Spring Creek Hatchery State Park is a Washington day-use park on the Columbia River, across from Hood River, Oregon. It offers river scenery and access to the Spring Creek National Fish Hatchery, where you can learn about salmon production and, at certain times of year, see fish in outdoor raceways.
- Location: Southeast Skamania County, Washington, in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.
- From Sunset Motel Hood River: About a 10-minute drive.
- Park hours: Open Monday to Friday; closed Saturday and Sunday
- Hatchery admission: Free; crossing the bridge from Hood River requires a $2 toll each way.
Where is Spring Creek Hatchery State Park?
The park is at the entrance to the Spring Creek National Fish Hatchery, on the Washington shore of the Columbia River. Its address is 61552 State Road 14, Underwood, WA 98651, across the river from Hood River.
The surrounding landscape is part of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. From the shore, the park has views of Mount Hood, and its river setting includes freshwater, a rocky beach, and opportunities to watch wildlife.
How do you get to the hatchery from Hood River?
From I-84, take exit 64 at Hood River, cross the Hood River/White Salmon Bridge, then turn left onto State Highway 14. Continue about 4.8 miles; the hatchery is on the left near mile marker 61.
The bridge has a toll of $2 each way. If you are driving from Portland, the hatchery is about 65 miles east of the city. The Washington State Parks address can help you identify the park entrance, while the hatchery sits just beyond it.
What can you see and do at the park?
The park supports riverside activities including bird watching, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, windsurfing, and kiteboarding. Park facilities include parking, accessible restrooms, an automated pay station, picnic tables, and places for cooking and picnicking. The gravel parking areas are unmarked, and the park has about 150 spaces and six unsheltered picnic tables.
The hatchery raises approximately 12.5 million Tule Fall Chinook salmon annually. Its work helps mitigate habitat loss from Columbia River hydroelectric projects and fulfills tribal trust responsibilities. Biological filters let the hatchery reuse water from local springs while improving water quality.
Fish viewing changes through the year. Adult salmon can be seen in outdoor raceways and returning up the fish ladder from late August through September. Spawning takes place from September 15 to 30; eggs are moved to an incubation building and are not available for public viewing.
Juvenile salmon are visible in outdoor raceways from January through April. Smolts are released into the Columbia River in mid-April, after which no fish are on site until adult salmon return the following August.
When are the park and hatchery open?
The hatchery also offers interpretive programs and self-guided tours on weekdays and on select weekends during the September spawning season.
Opening hours
- Monday to Friday: 7:30 AM–4 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Hatchery admission is free, but budget for the bridge toll in both directions. Park amenities include accessible restrooms; check the official site before you go for current hours, access details, and toll information.
What else can you pair with a stop here?
Spring Creek works as a riverside stop on a Hood River-area outing. If you want to add an aviation and automotive collection to the day, the Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum gives you a different kind of local visit.
Hatchery activities also include dog walking, education programs, photography, and picnicking.
For a broader plan that balances stops around town, the one-day Hood River itinerary can help you arrange the day without packing in too much.
FAQs
Is Spring Creek Hatchery State Park in Oregon?
No. The park is in Washington, across the Columbia River from Hood River, Oregon.
Can you see salmon at the hatchery?
Yes, but fish viewing follows a seasonal pattern. Adult salmon are viewable from late August through September, and juvenile salmon from January through April.
Is there an admission fee?
Hatchery admission is free. The Hood River/White Salmon Bridge crossing costs $2 each way.
Does the park have picnic facilities?
Yes. The park has picnic tables and areas for cooking and picnicking, along with parking and accessible restrooms.