Spring Creek National Fish Hatchery

Hunting

Spring Creek National Fish Hatchery, along the Columbia River and White Salmon River in Underwood, Washington, was established in 1901. The hatchery annually releases 10.4 million Tule Fall Chinook salmon to fulfill tribal trust responsibilities and support the commercial and recreational...

Fishing

Tule fall Chinook salmon are native to parts of the Columbia River and have historically provided food for people living along the river. They begin returning in late August about the time the fish ladder opens, and spawning occurs mid- to late September. If you’d rather catch fish than...

Photography

The hatchery is located in the scenic Columbia River Gorge directly on the Columbia River. Views of the Columbia River and Mt. Hood are breathtaking! We are also a popular windsurfing site, during warmer months the beautiful sails and kites can be seen from the entrance road. 

Picnicking

The hatchery has picnic tables located near the main parking area, offering sweeping views of the Columbia River and Mt. Hood. Restrooms are available in the Visitor Center.

Dog Walking

Walking your dog at the hatchery is a wonderful idea! The entrance road is about a mile long and offers beautiful views of the Columbia River and Mt. Hood. Please dispose of your pet waste by using provided bags and putting these in the garbage.

Birding

Our mile-long entrance road offers birders a wonderful venue to see a variety of birds year round. 

Education Programs

We welcome groups of all sizes to the hatchery! Fall is a great time to bring school groups for a visit to see adult tule fall Chinook salmon jumping up the fish ladder, view spawning operations, and better understand the role hatcheries play. A hatchery tour often kicks off...

Fish Viewing

Adult tule fall Chinook salmon can be viewed from late August through September in outdoor raceways. They can also be seen returning up the fish ladder during this time. Spawning takes place September 15-30. The newly fertilized eggs are moved to our Incubation Building where they...