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The Johns River unit is 1,500 acres located 10 miles south of Aberdeen in Grays Harbor County. The property is managed primarily for waterfowl habitat and compatible recreation.
As the waters of Johns River flow into Grays Harbor they deposit sediments that have built the salt-marsh estuary. Extensive mudflats adjoin prime freshwater cedar swamp found behind old dikes. Forest-covered hillside uplands slope in from the east and west. The several retaining dikes allow some dryland agriculture for elk and waterfowl. The most common mammals are Roosevelt elk, black-tailed deer, black bear, coyote, bobcat, muskrat, and rabbits. Birds are mostly ducks, geese, and shorebirds. A nesting Caspian tern colony is nearby and makes use of the Johns River. Crows, great blue herons, hummingbirds, robins, warblers, goldfinches, swallows, snipe, gulls, and many other small birds abound, along with forest grouse and band-tailed pigeon. Streams support whitefish, trout, and salmon.
A visitor parking area, boat launch, and gated access roads and trails provide largely a walk-in experience. Hunting occurs for deer, waterfowl, elk, bear, band-tailed pigeon, and forest grouse. Waterfowl hunting is particularly popular and successful on the tidelands on nearby Markham Island. Fishing is widespread for whitefish, rainbow and cutthroat trout, sea run cutthroat, and several races of salmon. Hiking and wildlife watching trips are common on the dikes and the established trail system.
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Birds
Birds of Prey Eagles Marine Brids Shorebirds Songbirds Upland Birds Wading Birds Waterfowl
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Mammals
Bear Deer Elk Small Mammals
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Other
Butterflies Reptiles/Amphibians Wildflowers
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Click Here
for Printable
Map and Driving Directions |
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| Access Site #1 |
Driving Directions
Drive West from Aberdeen on Hwy 105 approximately 11 miles, turn Left .1 mi. on John's River Road, Left on Game Farm Rd .1 mi. to parking area. |
Parking/Restroom Information
Restrooms available Improved parking area. |
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| Access Site #2 |
Driving Directions
Drive .7 miles towards Aberdeen form intersection of Hwy 105 and Johns River Road. Turn east into undeveloped parking area. |
Parking/Restroom Information
No Restrooms. Unimproved parking area. |
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| The Johns River Wildlife Area is a 1500 acres piece of land that lies 12 miles southwest of Aberdeen in Grays Harbor County. Two main tributaries flow into Johns River on the property; Beaver Creek on the east side, and Gold Creek on the south. Topography |
| No overnight camping or parking. |
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OTHER INFORMATION
