The chinook is native to the Pacific Coast from California to Alaska and British Columbia, Canada. It is also found in the Great Lakes and their tributaries. Chinook generally live a four-year life cycle, though salmon up to seven years have been recorded. Longevity helps them attain such big sizes, but chinook also get an earlier start than other salmon. While coho seldom hit the big water until they're almost 18 months, chinook head for the ocean or lakes within days of hatching. Chinook wander about the big water in loose packs. They're more light sensitive than many other salmon and often hold in deeper water.