Bonneville Dam Fish Hatchery, Can’t Miss Gem in the Columbia River Gorge

DISCLAIMER: Our posts may contain affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may receive commission. You won't pay more, but you will be providing us with a small commission, which helps to keep the lights on. All recommendations are based on our own opinions and preferences. You can read our complete disclaimer here. Thanks!

When visiting Oregon and the Columbia River Gorge, it is easy to spend all your time exploring the many waterfalls, like Multnomah Falls, but believe it or not, the Bonneville Dam and Fish Hatchery is a can’t miss quick trip you will not regret.

The Bonneville Dam and Fish Hatchery is perfect for all ages, and offers a unique perspective on the nature that makes the Columbia River Gorge what it is today.

What is the Bonneville Dam Fish Hatchery?

The Bonneville Dam fish hatchery was originally constructed in 1909 to help the declining fish populations of the Columbia River basin. The hatchery saw expansion and remodels in 1957, 1974, and finally again in 1998 to aid in these efforts.

Bonneville Dam Fish Hatchery view from the trout ponds
  • Save

The Bonneville Dam Fish Hatchery is known for its excellent egg and fingerling facilities which aid additional fish hatcheries in the area. The Bonneville hatchery raises chinook and coho salmon, as well as summer and winter steelhead fish.

The hatchery has many rearing ponds for the young fish, which visitors can see, and learn from. Additional ponds, full of larger fish are accessible for guests to feed the fish.

What Can I do at Bonneville Fish Hatchery?

While the Bonneville Dam Fish Hatchery is open year round, seven days a week, your experience will vary based on the time of year. The hatchery raises salmon in all life stages for the public to see, as well as sturgeon in some life stages.

During the late summer and fall, guests can witness the spawning operation of the returning salmon. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife workers help sort salmon and facilitate the spawning and hatching of new fish.

Kimber watching fish
  • Save

Guests can explore the grounds and the various holding ponds filled with fish of varying ages from fry to fingerlings, and even some adult fish. Audio displays located around the facility explain the life stages of the fish, and how the hatchery aids in expanding the populations.

Most of the holding ponds feature young frys, fingerlings, or smolts, while the larger ponds in the back feature large trout and steelhead for guests to interact with. For a more hands on experience, you will want to head to the back left of the facility towards the trout and sturgeon ponds.

The rainbow trout ponds feature trout raise in other local hatcheries for guests to enjoy and feed. Fish food dispensers are located next to the pond for guest use.

The machines take one quarter in exchange for a large handful of fish food. The money raised from these machines go towards the upkeep of the hatchery facility.

Trout from the trout pond at the Bonneville Dam Fish Hatchery
  • Save

Next to the trout ponds are the sturgeon ponds. Here, you can see large sturgeon, some up to ten feet long. In addition to seeing these large fish from above, a specialty building allows guests to see the fish from below.

Inside the small structure, a large viewing window gives an underwater view of the fish. Signs and displays inside the building explain the prehistoric history of sturgeon and how they came to be.

Sturgeon
  • Save

For something else to do, head to the nearby Bonneville Dam visitors center and head to the bottom floor (level 1,) to see the fish ladder viewing area. The viewing area features a window into the fish ladder for guests.

Here, you can watch various fish use the fish ladder to bypass the dam. The most fish activity here occurs during the late summer, fall, and early winter.

I Don’t Like Fish, Will I Still Enjoy a Visit?

Visiting the Bonneville Dam Fish Hatchery does not need to be all about visiting the fish. The facility is scattered with picnic tables on beautifully landscaped grounds for guests to enjoy. Many people will bring a picnic lunch, and enjoy it by the river.

Relaxing by the flowers at the Bonneville Dam Fish Hatchery
  • Save

Or, spend some time walking the paths through the grounds. Especially during the summer months, bright flowers adorn the landscaping, and avian wildlife fly about. In fact, the Bonneville Dam and Fish Hatchery is a piece of the natural habitat for over 40 different bird species.

