Sandy Hatchery Visitors' Guide
Sandy Hatchery began operation in 1951 as a state-funded facility. In 1959, the hatchery became part of the Columbia River Fisheries Development Program (Mitchell Act) – a program to enhance declining fish runs in the Columbia River Basin. The facility is currently used for the adult collection of spring Chinook, winter and summer steelhead, and coho salmon. Coho and winter steelhead eggs are taken, hatched, ponded and reared to release on station.
Best time to visit: October – mid-December for spawning. All year for viewing young fish.
Visiting hours: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. There is a gated entry.
Fish raised: coho salmon, spring Chinook and winter steelhead
What to see and do: Visitors can see adult coho salmon during the peak of coho spawning activity in early November. Winter steelhead collection and spawning can also be seen in late February-early March. The facility has a small inside display area. A trail runs through the grounds, offering a nature hike as well as fishing access to the Sandy River.
- Wildlife: fish, freshwater mammals, carnivores, wading birds
- Facilities: fishing, restroom, trails
- Nearby: Mount Hood National Forest, which is the location of Mount Hood and Multnomah Falls, offers camping, hiking, river running, skiing and wildlife viewing.
Directions: Take Hwy. 26 east from Portland toward Mt. Hood to Sandy. Go through the town of Sandy to the last traffic light. Turn left onto Ten Eyck Road. Approximately 1/2 mile down the hill is a very sharp left-hand turn. Turn left onto SE Fish Hatchery Road and proceed for one mile to the hatchery.
Address and Phone:
Sandy Hatchery
39800 SE Fish Hatchery Road
Sandy, OR 97055
(503) 668-4222
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Current conditions and opportunities to fish, hunt and see wildlife. Updated weekly by fish and wildlife biologists throughout the state.