Carson National Fish Hatchery

Nestled in the heart of Washington’s Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Carson National Fish Hatchery has been raising spring Chinook salmon since 1937.  Originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps to offset fishery losses caused by Bonneville Dam and other Columbia River hydroelectric projects, the hatchery now produces approximately 1.52 million spring Chinook salmon each year for release into the Wind River.  It also provides salmon eggs for restoration programs throughout the Columbia River Basin.

Carson is part of the Columbia River Gorge National Fish Hatchery Complex, a network of six hatcheries that collectively produce more than 25 million salmon annually to support Tribal fisheries, conservation, and recreational fishing.  Visitors can watch adult Chinook salmon during their return each spring and summer, explore the raceways, enjoy a picnic, and experience one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier salmon hatcheries.

⭐ Federal Fish Hatchery

🐟 Spring Chinook Salmon Production, Columbia River Basin Restoration

Address: 14041 Wind River Highway, Carson, WA 98610-3175

Phone: (509) 427-5905

🔗 Official Hatchery Website

Species Raised

🐟 Spring Chinook Salmon

Services & Features

✅ Public visitor access
✅ Part of the Columbia River Gorge National Fish Hatchery Complex
✅ Adult salmon viewing (May–August)
✅ Fish raceway viewing year-round
✅ Group tours available by appointment
✅ Picnic area
✅ Wildlife viewing
✅ Photography
✅ Educational programs
✅ Located in Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Visitor Information

Visitors can observe juvenile spring Chinook salmon throughout the year and watch returning adult salmon in the fish ladder and holding ponds from May through August.  The hatchery offers self-guided visits, scheduled group tours, picnic areas, and easy access to nearby hiking, camping, fishing, and other outdoor recreation in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.  It is also a popular stop for travelers heading to Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.

The hatchery is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM–3:30 PM.