Besides enjoying nature, the hatchery offers many educational opportunities. The self guided tour leads you to signs full of info about the fish, the dam, the dam construction, and the natural habitat that is the Columbia River.

Is the Bonneville Fish Hatchery Open?

Yes! Even with COVID-19 restrictions, the Bonneville Dam Fish Hatchery is open, with a few modifications. The experience takes place mostly outside, and has remained open, even during the pandemic for guests to experience safely.

pathway at the hatchery with fish decal on the ground
  • Save

The hatchery is open seven days a week, from 7:30 am to dusk. Currently, the main visitors center and office are closed as a precaution. The gift shop is currently open.

For up-to-date COVID restrictions at the dam, click here.

How to Get to the Bonneville Dam Fish Hatchery

The best way to access the fish hatchery is from I-84. Simply take exit 40, and follow the signs to the fish hatchery, it is located directly off the exit. The fish hatchery is about 40 miles east of Portland, in Cascade Locks.

What To Know Before You Visit

  • The hatchery facility is located almost entirely outside, so be sure to dress accordingly.
  • There is no fee to visit the facility.
  • Be sure to bring plenty of quarters to use to purchase fish food, there are no change machines.
  • Do not place your hands in any of the fish ponds, you may harm the fish, and the larger fish have been known to bite.
  • Parking in plentiful for cars and pickup trucks, but there is no RV parking.
  • Dogs are allowed at the hatchery, but must remain on leash and be kept out of ponds.
  • The entire hatchery is very ADA compliant except for the underwater sturgeon viewing area.

Other Trips You May Enjoy

Ali Patton

Ali is a travel blogger for Seconds to Go, where she shares her experiences traveling the U.S. with her co-blogger Mom, Kathleen. She is also an avid Disney travel enthusiast, and with multiple Disney World trips under her belt, is a knoweldgeable resource for all things related to Disney vacations. Ali can be found managing the Seconds to Go social media accounts as well as the famed Double Z Farm pages on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

Thanks for Joining Our Adventure

Kathleen Hesketh and Ali Patton, mother daughter travel bloggers

We're Kat and Ali, a pair of mother-daughter travel bloggers exploring the U.S. We're sharing our experiences, tips and insights to help you more easily get out and explore the beautiful landscapes and places of this nation.

FOLLOW US

pinterest icon
Instagram icon
Facebook icon
Twitter
follow us in feedly

#Seconds2go

More Adventures

IMG 6153 1
  • Save

Trekking the Shimmering Path: A Guide to Oregon’s Big Obsidian Flow Trail

August 16, 2023

Share via: 297 Shares Pinterest 297 Facebook 0 Twitter 0 Reddit 0 Mix 0 Flipboard 0 LinkedIn 0 Email 0 Pocket 0 Tumblr 0 The Bog Obsidian Flow Trail winds through the youngest lava flow in Oregon. The roughly one square mile area is made up of glossy black obsidian and pumice stone. This hike … Read more

Newberry National Volcanic Monument featured image
  • Save

Nature’s Raw Power on Display: Exploring the Geologic Wonders of Newberry Volcanic Monument

July 19, 2023

Share via: 144 Shares Pinterest 144 Facebook 0 Twitter 0 Reddit 0 Mix 0 Flipboard 0 LinkedIn 0 Email 0 Pocket 0 Tumblr 0 The Newberry National Volcanic Monument in central Oregon combines 54,000 acres of land to feature lakes, lava flows, lava tubes, unique geologic formations, and some of the best views of the … Read more

two women in shadow inside a lava tube cave in central Oregon
  • Save

Descending into the Abyss at Lava River Cave Oregon

July 9, 2023

Share via: 297 Shares Pinterest 297 Facebook 0 Twitter 0 Reddit 0 Mix 0 Flipboard 0 LinkedIn 0 Email 0 Pocket 0 Tumblr 0 Even as you’re descending into the giant maw of Lava River Cave near Bend Oregon, you’re thinking the usual thoughts that accompany steps into the subterranean. Will I see stalactites or … Read more

