Little White Salmon National Fish Hatchery

Little White Salmon National Fish Hatchery has been helping restore Columbia River salmon populations for more than a century.  Founded in 1898, it is one of the oldest salmon hatcheries in the Pacific Northwest and has played an important role in salmon propagation, fisheries restoration, and Tribal trust responsibilities.

Today, Little White Salmon raises millions of Chinook salmon each year, producing approximately 5.5 million young spring and upriver bright fall Chinook salmon for release or transfer to partner facilities.  The hatchery also collects millions of salmon eggs annually to support other salmon restoration programs throughout the Columbia River Basin.

⭐ Federal Fish Hatchery

🐟 Chinook Salmon Production — Columbia River Basin Restoration

Address: 56961 State Road 14, Cook, WA 98605-9063

Phone: (509) 538-2755

🔗 Official Hatchery Website

Species Raised

🐟 Spring Chinook Salmon
🐟 Upriver Bright Fall Chinook Salmon

Services & Features

✅ Public visitor access
✅ Part of the Columbia River Gorge National Fish Hatchery Complex
✅ Salmon viewing platforms
✅ Underground viewing room
✅ Adult salmon viewing during migration season
✅ Juvenile salmon viewing in raceways
✅ Walking trails
✅ Fishing access nearby
✅ Accessible fishing opportunities
✅ Wildlife viewing and birdwatching
✅ Educational programs
✅ Photography opportunities

Visitor Information

Visitors can experience one of the Pacific Northwest’s best salmon viewing locations while exploring the hatchery grounds along the Little White Salmon River.  Adult spring Chinook salmon can typically be viewed from May through August, while fall Chinook salmon returns can be observed from October through November.  The hatchery offers viewing platforms, an underground viewing room, scenic walking areas, and opportunities to watch salmon returning to their birthplace.

The hatchery is also a popular destination for anglers, photographers, families, and wildlife enthusiasts.  Visitors may enjoy fishing opportunities, picnicking, hiking, and watching wildlife along the river and Drano Lake area.

Little White Salmon National Fish Hatchery is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM–3:00 PM. Self-guided weekend visits are available April through June from 8:00 AM–3:00 PM.