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Shillapoo and Vancouver Lake Wildlife Areas lie between the city of Vancouver, Washington, and the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, and are immediately adjacent to the Columbia River. Together these areas include approximately 1550 acres of pasture/grassland, forest, riparian areas and wetlands in the Vancouver Lowlands. Dikes and pumps around the old Shillapoo lakebed have historically kept the area drained and will now allow water level manipulations for wetland enhancements. The Vancouver Lake area and some of the adjoining private farmlands are unique in that they represent the last remaining sizeable block of land in the area that is not protected from flooding by dikes.
The primary wildlife communities using these areas are water- or wetland-related species. Waterfowl, including Canada geese, are abundant and diverse, as are shorebirds and marsh birds. The interspersion of grasslands with emergent wetland vegetation provides good nesting and brood-rearing habitat for waterfowl and other ground-nesting species. Sandhill cranes frequent the area, and there are two heron rookeries, and at least one active bald eagle territory with two alternate nests. Furbearers are numerous. Valuable warmwater fish spawning habitat occurs on the area.
Both management units are popular with birdwatchers and hunters. Other significant uses include fishing and harvest of wild mushrooms and fruits. Non-wildlife-oriented recreation is centered primarily around Vancouver Lake and the county park. Sailing, windsurfing, swimming, and sunbathing are all popular activities. An annual pheasant release hunting program exists on the area.
Access Sites
Caterpillar Island - Clark County
I-5 to Vancouver exit, west on Fourth Plain, north on Lower River Road, boat access just past the marina.
Vancouver Lake - Clark County
From I-5 take exit 1-d in Vancouver (Fourth Plain Blvd), go west on Fourth Plain Blvd for 1.5 miles. Turn right on
Fruit Valley Road, go 0.4 miles, then turn left on LaFrambois Road. Go 1.7 miles to the access area. Parking lots and unimproved boat access.
