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Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife

WDFW Wildlife Areas

Mount Saint Helens
Wildlife Area Location

CONTACT INFORMATION
Brian Calkins
Manager
2108 Grand Boulevard
Vancouver, WA 98661
(360) 906-6725

 
For more information on
Wildlife Areas, please contact
the WDFW Wildlife Program.

Phone: 360-902-2515
E-mail: wildthing@dfw.wa.gov

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Wildlife Area Search Tools   
     
 Index of Wildlife Areas and Units 
Mount Saint Helens Wildlife Area
Mount Saint Helens Unit
This 2,744-acres unit is located in Cowlitz County along the North Fork Toutle River lying just west of and adjacent to the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. The unit was established in 1990 to protect elk winter range on the North Fork Toutle River mudflow that resulted from the 1980 eruption of Mt. St. Helens. Most of the property was acquired through a land exchange with the Weyerhaeuser Company with assistance from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Extensive efforts have been made to improve elk winter forage, including erosion control, weed control, fertilization and vegetation plantings. A winter feeding program for elk is implemented when necessary. Elk hunting by special permit sometimes occurs on the unit.
Viewing Opportunities

Birds

  • Birds of Prey
  • Eagles
  • Songbirds
  • Upland Birds
  • Waterfowl
  • Mammals

  • Deer
  • Elk
  • How to Get Here
    Access Site #1
    Driving Directions
    From Interstate 5 at Castle Rock turn east on Highway 504. The area is approximatly 30 miles east of Castle Rock south of the highway along the North Fork of the Toutle River. The unit is approximatly 1.5 miles south of the highway on the valley floor.
    Parking/Restroom Information
    There is parking located along the pull outs of Highway 504, but there are no public driving routes down onto the Wildlife Area from the Highway. There are no restroom facilities.
    Other Information
    The unit is open to the public May 1st to November 30th.
    Unique Features
    The unit is a wintering area for elk along the North Fork of the Toutle River, and is the debris flow from the Mt. St. Helens eruption.
    Other Information
    The wildlife area is within a game management unit closed to all hunting and trapping except elk hunting by special permit. The wildlife area is closed to public access from December 1st through April 30th each year to protect wintering elk herds. Dogs are not allowed on the wildlife area at any time.
     
    Mount Saint Helens Wildlife Area Management Plan & Updates
    Wildlife Area Habitat Conservation Plans
    Weekender Report
    Wildlife Area Viewing Guide
    Accessing Washington's Outdoors
    Find a Water Access Site
    Mount Saint Helens Unit - Detailed Land Ownership & Resource Map
    GoHunt - Interactive Mapping
    Vehicle Use Permit
    Vehicle Use Permit
    Permit required for use of all WDFW lands.
    • Bird watching
    • Hiking
    • Horseback riding
    • Wildlife viewing
     

    If you are Hunting or Fishing, remember to check all current regulations.

    Activities may include restrictions or require permits. Please see Public Conduct Rules for more information.


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