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Posted in Northern California Attractions, Seafood & Steak May 02, 2017 by Catherine Armstrong

You’ll Love This One Awesome Activity In Northern California And It Won’t Cost You A Cent

We’re always looking for fun things to so in Northern California, and there are certainly a lot to choose from. The one thing that makes a fun thing even better? When it’s fun and free!

Nimbus Fish Hatchery is located at 2001 Nimbus Road in Gold River. Admission is free.

Every year, hundreds of people gather here to watch the opening of the gate for the salmon run.

Both Chinook and steelhead salmon swim and jump up the fish ladder on their way to spawn.

The fish are directed into holding ponds. From there, they go into a tranquilizing tank where their eggs can be harvested.

Take the River Discovery Trail to see the river and hatchery up close.

View the salmon in the holding pools.

Stop at the Visitor Center for lots of interactive displays. You'll learn all about the life cycle of salmon and how the Nimbus Fish Hatchery preserves and protects salmon species.

Play on the Super Salmon Playscape - a unique playground that's perfect for the small fry.

You'll want to bring plenty of quarters...

...and feed the baby salmon in the raceways, where they live for their first six months.

Once the salmon are big enough, they're released into the American River.

For more fun and free things in Northern California, check out this article!

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Catherine Armstrong

Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.