Lava cast Forest featured image
  • Save

Oregon’s Lava Cast Forest: Nature’s Sculpture Garden in the Heart of the Pacific Northwest

June 28, 2023

Share via: 216 Shares Pinterest 216 Facebook 0 Twitter 0 Reddit 0 Mix 0 Flipboard 0 LinkedIn 0 Email 0 Pocket 0 Tumblr 0 Oregon’s lava cast forest is located in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument and features an important remnant of the Earth’s early volcanic history. Hikers of all abilities can enjoy the paved … Read more

Woman standing on a rock outcrop overlooking a beautiful valley in the United States.
  • Save

Home Comforts for the Foreign Traveler Visiting the U.S.

May 3, 2023

Share via: 199 Shares Pinterest 199 Facebook 0 Twitter 0 Reddit 0 Mix 0 Flipboard 0 LinkedIn 0 Email 0 Pocket 0 Tumblr 0 If you’re looking to travel abroad, there are plenty of excellent spots to hit up in the US. In fact, there is no shortage of experiences to keep you busy, and … Read more

Woman looking at phone while traveling on a bus
  • Save

11 Ways to Keep Personal Data Secure on Mobile Devices While Traveling

March 24, 2023

Share via: 220 Shares Pinterest 220 Facebook 0 Twitter 0 Reddit 0 Mix 0 Flipboard 0 LinkedIn 0 Email 0 Pocket 0 Tumblr 0 The world is becoming increasingly mobile. With all our private details stored in smartphones, tablets, and laptops, these devices have become our indispensable companions. Unfortunately, the ever-ready connectivity can also make … Read more

make money traveling AdobeStock 117205271
  • Save

4 Ways to Make Money While Traveling

March 17, 2023

Share via: 251 Shares Pinterest 251 Facebook 0 Twitter 0 Reddit 0 Mix 0 Flipboard 0 LinkedIn 0 Email 0 Pocket 0 Tumblr 0 Traveling is an incredible experience. Making money while doing it can make it even more thrilling. You are not alone if you are adventurous, want to see the world, or dream … Read more

dogs walking at MInto Brown Island State Park
  • Save

Explore Minto Brown Island Park: The Most Dog-Friendly Place in Salem

March 16, 2023

Share via: 1.7K Share Pinterest 353 Facebook 1.3K Twitter 0 Reddit 0 Mix 0 Flipboard 0 LinkedIn 0 Email 0 Pocket 0 Tumblr 0 Minto Brown Island State Park is the perfect dog lover’s paradise. This riverfront West Salem park offers walking, hiking, jogging, and swimming, all with the option to take man’s best friend … Read more

Blue star on the old faithful trail
  • Save

Epic Things to Do in Yellowstone During a Weekend Trip – Complete Guide

March 11, 2023

Share via: 312 Shares Pinterest 287 Facebook 25 Twitter 0 Reddit 0 Mix 0 Flipboard 0 LinkedIn 0 Email 0 Pocket 0 Tumblr 0 If you’re wondering how to visit Yellowstone in a weekend, here is our Yellowstone 3-day itinerary. We’ve made this trip more than once, so we’ve gotten it down to a bit … Read more

views from Rim Drive are what to do at Crater Lake
  • Save

What to Do at Crater Lake-Best Bets for Your Visit

March 5, 2023

Share via: 1.6K Share Pinterest 318 Facebook 1.3K Twitter 0 Reddit 0 Mix 0 Flipboard 0 LinkedIn 0 Email 0 Pocket 0 Tumblr 0 When thinking about what to do at Crater Lake, many people go right to the pristine, blue water of the lake itself, but the over 180,000-acre park has much more to … Read more

Posted in

Ali Patton

Ali is a travel blogger for Seconds to Go, where she shares her experiences traveling the U.S. with her co-blogger Mom, Kathleen. She is also an avid Disney travel enthusiast, and with multiple Disney World trips under her belt, is a knoweldgeable resource for all things related to Disney vacations. Ali can be found managing the Seconds to Go social media accounts as well as the famed Double Z Farm pages on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

Leave a Comment