Leavenworth Fish Hatchery

Once the largest fish hatchery in the world, this hatchery continues to produce mass quantities of Chinook salmon (1.2 million each year) as one of several fish hatcheries managed by Fish and Wildlife in Washington. 

Visitors can access the hatchery itself year-round, and review educational pamphlets in English and Spanish to better understand the process. For those looking for a longer outing, it's possible to hike near the hatchery between spring and fall, wandering the nearly 5 miles of trail and learning about what goes into caring, feeding, and cleaning up after millions of baby fish. 

A highlight of the area is the Icicle Creek Nature Trail, a paved loop that offers interpretive signs, access to a picnic shelter and gorgeous views of the nearby creek. Many benches line the path so you can rest and enjoy the view as you walk.

Another option is a crushed-gravel trail that passes two ponds on the way to a wheelchair-accessible public fishing platform.  

Many trails criss-cross the main loop, so having the map with you is a good idea, especially since it also indicates what type of material a trail is made from and what users it is open to.