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Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery, WA – Volunteer Vacation 2024

June 9 @ 5:00 pm - June 15 @ 10:00 am

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Once deemed the largest fish hatchery in the world, Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery raises 1.2 million spring Chinook salmon each year! Learn about salmon life cycles, explore the outdoors, and support trail systems at this beautiful Washington hatchery located in the heart of the Cascade Mountain Range!

Completed in 1940 to help mitigate the impact of construction, operation and maintenance of Grand Coulee Dam on fisheries resources in the Columbia River and its tributaries, Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery provides the public more than fish with its public boat launch, a tribal fishing area, and over 5 miles of public trails. Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery has been partnering with volunteers to build a trail system on the northern part of the hatchery grounds.

Volunteers will work together to lay and level gravel on trails, and help with native plant restoration. If time allows, volunteers will assist with seasonal maintenance on the Icicle Creek Nature Trail. Volunteers will hike from their campsite to the project site. The walk is on level ground, approximately 1 mile. Volunteers will need to sign a Volunteer Service Agreement – Natural and Cultural Resources provided by Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery staff. 

During this trip, Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery average high temperature is 77°, and average low temperature is 53°.

There is no experience needed to join a Volunteer Vacation! Your expert hosts will provide detailed instruction, tool demonstrations, and project oversight throughout the week. All you need is a willing attitude and to be in good physical condition to participate in moderate physical activity for approximately 6-8 hours a day with plenty of breaks, at your own pace. Find out more about what it’s like to join a Volunteer Vacation and other frequently asked questions here.

AHS acknowledges with gratitude that this project takes place on the traditional lands of the Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla, np̓əšqʷáw̓səxʷ (Wenatchi), Yakama, and Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation peoples past and present. We honor the land itself, the Indigenous communities who have stewarded this land for generations, their deep and sacred connection to these lands, and those who continue to steward these lands today. We offer this land acknowledgement as the first of many steps to stand as an ally and amplify Indigenous voices. We invite the American Hiking Society community to join us through continued efforts to support Indigenous communities and learn more about the history of the lands on which we live, work and recreate.

Click here for a PDF of trip details.

Host

US Fish & Wildlife Service

Accommodations

Car Camping Tent Sites

Hiking/Access

Volunteers will hike from their campsite to the project site. The walk is on level ground, approximately 1 mile.

Project Rating

Easy

Minimum Volunteer Age

16

Maximum Group Size

20

Area and Attractions

Leavenworth Washington is a Bavarian-themed tourist town in the Eastern Cascades. The region is known for its hiking, camping, skiing and other outdoor activities. Lake Wenatchee and Lake Chelan are both popular lakes to recreate it and there are countless alpine lakes throughout the region. Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery was built in the late 1930's to mitigate the loss of salmon habitat created by Grand Coulee Dam. The hatchery raises and releases approximately 1.2 million spring chinook salmon each year and provides sport and tribal fishing opportunities. Situated on 170 acres with beautiful views of the Enchantments and Icicle Valley, the hatchery also serves as a community recreation area. There are two main trail systems here, with the Northern 40 trail still in development. On the island there is the Icicle Creek Nature Trail which transitions to a snowshoe trail in winter. There is excellent viewing of many different kinds of wildlife on site including birds, bears, deer, otters and more!

Accommodations Description

Volunteers will have access to a large, flat area that can accommodate up to 15 tents. Access to a single washer and dryer is available in the nursery building and wifi is available near hatchery buildings. Potable water is available in all the hatchery buildings. Porta-potties will be provided for the campsite and the hatchery buildings will have flushable toilets. The campsite is near one of our wellhouses , which also serves as bear-safe storage for food and personal items. Showers are not available. Volunteers will need to bring their personal camping gear, bedding, towels, and toiletries.

Travel

Pangborn Memorial Airport in Wenatchee, Washington and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in Seattle, Washington are the closest airports. Airport pick up and drop off is available for volunteers and will be arranged upon confirmation of the trip. Volunteers flying into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport will need to take the Wenatchee Valley Shuttle to the Big Y Stop in Peshastin. Volunteers will be picked up in Peshastin and driven about 15 minutes to the hatchery. Pangborn Pangborn Memorial Airport is about an hour drive. Volunteers that opt to ride with Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery staff will need to sign an additional Volunteer Service Agreement provided by Natural and Cultural Resources.

Location

Leavenworth Fisheries Complex
12790 Fish Hatchery Road, Leavenworth, WA 98826 United States + Google Map
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