Come celebrate Quilcene National Fish Hatchery's 100th anniversary with us on August 20, 2011, from 10 AM to 4 PM. Quilcene National Fish Hatchery (NFH) is located on the east side of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula on Highway 101 two miles south of the town of Quilcene at the confluence of the Big Quilcene River and Penny Creek.
Quilcene NFH has been in continuous operation since 1911 and has been expanded and improved many times since then. The hatchery currently raises coho salmon which are released in the Big Quilcene River. The hatchery also provides coho salmon eggs and fingerlings to tribal programs. Partnering with several private, state, and Federal agencies, the hatchery has participated in several conservation programs to help recover listed summer chum salmon and Hood Canal winter steelhead, and imperiled Lake Sammamish kokanee salmon.
Quilcene NFH has been in continuous operation since 1911 and has been expanded and improved many times since then. The hatchery currently raises coho salmon which are released in the Big Quilcene River. The hatchery also provides coho salmon eggs and fingerlings to tribal programs. Partnering with several private, state, and Federal agencies, the hatchery has participated in several conservation programs to help recover listed summer chum salmon and Hood Canal winter steelhead, and imperiled Lake Sammamish kokanee salmon.
 |
| Hatchery Complex (pre-1930's). Note Hwy. 101 passing right through the complex. |
 |
| Hatchery Complex (post-1930's). Note new bridge crossing Quilcene River, rerouting Hwy. 101. |
Come learn about the hatchery operations and its history. There will be hatchery exhibits, several children’s activities, hatchery tours, and booths from Federal, state, tribal, county and private organizations. Be prepared for a day of fun!
Hatchery Fun Facts:
- The original 11 acres of land was purchased for $270.
- By 1917, a truck purchase reduced the need for horses.
- By 1926, the railroad was abandoned and freight deliveries to Quilcene ceased.
- Vandalism in 1981 caused the hatchery to start locking their doors.
- The 2001 Nisqually earthquake damaged hatchery buildings.
