Safety is a main concern for a hatchery visit — for adults, children, students, teachers, parents and the salmon. Here are some helpful tips to consider when visiting the Issaquah Hatchery.
The grounds are often extremely slippery, even when it is not raining and/or snowing. Also, because of the constant use of water, spillage can occur in all areas of the hatchery, which makes the grounds very slick.
Please walk (don’t run) in all areas of the hatchery and wear appropriate shoes.
Most of your visit will take place outside, so please dress for the weather.
Please keep a safe distance from open pools of water, working machinery and egg incubation rooms.
COVID-19 Guidelines
The hatchery is OPEN to the public after two long years of covid closures. Please help us remain open by following DFW guidelines, which currently require masks in indoor spaces like the Aquarium Room and Steve Bell Theatre.

Please do not touch the salmon!
If a salmon jumps out of a holding tank, notify a hatchery staff member or docent to return it to the tank. Salmon have very sharp teeth, and a bite from a salmon can be toxic.