Granite Falls Fish Ladder — Attraction in Granite Falls

Granite Falls Fishway area closed to public access through June 13, 2025

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW)-managed property surrounding Granite Falls Fishway is closed to all public access May 13 to June 13, 2025, while construction is underway to repair the fishway.

This closure covers the entire area, including the parking area west of Granite Falls Bridge, trails, walkways, and platforms above the fish ladder adjacent to the falls.

Closure signs are posted throughout the area. WDFW asks the public and recreationists to respect the closure and avoid interfering with construction activity, which can be dangerous in this steep environment. WDFW Police and the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office are aware of the closure and will be monitoring the area.

The Granite Falls Fishway is located off the Mountain Loop Highway on the South Fork Stillaguamish River northeast of the City of Granite Falls. It includes a 300-foot tunnel and fish ladder built between 1952 and 1954 to provide salmon and steelhead passage over Granite Falls and access to approximately 57 miles of spawning habitat upstream. The fishway was upgraded in 2000 to include an automated gate to manage sediment.

WDFW contactors will be repairing the fishway to restore power to the automated gate and improve security at the site following wire theft incidents in October 2024. Several hundred feet of copper wire were stolen, and other equipment was severely damaged, making the fishway inoperable.

When open to the public, the Granite Falls Fishway features a small parking area, trails, and a walkway, platform, and guardrails for viewing migrating salmon. Areas beyond the guardrails, near cliffs, and around the upper opening of the fishway are signed as permanently closed for public safety. WDFW has installed additional signage and increased enforcement of closed areas to help improve...

This is a unique and fascinating spot for nature lovers, waterfalls and fish ladder. Located near the heart of Granite Falls, this salmon ladder is designed to help migrating fishes like Chinook and Coho salmon, navigate past the dam and continue their journey upstream.

I liked it’s an educational and serene place to visit, with informative signs along the way that explain the importance of the fish ladder in preserving local ecosystems.

While the fish ladder itself may not always have visible fish—depending on the season—it's still a peaceful spot to explore, with the surrounding river and forest adding to its charm. The fish ladder is easily accessible and free to visit, making it a great stop for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone interested in learning more about salmon migration.

Overall, the Granite Falls Fish Ladder is a simple but intriguing destination, offering a glimpse into the local wildlife conservation efforts and a lovely setting for a quick...

About 5 minutes past Granite Falls city, the Fish Ladder is hidden behind a trail that most who drive on this road that begins the Mout Loop Highway will missed. There's no large sign indicating a trail or a fish ladder, but it's just at the first curve out of Granite Falls with plenty of parking. Walking down the trail on the north side of the road, you'll be met with the sounds of thundering rushing water falls coming through the trees, especially in the winter or spring when there's plenty of water coming through the river. At the site, there are beautiful flat slab of rock formations as if it was built for people to lay in the sun. There are a few different water falls levels dropping one after another creating beautiful views up and down the river. There are trails along the river as well that you can explore. If you're going to take the Mount Loop Highway drive, don't...