Nisqually River Project

The Nisqually River Project began generating electricity in 1912 using a diversion dam and Tacoma Power’s first hydroelectric powerhouse. The diversion dam was replaced in 1945 by Alder Dam and LaGrande Dam, which today collectively supply about 43,000 homes with reliable power.

Along with generating this clean, renewable hydropower, the Nisqually River Project also provides:

• A kokanee fishery that plants up to 500,000 fish in Alder Lake each year for anglers.
• River flow enhancement by releasing water from LaGrande Dam to improve habitat for Chinook and coho salmon that spawn downstream of the dam.
• Funding for the Nisqually Indian Tribe’s Clear Creek Hatchery, which produces about four million Chinook smolts and one million coho smolts each year.
• Protection for 3,500 acres of land for wildlife in the Nisqually River basin.
• Recreational access to Alder Lake, Rocky Point Campground and Sunny Beach Point for boating, water skiing, fishing, camping and day use.

Free group tours of Tacoma Power’s hydroelectric facilities are available by appointment to school, civic, business and recreational groups during regular working hours. To learn more about our tour program and to request a tour, please visit our main tour page.