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The Cowlitz Wildlife Area, located in east Lewis County contains a wide array of wildlife habitats throughout its approximately 14,065 acres. The majority of the land base lies adjacent to Mayfield and Riffe Lakes (including the Peterman Ridge Unit) with the remaining land base consisting of 7 smaller Units each with particular management objectives as briefly described below. Wildlife area management is focused at providing, conserving and enhancing habitat at two levels, specific landforms or vegetation characteristics (i.e. emergent wetlands), and management at the species level or for a groups of species (i.e. black-tailed deer or dabbling ducks).

In general most of these lands support westside hardwood and coniferous forests that often surround wetland habitats. Topography varies from flat wetlands to steeper forested uplands with riparian draws. The variation in wildlife habitat and abundance of water provides for a wide mix of game and non-game species. Bald eagles and osprey use the lakes and accompanying riparian areas while kestrel and red-tailed hawk hunt over the open fields of the lower valleys. Canada geese, mallards, ring-necked duck, bufflehead, wood duck, mergansers, teal, coots and grebes are a few of the waterfowl species that may be seen in the backwaters and ponds throughout the wildlife area. If you are fortunate you may also glimpse beaver, otter and mink as they can usually be found along many of the area’s watercourses. Bird enthusiasts can glass riparian, early successional, wetland and forested habitats for neotropical migrants especially during spring and fall migrations. In the forested uplands of Peterman Ridge Douglas squirrel and pileated woodpecker may be found along with Rocky Mountain elk and black-tailed deer making the area well suited for an exciting fall hunt. Cougar, bobcat, and black bear are also found here although seldom seen.

Cowlitz Wildlife Area Units:

• The Cowlitz Trout Hatchery Unit (280 acres) located west-southwest of the town of Salkum and east of Blue Creek includes Oxbow Lake a prime area for cavity nesting ducks. In general the area is managed as a foraging area for black-tailed deer, nesting area for cavity nesting ducks, and to conserve and enhance riparian forest values
• The Mossyrock Unit (640 acres) located east of Mossyrock and just west of Riffe Lake is primarily managed for black-tailed deer habitat and dabbling duck nesting and foraging areas.
• The Swofford Unit (520 acres) also southeast of Mossyrock and adjacent to Riffe Lake is managed as an elk and black-tailed deer foraging area. Swofford Pond itself and surrounding wetlands serve as valuable habitat for both dabbling and diving ducks as well as Canada geese. Fishery resources in the pond include large and smallmouth bass, bluegill, stocked trout, and channel catfish.
• The Peterman Ridge Unit (6855 acre) rises above the north shore of Riffe Lake, south of the town of Morton. Overall the area is managed for black-tailed deer that benefits elk as well. Some portions of the area will be managed as older forest to provide habitat for pileated woodpeckers and Douglas squirrel. Throughout the unit riparian forest as well as forested wetlands also exist.
• The Davis Lake Unit (243 acres), east of Morton is managed for black-tailed deer forage, riparian forest habitat and both dabbling and diving ducks. The lake provides rearing habitat for coho and steelhead juveniles. Rainbow trout are stocked for recreational fishing.
• The Kosmos Unit (520 acres) at the east end of Riffe Lake is a very popular recreational site that is managed for multiple wildlife values including emergent wetlands, bald eagle nesting/foraging, dabbling duck, riparian forest, and black-tailed deer forage.
• The Kiona Creek Unit (415 acres) off of Savio Road west of Randle is managed for black-tailed deer forage, dabbling duck and forested wetland values.
• The Spears Unit (418 acres) south of Randle is managed for black-tailed deer, dabbling duck, emergent wetland, and both forested and riparian wetland. The area also provides wintering habitat for area elk.
• Mayfield/Riffe Buffer Areas adjacent to the lakes are managed as bald eagle and osprey foraging areas in addition to specific areas protected as bald eagle nesting sites.

Recreational opportunities: The variation in wildlife area units makes it an ideal place to view an assortment of wildlife species. Riffe and Mayfield Lakes are very popular fishing areas and are great places to take your boat for a long cruise. The Kosmos Unit receives high use by the general public for a variety of recreational purposes, particularly in summer and fall. These uses include hang gliding, wind surfing, camping, and horseback riding.

Please note that off-road vehicles (ORV's) are prohibited from all Cowlitz Wildlife Area lands. Removal of plants, animals, and cultural artifacts is prohibited in order to protect wildlife habitats and provide for an enjoyable experience for all users. Fishing and hunting is permitted during legal seasons, please refer to the WDFW Big Game Hunting Seasons and Rules, Sport Fishing Rules, or Migratory Waterfowl and Upland Game Season pamphlet for specific information. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days and disposal of litter is prohibited.

Whether fishing, hunting, watching wildlife or just taking a nature walk please enjoy the wildlife area and help us protect our natural resources.