DIPAC Macaulay Salmon Hatchery - Juneau, Alaska

Rushikesh Dabhekar

Douglas Island Pink & Chum Salmon Hatchery: An Educational Insight into Alaskan Fisheries

The Douglas Island Pink & Chum (DIPAC) Salmon Hatchery in Juneau offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of salmon, one of Alaska’s most iconic species. Located along the Gastineau Channel, the hatchery is not only a working facility but also a popular tourist destination, providing a unique blend of education and entertainment.

A visit to DIPAC is an opportunity to learn about the life cycle of salmon and the significant role hatcheries play in sustaining Alaska’s fisheries. The guided tours are highly informative, walking visitors through the entire process—from the collection of eggs and sperm to the rearing of fry and their eventual release into the wild. The knowledgeable staff and interactive exhibits make complex biological processes accessible, even for those without a scientific background.

One of the most impressive sights at the hatchery is the fish ladder, where you can watch adult salmon fighting their way upstream. It’s a powerful demonstration of the salmon’s instinctive drive to return to their birthplace to spawn, and it offers a close-up view that’s both educational and awe-inspiring. During peak season, the sheer number of salmon is astounding, giving visitors a real sense of the abundance and importance of these fish in Alaska.

In addition to the educational aspects, the hatchery also has an underwater viewing window, allowing you to see salmon in their natural environment, as well as other marine life native to the area. There’s also a small gift shop where you can purchase locally made souvenirs, including smoked salmon.

While the DIPAC Salmon Hatchery might not be as glamorous as other attractions in Juneau, it’s an excellent stop for those interested in ecology, marine biology, or simply gaining a deeper understanding of Alaska’s natural resources. It’s a meaningful experience that adds context to the importance of salmon in both the local economy and culture.

Timber

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the hatchery! Their informational displays inside and aquarium were very nicely put-together and full of great information.
The gift shop had a nice selection of locally-made Barnacle Foods hot sauce, Ray Troll t-shirts, and various other Alaskan goodies.

Dolores Tremper

Great place to visit. It is amazing what they do. Be sure and watch the video near the aquarium. You need maybe an hour to see everything at the Hatchery.

Anne Smith

We took the Trolly Ride out to the hatchery from the cruise ship dock. It was late in the season so not many salmon coming up the ladder. Still a fun trip and very interesting.

Sufficiently Sauced

Very cool experience, Great educational center about their hatching process, spawning grounds, and the history of their business for keeping salmon numbers healthy in AK. Buy the Peppered Salmon jerky its phenomenal.

Riccardo Del Deo

it's an amazing fishing spot,
There is a possibility to sea wilde salmon and sea lion.
From the cruise terminal the only reasonable way is the taxi

Emi Pilant

Unfortunately for us, the salmon weren't spawning so we were not able to see that. However, I was able to touch some sea creatures and learn about salmon, etc. THEN, two eagles flew over and stuck around awhile. I even heard one "talking" to the other and saw tail feathers fluffing. Then spotted another eagle in a tree and got great pics!

michael raymond

Very Educational and a great tour .
Highly recommended
The Mountain Sky boys