Bonneville Fish Hatchery

Bonneville Fish Hatchery is a worthwhile stop just off Interstate 84, near Bonneville Dam. The hatchery is Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s largest hatchery facility. It was constructed in 1909, then remodeled and expanded in 1957, and again renovated in 1974.

The large hatchery area is enjoyable to visit. One of the main attractions is the Sturgeon Viewing Center. It is a small building that you can walk into and offers a glimpse underwater into a pond. This is where Herman the Sturgeon is, an 80+ year old Sturgeon that is 10 feet long and weighs 500 pounds. Also in this area you’ll find another Sturgeon Pond with smaller sturgeon, as well as 2 Trout Ponds with rainbow trout.

The hatchery raises chinook and coho salmon and there are holding ponds where you can view the salmon. The spawning room and visitor center are also located in this area of the hatchery.

Lastly, as you leave, there is a small gift store near the parking lots.