Carson National Fish Hatchery

Fish Viewing

There are always fish to view on-site at Carson!

Depending on the time of year, you can see salmon eggs, sac-fry, or fry in our nursery (October-December), fry or fingerlings in the outside raceways (year round), or adults that have returned from the ocean in the adult ponds (...

Picnicking

The hatchery is located in the heart of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and offers beautiful forest views. We have two picnic shelters on the hatchery grounds, equipped with tables, grills, and water.

Wildlife Viewing

As you drive to the hatchery, you are driving through the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. This beautiful setting is filled with an assortment of wildlife viewing opportunities. Keep your eyes open for the resident elk herd that lives near the hatchery, and deer along the road....

Hiking

While we do not have any trails located on the hatchery grounds, we are located in the heart of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, which offers an array of hiking trails.

Whether you wield a smartphone or a zoom lens, you’ll find photo-worthy subjects at national wildlife refuges and national fish hatcheries. Wildlife photography is a priority public use on national wildlife refuges, so you’ll find wildlife drives and blinds and overlooks to help you get the images you’re after.

Education Programs

We welcome groups of all sizes to the hatchery! Spring is a great time to bring school groups for a visit to see adult spring Chinook salmon and better understand the role hatcheries play. We spawn our salmon in August each summer. Please call the hatchery at 503-630-6270 to...