Klickitat River Hatchery River Access Closure (WA)

Major upgrades are currently underway to modernize the 75-year-old Klickitat Hatchery in southern Washington state, funded by a $35 million project from the Bonneville Power Administration. The hatchery is closed to the public during this time, including parking, all river access, and portage around the low-head dam at the hatchery.

Due to the closure, boating from Parrots Crossing to Summit Creek or Leidl is not recommended, particularly due to hazards associated with the low-head dam. Experienced boaters familiar with the area may have the ability to navigate this stretch at appropriate flow levels, either running the dam or portaging below the ordinary high water mark. If you are unfamiliar or uncertain about navigating this route safely, we advise that you avoid attempting this run during the 2025 and 2026 boating seasons.

Originally built in 1949, the Klickitat Hatchery is operated by the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation to rear spring and fall Chinook, as well as late-run coho salmon. This project will allow the Yakama Nation to transition from using hatchery-raised fish for broodstock to incorporating natural-origin broodstock, thereby improving the genetic diversity and resilience of the spring Chinook population and increasing juvenile production from 600,000 to 800,000 smolts annually.

Construction is scheduled for completion in fall 2026, with the first yearlings released from the upgraded facilities in May 2027. Public river access is expected to resume once construction concludes.