About Carson National Fish Hatchery
The Carson National Fish Hatchery, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, began rearing salmon and trout in 1937. Carson National Fish Hatchery produces 1.17 million spring Chinook smolts (young salmon) annually, including 250,000 smolts for tribal efforts to restore salmon to the Walla Walla River Basin. This program has the goal of producing a naturally spawning, self-sustaining population of spring Chinook in the Walla Walla Basin. The hatchery also helps mitigate for fish losses in the Columbia River Basin due to the impacts of main stem hydropower, and contributes to important tribal ceremonial and subsistence fisheries as well as non-tribal sport fisheries.
How to Get There
Carson National Fish Hatchery is at the confluence of Tyee Creek and the Wind River, 14 miles north of the Columbia River, about 60 miles east of Vancouver, Washington. To visit the hatchery, turn north off State Route 14 at the Wind River Highway, about 3 miles east of Stevenson, WA, and continue for 14 miles to the hatchery.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Carson National Fish Hatchery
Heading to Carson National Fish Hatchery? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Carson National Fish Hatchery?
No central reservation system listed for Carson National Fish Hatchery. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/203840) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Carson National Fish Hatchery?
Carson National Fish Hatchery is at the confluence of Tyee Creek and the Wind River, 14 miles north of the Columbia River, about 60 miles east of Vancouver, Washington. To visit the hatchery, turn north off State Route 14 at the Wind River Highway, about 3 miles east of Stevenson, WA, and continue for 14 miles to the hatchery.
How do I contact Carson National Fish Hatchery?
You can reach the park at phone: (509) 427-5905 or email: Larry_Zeigenfuss@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
