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Scotch Creek
Wildlife Area Location
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| CONTACT INFORMATION
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Jim Olson
Manager |
1514 Concunully Highway
Okanogan, WA 98840 |
(509) 826-4430
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For more information on
Wildlife Areas, please contact
the WDFW Wildlife Program.
Phone: 360-902-2515
E-mail: wildthing@dfw.wa.gov
| Parking Information |
A Discover Pass or
Vehicle Access Pass
is REQUIRED
on ALL WDFW Lands
Learn more |
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Scotch Creek Wildlife Area
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 The 4,351-acre Chesaw unit is in northwest Okanogan County, some four miles south of the Canadian border, about 20 miles east of Oroville. Elevations range from near 3,200 to 4,200 feet. The major habitat type is shrub steppe, with patches of conifers at higher elevations. Mary Ann Creek is a perennial stream that flows through in a southerly direction, with many active and remnant beaver dams. The creek’s flood plain is fairly wide in some areas and riparian vegetation flourishes there and along the stream channel. There are several lakes and man-made ponds, and one of the larger of the unit’s several springs is used as the source of potable water. Chesaw has one sharp-tailed grouse lek site. It also supports mule and white-tailed deer, various upland game birds, bald and golden eagles, peregrine and prairie falcons, northern goshawks, Lewis woodpeckers, and loggerhead shrikes.
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Birds
Birds of Prey Eagles Shorebirds Songbirds Upland Birds Wading Birds Waterfowl
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Mammals
Bear Deer 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
From Oroville Washington, travel east on the Chesaw road approximately 15 miles. Turn left on Mary ann Creek road, the Byers road out of Chesaw, or continue on the Bolster road. Access to the remote wildlife area is adjacent to one of these three roads. No parking lots have been developed. |
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| No public improvements have been made to this remote area. |
Sharp-tailed grouse
The shrub-steppe lands around Chesaw are home to the threatened species, the Columbian Sharp-tailed grouse. Habitat improvements have been on-going since acquisition in 1991.
Hunting
Opportunities include primarily whitetail deer and mule deer. Forest grouse
hunting including ruffed grouse and blue grouse can be good for those who like
to hike. Black bear and cougar are also present on the area at times. Hunting
seasons vary depending on species and choice of weapon, consult Washington Department
of Fish and Wildlife hunting regulations for seasons and dates. Note: All lands
in Washington State are closed to the taking of Sharp-tail Grouse including
Chesaw and all Scotch Creek Wildlife Area Units.
Fishing
The only fish bearing waters on the Chesaw Wildlife Area is Mary Ann Creek,
which provides resident trout fishing. Plans for 2006 include electro-shocking
this stream to determine fish species composition and length frequencies. Other
fishing opportunities can be found in nearby Myers creek, and at WDFW Molson
and Sidley lakes.
Camping
The Chesaw Unit offers pack-in style camping. Developed camping opportunities
are limited. Firewood can be gathered from downed dead wood only and must remain
on the wildlife area. Fire restrictions are governed by the Washington Department
of Natural Resources and Okanogan County. Consult WDNR website for up to date
fire restrictions. Length of stay is limited to 14 days. Undeveloped camping
opportunities can be found at WDFW Molson/Sidley lake access areas.
Other Recreation
Hiking, biking and horseback riding:. Non-motorized recreational activities
are allowed, however currently there are no developed trail systems. Farm roads
and logging roads provide the only “trail” system on the area, which
are closed to motorized vehicles. Access points to the wildlife area are through
gates located off of Mary Ann Creek and Byers roads.
Wildlife Observations and Photography
Wildlife viewing and photography encompasses a vast number of wildlife species.
Deer can be viewed year round in the open rolling hills with eagles and hawks
soaring high above in the sky. Wintering upland birds and waterfowl can be seen
in the riparian areas and beaver ponds and in the spring numerous songbirds
can be heard and seen. |
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OTHER INFORMATION
