 Early ocean experience is a critical time period that affects juvenile salmonid survival. Understanding juvenile salmonid behavior in nearshore marine environments and how oceanic conditions (such as dynamic river plume habitats) affect salmonid migration will contribute to salmonid survival studies and conservation and management efforts. Relatively few studies have been conducted on juvenile salmonid behavior as they migrate out the mouth of the Columbia River and some studies suggest that juvenile salmonids typically migrate north immediately upon entry into the ocean from the Columbia River. We present findings from a study that used acoustic telemetry to determine the migratory direction, residence time, and travel rate of juvenile salmonids as they left the Columbia River and entered the marine environment.