The Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery was constructed and is funded and maintained by Tacoma Public Utilities (TPU) and it is operated by the State of Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to mitigate for the impact of Mayfield and Mossyrock dams on Cowlitz River salmon stocks. The hatchery has been in operation since 1967.

Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery is designed for 160 vertical stack incubators. It has 36 (10x205) rearing ponds, 9 (15x82) adult ponds and 12 stress relief ponds for upper Cowlitz River restoration use. The river intake system is able to supply 208 cfs and a well system that supplies 2.5-3.0 cfs. This facility has three onsite residences.