Anchorage Salmon 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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Kathies820
Aug 26, 2024
Salmon Express - Very informative and interesting!!! We really enjoyed it. Our Tour Guide June was delightful!!! We are from TX and give this a 5 Star rating!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Edita_r
Aug 25, 2024
Very informative - It was an interesting tour. We learned a lot about how they protect and keep the population of salmon in Alaska.
Review provided by Viator
Kendell_f
Aug 20, 2024
Great for kids - Fun experience. The fish hatchery was very interesting and informative. We were also able to see salmon in the creek heading up stream..
Review provided by Viator
Mary_g
Aug 15, 2024
Super fun afternoon - Very informative and interesting! So much to see and do, many interactive displays. We also loved all the art work
Review provided by Viator
Elizabeth_w
Aug 4, 2024
Fun with fish - Hannah was our guide and she was wonderful. She has such enthusiasm for the area which made the experience very enjoyable.
Review provided by Viator
Susan_c
Aug 1, 2024
Our bus driver, Bob, was... - Our bus driver, Bob, was knowledgeable and engaging. We really enjoyed seeing the live, wild salmon swimming in the stream. The waterfall was lovely.
Review provided by Viator
Michelle_f
Jul 29, 2024
Salmon were plentiful! - The live salmon swimming up stream was definitely what I was hoping to see and they were there and plentiful!
Review provided by Viator
Joanna_o
Jul 21, 2024
Great June - June that was born in July was an amazing operator!! She so friendly yet professional. She gave a some information about the great fishing in Alaska. She's made the ride fun and interesting. She deserve a bonus! Your getting 5 stars review because of her great attitude.
Review provided by Viator
Martin_d
Aug 8, 2024
Interresting but easily managable by your own - Basicaly you pay for transportation bacause the hathery entrance is for free. If you are more than 1 person better to take Uber to safe money. The place is quite close to the city.
Review provided by Viator
Anamlopezmec
Aug 4, 2024
A waste of money. Deceiving advertising. - You pay 20 dollars just for transportation and even there they do not respect the timing. Everything you see is free it can be done on foot or in uber for a fraction of the price. They also use deceiving advertising. They mention that you can see salmon leaping at the waterfall and it’s not true. Tre ladder has been closed to prevent salmon from going up the waterfall.
Review provided by Tripadvisor