Coyote builds Willamette fails and the Magic Fish Trap

Coyote arrived at a place near what is now Oregon City and encountered a community struggling with hunger. The river teemed with salmon, yet the people had no means to catch them in the deep waters. Observing this, Coyote resolved to create a grand waterfall that would bring the salmon to the surface, making them easier to spear. He also planned to construct a fish trap there. His first attempt at the mouth of the Pudding River resulted only in a gravel bar, so he continued downriver to Rock Island. There, he managed to create rapids, but still unsatisfied, he moved further downstream.

At the site of the present-day Willamette Falls, Coyote found the perfect location. He crafted the waterfall to be both high and wide, drawing all the people to fish. Coyote then built his magical fish trap, designed to speak the word “Noseepsk!” when full. Driven by hunger, Coyote decided to test the trap himself. He set it by the falls and hurried back up the shore to start a cooking fire. However, just as he began, the trap called out, “Noseepsk!” Coyote rushed back to discover the trap brimming with salmon.

He returned to the shore with the catch, only for the trap to cry “Noseepsk! Noseepsk!” once again before he could even light his fire. Repeatedly, Coyote fetched the salmon, only to be interrupted by the trap’s urgent calls. On the fifth occasion, frustrated, Coyote exclaimed, “Can’t you wait with your fish catching until I’ve built a fire?” Offended by Coyote’s impatience, the trap ceased to function altogether. From that point on, the people had to rely on spearing the salmon as best they could.

This is a retelling of a traditional legend that continues to belong to the Chinook people.

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