Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery, WA – Volunteer Vacation 2024

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.