Salmon Days Festival at Issaquah Hatchery

You may not know there are many, many salmon fish hatcheries throughout Washington State. Fish hatcheries here and across the country help manage and restore America’s fish populations. Together, the hatcheries support a variety of fish species and habitat conservation, endangered species recovery, tribal fishing rights, and recreational opportunities for anglers.

The National Fish Hatchery System (NFHS) is comprised of a network of 71 National Hatcheries, 10 of which are located in Washington State. The national hatcheries are working facilities, focused on raising threatened species for restoration and recovery programs, as well as providing fish to benefit Tribes, federal water projects, scientific research, and other goals.

In Washington State, our fish hatcheries typically raise freshwater trout, steelhead, and three species of Pacific salmon: Coho (aka silver salmon), Chinook (King salmon), and Chum (“dog” salmon). On of the best times to visit our hatcheries is late summer through fall, during the salmon runs.

A salmon run is the annual migration event where adult Pacific salmon swim from the ocean back to the upper reaches of the rivers where they were born. There, they spawn (lay eggs) on the gravel beds of small creeks. 

Fish hatcheries raise and release salmon each year to protect, restore, and increase fish populations. During the spawning season, you can watch salmon swim home to the hatchery where they were born.

Some hatcheries have interesting facilities to see year-round and provide self-guided tour information. Listed below are hatcheries in locations across Washington State. Admission and self-guided tours at most hatcheries are free.

King County fish hatcheries

Issaquah Salmon Hatchery

Nestled in the beautiful mountains of Issaquah, a quick drive up I-90 from Seattle, the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery makes a great getaway. Opened in 1936, this hatchery has been essential to restoring salmon to the area. Friends of the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery (FISH) have cultivated educational opportunities here. Not only will you see fish, you’ll also learn about how they impact the Puget Sound region. Chinook and Coho salmon species are raised here. The hatchery also highlights native plants, wetlands, and the Indigenous people of the area. 

Free self-guided tours available daily from dawn til dusk. Guided tours are available for a suggested donation of $10 per person. Pre-registration is required at Guided Tours (issaquahfish.org).

• Location: 125 W Sunset Way Issaquah, WA 98027
• Hours: Grounds open daily from dawn ’til dusk. Office open Monday-Friday, 9am to 5pm. 
• Parking: Free parking is available in two lots. Additional parking across the street next door to the library.
• Website: https://www.cityofpuyallup.org/1204/Fish-Hatchery

Issaquah Hatchery Salmon Days in October

Issaquah Salmon Hatchery participates in the annual Salmon Days Festival in October hosted by the Issaquah Chamber of Commerce. This two-day event every autumn celebrates the start of the spawning season. Festivities include artisan booths, food vendors, salmon exhibits, hatchery tours (registration required), games for the kiddos, live entertainments, and more.

• When: October 3-4, 2026. More info: Annual Salmon Days (issaquahchamber.com)