Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery
The Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery supports salmon restoration and fisheries throughout the Cowlitz River basin. Together with the Cowlitz Trout Hatchery, the facility supports restoration efforts in the upper watershed while maintaining fisheries downstream.
The hatchery releases approximately 7.5 million spring Chinook, fall Chinook and coho salmon each year. Tacoma Power owns and funds the facility, which is operated by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Opened in 1968 following completion of Mossyrock Dam, the facility was rebuilt in 2010 to improve conditions for juvenile fish and increase the number of adults returning to spawn.
Questions? Reach out to Cowlitz@tacoma.gov.
How the Hatchery Works
The Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery plays an important role in moving fish throughout the Cowlitz River Project.
Returning adult salmon and steelhead are collected and either transported to spawning areas in the upper Cowlitz watershed or retained at the hatchery as broodstock.
Juvenile fish migrating downstream are collected at the Cowlitz Falls North Shore Collector and transported downstream for release into the Cowlitz River.
Returning adult salmon and steelhead are collected and either transported to spawning areas in the upper Cowlitz watershed or retained at the hatchery as broodstock.
Juvenile fish migrating downstream are collected at the Cowlitz Falls North Shore Collector and transported downstream for release into the Cowlitz River.
Hatchery Features
The hatchery was designed to support fish health and improve survival throughout the early stages of the salmon life cycle. Features include:
- A volitional release system that allows juvenile fish to enter the river when they are ready to migrate downstream.
- Raceways designed to help reduce the risk of disease.
- Facilities for sorting returning fish by species.
Visitor Center
The Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery Visitor Center features interactive exhibits about salmon, their life cycle and Tacoma Power's fisheries programs. Visitors can also take a self-guided outdoor tour of hatchery areas open to the public.
Visitor Center Hours
Monday–Friday: 6:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery Visitor Center
199 Salmon Lane
Salkum, WA 98582
Visitor Center Hours
Monday–Friday: 6:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery Visitor Center
199 Salmon Lane
Salkum, WA 98582
Barrier Dam
Barrier Dam is located next to the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery and directs returning adult fish into a fish ladder leading to the hatchery's sorting facilities. Fish can then be transported to upstream spawning areas or retained at the hatchery as broodstock.
The nearby Barrier Dam Boat Launch provides free river access and includes parking, restrooms and an ADA-accessible fishing ramp designed to accommodate changing river elevations.
Area Access Hours
May 1–Nov. 4: 4 a.m.–10 p.m.
Nov. 7–April 20: 6 a.m.–6 p.m.
Barrier Dam Boat Launch
279 Barrier Dam Lane
Salkum, WA 98582
The nearby Barrier Dam Boat Launch provides free river access and includes parking, restrooms and an ADA-accessible fishing ramp designed to accommodate changing river elevations.
Area Access Hours
May 1–Nov. 4: 4 a.m.–10 p.m.
Nov. 7–April 20: 6 a.m.–6 p.m.
Barrier Dam Boat Launch
279 Barrier Dam Lane
Salkum, WA 98582