Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery

The Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery began operation in 1968 when Mossyrock Dam was completed. It was the largest salmon hatchery in the world at that time.

The salmon hatchery produces nearly 13 million fish each year, including about 1.3 million spring Chinook, 5.0 million fall Chinook and 3.2 million coho salmon.

Tacoma Power built and maintains the salmon hatchery and pays the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife for staffing and operation. Tacoma Power furnishes its own employees and equipment to transport fish to upstream spawning areas.

Adjacent to the salmon hatchery is Barrier Dam. This low dam diverts all upriver migrating adult fish to a fish ladder. The fish ladder leads to a separating station where fish are sorted by species. Some of the fish are used by the hatchery for brood stock. Some are transported to spawning areas in the Tilton River and upper Cowlitz River.

The Cowlitz hatcheries supply the fish for the restoration effort in the upper river while continuing to support existing fishery programs. Tacoma Power hauls the adult and juvenile fish from the hatcheries to the upper river basin. As both hatchery and naturally spawned juveniles begin their downstream journey, they are collected at Lewis County Public Utility District's Cowlitz Falls Dam, the uppermost dam on the Cowlitz River. Tacoma Power transports the fish to the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery where they are placed in large ponds to reduce their stress level. After acclimating, the fish are released into the river to continue their trip to the ocean.

Many factors contribute to how many fish will survive after they are released from the hatcheries. From environmental conditions in the Columbia River estuary and the ocean to commercial and sport harvest, there are many reasons why the numbers in returning fish vary from year to year. Even though a similar number of fish may be released from the hatcheries each year, the number of adults that return can vary dramatically.

The salmon hatchery has areas open to the public during daylight hours. Tacoma Power offers group tours on weekdays upon request. Call 253-502-8759 for information about group tours of the hatchery.

Adjacent to the salmon hatchery is Barrier Dam boat launch, provided and maintained by Tacoma Power.

How to Get There

To get to the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery and Barrier Dam boat launch from Interstate 5, take Highway 12 East about 12 miles. Turn right on Fuller Road. Continue until the "T" intersection and turn left on Spencer Road. Stay right at the "Y."  Turn left into the salmon hatchery parking lot, or drive straight to get to the Barrier Dam boat launch and fishing area.

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