Anchorage's Salmon Fish Hatchery Experience

Embark on the Salmon Express for a narrated tour of North America’s largest sport fish hatchery. Witness Alaska salmon in action and explore the hatchery’s vital role.

Duration: 5 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Visit Anchorage Log Cabin Visitor Information Center - Begin your salmon adventure by meeting us at the Log Cabin Visitor Center in downtown Anchorage. Our friendly guide will welcome you and provide an overview of the day’s activities.

  • Port of Anchorage - Viewable during our tour is the Port of Alaska! As we travel by learn the significance to the Alaskan economy, and the types of goods that pass through our waters.

  • Ship Creek - Watch anglers of all ages hoping to hook the elusive KING SALMON!

  • William Jack Hernandez Sport Fish Hatchery - Stroll along the creek and witness schools of Alaska salmon navigating against Ship Creek’s currents. At your own pace, step inside the hatchery to discover the meticulous process required to nurture over 6 million sport fish annually.

  • Ship Creek Dam - The Ship Creek Dam at the hatchery, is a remarkable site that combines engineering ingenuity with natural beauty and wildlife conservation.

The Dam provides an excellent vantage point to watch salmon as they make their way up the fish ladder.

It offers a unique perspective on the salmon’s journey and the challenges they face.

Witness the beauty and sense of calming this water provides.

  • The Bait Shack - Visit The Bait Shack, a popular local spot for fishing gear and advice. Here, you can learn about the best bait and tackle for catching salmon in Ship Creek.

Meet local fishing experts who can share tips and stories about fishing in the area. Gain insights into the local fishing culture and the importance of sustainable practices.

Gear Rental: If you’re interested in trying your hand at fishing, The Bait Shack offers gear rentals and everything you need for a successful fishing experience.

  • Ship Creek Trail - Take a leisurely stroll along the well-maintained trails that wind through the area. The peaceful environment and fresh air make it a perfect way to connect with nature.

The scenic trail provides numerous photography opportunities, from lush greenery to panoramic views of the Alaskan landscape.

Keep an eye out for wildlife, including moose and birds, as you explore the trail.

  • Ship Creek Overlook Park - A highlight of the visit is the fish ladder, visitors can observe the fish ladder in action and learn about its vital role in salmon conservation efforts.
  • The Ulu Factory - The Ulu Factory in Anchorage, Alaska, is a popular destination for both tourists and locals interested in learning about and purchasing the traditional Alaskan Ulu knife.

Visitors are welcomed by friendly staff who provide an introduction to the history, its uses by indigenous Alaskan peoples, and its evolution over time.

Guests will also receive a live demonstration on how to use the Ulu, clean and sharpen them.

As you shop their wide range of Ulu knives and other Alaskan-themed souvenirs. Remember they can customize your Ulu knives with handles made from materials like birch wood, caribou antler, and more.

Don’t forget peek into the factory floor as they craft the Ulu from raw materials.

  • Alaska Railroad Depot - Discover Alaska Railroad Depot, a landmark rich in history and an essential part of Alaska’s transportation network.
  • Visit Anchorage Log Cabin Visitor Information Center - Wrap up your unforgettable adventure by returning to the Visitor Center. Reflect on your journey and the profound appreciation you’ve gained for Alaskan culture and the remarkable journey of the salmon.
    Don’t forget to pop back in to the center and get a free post card.
What's Included
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Hop Aboard The Salmon Express Tour! Get ready for a Fish-Tastic Trip! The Salmon Express Tour, A journey through the heart of Anchorage’s salmon story! Our ROUND TRIP adventure begins and ends at the iconic Log Cabin Visitor Center. Tour Highlights Include: William Jack Hernandez Sport Fish Hatchery: Get an insider’s look at the fascinating life cycle of salmon. Witness millions of young fish being nurtured and learn the hatchery’s vital role in sustaining Alaska’s salmon populations. Ship Creek: Meet local anglers, feel the thrill of catching salmon, watch them filet their catch, tour the Ulu Factory, and SO MUCH MORE! Scenic Views: Enjoy breathtaking views of Anchorage’s stunning landscapes. Keep your camera ready for picturesque scenes of mountains, rivers, and perhaps wildlife sightings! Interactive Experiences: Engage with hands-on exhibits and interactive displays that bring the world of salmon to life. Perfect for all ages, this tour is as educational as it is entertaining.

  • The total duration includes the travel time.
Location
Visit Anchorage Log Cabin Visitor Information Center
West 4th Avenue
Ready for a Fish-Tastic Trip? Hop on the Salmon Express Tour! We pick up outside the charming Log Cabin Visitor Center, where our friendly trolley ambassadors will be waiting to greet you. Please arrive 5-10 minutes before your tour time so we can get you checked in and ready for adventure.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.4
(22 Ratings)
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C2757bssuew
Jul 17, 2024
Great - Great tour guide! Was very nice and helpful. Would recommend highly! I don't know why this review requires 100 characters, it kind of wastes my time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Chanesec
Jul 13, 2024
Good Experience - I had a good time, definitely learned so much about salmons. The tour was far and to the point. I did see some spawning in the river on site as well.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Christa_z
Jul 11, 2024
Salmon Express - Riding the Salmon Express was a highlight of my trip! The hatchery was fascinating and seeing salmon in Ship Creek even better.
Review provided by Viator
Jeannie_b
Jun 21, 2024
Very informative - Hatchery was great and so was our bus driver! Have never been to a hatchery and really enjoyed since my family loves to fish.
Review provided by Viator
Cary_d
Jun 12, 2024
Anchorage's Fish Hatchery - Driver was great, knowledgeable and a nice guy. We learned a lot about the salmon life cycle at the importance of salmon to Alaska. Outdoor exhibit was very informative with optional audio. We had a bald eagle join us for most of our time above Ship's Creek. This is a hidden gem in Anchorage.
Review provided by Viator
Paul_b
Jun 10, 2024
Cool Hatchery and June was Awesome! - Hatchery was cool to visit, but what made it so special was June! She was knowledgeably of local fishing and gracious while getting us there and back!
Review provided by Viator
Joanne_h
Jun 1, 2024
Very interesting and Informative - Very interesting.. and informative… employees very helpful … well laid out.. need about 1 hour for tour
Review provided by Viator
Jenny_m
Jul 18, 2024
Hatchery Excursion - Easy bus ride from the Visitor's Center to the Hatchery. The guide did a great job giving background information and ensuring we were getting the most out of the tour. Tour was shorter than I initially anticipated. Only needed to spend about an hour there to see everything but was well done with helpful staff and lots of information.
Review provided by Viator
Julio_c
Jun 26, 2024
Short but Educational - The waterfall was awesome, self-guided tour was too short for the money, we were done in 40 minutes.
Review provided by Viator
Jane_r
Jun 23, 2024
Hatchery - average experience - It was not great. The Viator advertisement says that you can see Fish jumping and really get up close to the process. In fact you can hardly see any fish and the river stroll is short and again you don’t see any fish. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable however.
Review provided by Viator