A Vehicle Use Permit is REQUIRED on ALL WDFW Lands Purchase Vehicle Use Permit About Vehicle Use Permit

The Klickitat Wildlife Area, at approximately 14,000 acres, is located in south-central Washington in the western portion of Klickitat County. It lies on the east slope of the Cascade Mountains about halfway between the Columbia River Gorge to the south and Mt. Adams to the north. The area headquarters is 16 miles northwest of Goldendale along the Glenwood Highway.

The Klickitat River formed a deep, twisting canyon on its way south to the Columbia River. This twisting characteristic has created juxtaposing areas of forage on south slopes and thermal cover on north slopes. General vegetation types include the forest riparian zone along the Klickitat River, south-facing hillsides of open grasslands, north-facing hillsides forested with conifers, and the flatter plateau covered by mixed forests of oak and pine interspersed with small grassland openings.

Wildlife common to the area include black-tailed deer, Rocky Mountain elk, ruffed and blue grouse, Merriam's turkey, California quail, western gray squirrel, California ground squirrel, western bluebird, Vaux's swift, American Kestrel, numerous cavity nesting birds associated with oak woodlands, fence and alligator lizards, various bats and an occasional rattlesnake. The Klickitat River supports both

resident species such as rainbow trout and whitefish, and anadromous species including steelhead trout, and Coho and Chinook salmon.

The Klickitat Wildlife Area includes the Soda Springs Unit, the Mineral Springs and Dillacort Canyon Unit, and the Goldendale Hatchery Unit. The Soda Springs Unit is approximately 13,000 acres and represents the major portion of department ownership. The Mineral Springs and Dillacort Canyon Unit consist of two similar segments of 578 and 200 acres, respectively. Both are located within the Klickitat River canyon downstream from the Soda Springs Unit. The Goldendale Hatchery Unit includes the Goldendale Trout Hatchery and an additional 240 acres of agricultural and range lands.

Public boat access is provided along with overnight camping. Public use is primarily fishing and hunting. The area is a popular deer hunting area. The Vaux's swift roost site, along with other local birds and wildlife attract some non-consumptive users. Upland bird and waterfowl hunting are also enjoyed.

Leidl Creek - Klickitat County
From Goldendale go west on SR 142 for 11 miles, turn right on Glenwood Highway, go 11 miles to Leidl Bridge, across bridge access on both sides of road, ramp on south side of road. Bank fishing and boat access.

Stinson Flat - Klickitat County
From Goldendale go west on SR 142 for 11 miles, turn right on Glenwood Highway, go 10 miles, turn left down hill to access area. Bank fishing and drift boat access only.

Mineral Springs - Klickitat County
From SR 14 at Lyle take SR 142 north, go 15.5 miles (through Klickitat), access on left. Bank fishing and boat ramp.

Swale Creek - Klickitat County
AREA CLOSED - LOST TO THE FLOOD OF 1996.