadows exposed to plenty of sunshine and a decent water source. Huckleberries tend to grow in older clear cut areas, and around hemlock, beargrass, serviceberry and Pacific silver fir.

In the Western Washington mountains, hit the upper elevation trails of Park Butte and Schriebers Meadow on Mount Baker; Mount Dickerman; Tonga Ridge trails in the Central Cascades; the Pacific Crest Trail north of Snoqualmie Pass; Mount Catherine south of Snoqualmie Pass; and the Naches Peak Loop.

In Southwest Washington, places like the Gifford Pinchot National Forest are prime huckleberry spots.

"The snow stayed around fairly late, and this is one of those years where people haven't seen it as wet," said Chris Strebig, the public affairs officer for the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. "It is definitely a late harvest year.

"This year our upper elevations in Goat Rocks and Sawtooth fields had snow into late June and early July," Strebig said. "What we found out was the berries weren't on the bush or were still green coming into August."

Other places to look for the tasty purple berries are the Mount Adams Wilderness, Boardman Lake in the Darrington Ranger District and Huckleberry Creek in the White River Ranger District.

Those new to the huckleberry scene in the Cascade Mountains, can call 425-888-1421 at North Bend Ranger District; 360-856-5700 at Mount Baker Ranger District; 360-677-2414 at Skykomish Ranger District.

Cedar River sockeye hatchery completed

It was a joyous occasion this past Tuesday on the upper stretch of the Cedar River just below Landsburg Dam.

With the trickling sounds of the nearby river filling the air, the stakeholders who've had a hand in seeing the $7.9-million permanent hatchery come to fruition after more than two decades were gathered for a special dedication.

"You look at Lake Washington, and sockeye provide an important and diverse exciting opportunity for a broad cross section of our communities," said Phil Anderson, the director of the state Department of Fish and Wildlife. "To not only catch fish, but to learn about salmon, and gain a greater understanding of the environment in which we live, and the importance of taking care of that."

A temporary hatchery in place since 1991 had the capacity to produce 17 million fry, but only did it once during that period. The new hatchery could produce 34 million fry.

"This year's return will be handled at the new hatchery," said Bill Robinson, a member of the Seattle Public Utilities Cedar River Anadromous Fish Committee.

"The sockeye are averaging roughly 3,200 eggs per female," said Robinson. "The hope is that we can get to potentially 10 million eggs. There is a 5-percent mortality associated with the spawning effort at the hatchery. We're looking at 2,500 to 3,000 females to get to 10 million."

The temporary hatchery made sport/tribal fisheries possible in 1996, 2000, 2002, 2004 and 2006.

In 2006, a return of 470,000 sockeye allowed for an 18-day sport fishery, and was a big boost to the economy of all the related industries.

Since then, returns have dropped close to historic lows, and the run this summer of 44,000 was well below the 350,000 needed to meet spawning escapement before fisheries are allowed.

Frank Urabeck, a member of the Cedar River Council and a sport fishing advocate, was one of the most outspoken supporters of the new permanent hatchery.

"I'm pleased to represent the many hundreds of thousands of sport anglers who enjoyed the special fishery over the past nearly half-century," said Urabeck, who was one of the honored guest speakers.

"The public overwhelmingly supports the new hatchery as they believe it will help us get back to fisheries again," Urabeck said. "One of the things that make the fishery so special is that it is something families can enjoy as you don't have to be an expert to take home a sockeye."

Notes

• The Seattle Rifle & Pistol Association sight-in is Sunday; and Oct. 1-2 and Oct. 8-9 at 725 135th Ave. S.E. in Snohomish. Cost is $10. Details: 425-508-6005 or 425-775-9531.

• The Northshore Trout Unlimited meeting is the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center, 18560 1st Ave. NE in Shoreline. Details: http://northshoretu.blogspot.com.

• Mount St. Helens climbing permits are on sale. Cost is $22. Permits are required year-round to climb above 4,800 feet. Details: 360-891-5007 or www.mshinstitute.org.

• The Issaquah Alps Trails Club holds weekly hikes and meets in downtown Issaquah. Details: www.issaquahalps.org.

• The Washington Trails Association offers statewide trip reports and trail conditions. Details: www.wta.org.

• The Seattle Audubon Society offers field trips and classes every month. Details: 206-523-4483 or www.seattleaudubon.org.

• The Western Bass Club meets every third Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Kennydale Hall in Renton. Details: www.westernbassclub.comor www.nickbarrfishing.com.

• The new nonprofit Cascade Musky Association is looking for members. Cost is $25 or $35 for a couple/family membership. Details: www.cascademuskyassociation.com or www.wafish.com.

Mark Yuasa: 206-464-8780 or myuasa@seattletimes.com