During the summer, the hatcheries are good places to enjoy the park-like settings and see wildlife along the nearby rivers. Picnic facilities are available, and there are public restrooms and parking for cars and recreational vehicles.

Spring Creek Hatchery releases the last of two groups of fall Chinook salmon smolts each May, but they have an excellent information center in the administrative office with brochures and video programs available.

Views from Spring Creek include a panoramic view of Mt. Hood, the city of Hood River, and the Columbia River Gorge.

From the hatchery, visitors can also watch large numbers of windsurfers enjoying the brisk winds at this world-class windsurfing site.