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Pogue
Mountain Unit
Click image to enlarge. |
Pogue Mountain
Unit
Introduction
In 1991,
the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife purchased the Metcalf
Ranch near Conconully Washington, primarily to protect Sharp-tailed
grouse and shrub-steppe habitat. The original purchase has been divided
into three management units, the Scotch Creek unit (8,691 acres), the
Mineral Hill unit (920 acres), and the Pogue Mountain unit (1,196 acres).
The Pogue Mountain
unit was used primarily for cattle grazing and timber harvest as part
of the Metcalf ranch operation. Three mining claims are also present
on the area, however it appears that they are not continuing to be maintained.
Public access is difficult on this area as both roads leading to the
property cross private land. Access is allowed to the DFW staff for
management purposes only, however attempts are planned to improve public
access to this unit. A grazing lease was issued early on in the ownership
but voluntarily discontinued due to the lack of fencing to contain the
livestock.
Pogue Mountain is
4 miles northwest of Omak, making this area popular for outdoor recreation.
Elevations range from 1600 feet in the southeast corner to 2830 along
the west boundary. It is mountainous terrain, steep in places with conifer
forest at the higher elevations and shrub-steppe below. Out of the 1,196
total acres, 720 are in shrub-steppe, 475 acres in Conifer forest, and
1 acre in surface water (Hunsinger Lake). The unit is managed as mule
deer winter range, however there are historical accounts of sharp-tailed
grouse use on the lower elevations. Future plans include timber-thinning
and prescribed burning to promote a more fire tolerant ecosystem, and
to enhance vegetation for deer forage.
Driving Directions
From the south:
Follow Highway 97 north and exit LEFT at the Okanogan/Twisp exit.
Cross the river and turn RIGHT into the town of Okanogan. At the clock
tower (one block before the only stop light in town) turn LEFT onto
the Conconully Highway. Follow 6 miles to the wildlife area. From
the north: Follow Highway 97 south to the Riverside Cutoff exit (5
miles north of Omak). Turn RIGHT (west) for approximately 5.1 miles
to the Conconully Highway. Turn LEFT on Conconully Hwy approximately
3.7 miles to the wildlife area.
At this time there
are no parking areas to access Pogue Mountain, which lies west of
the Conconully Highway and is surrounded by private lands on the north,
east and south. Permission to cross these private lands must be obtained
to avoid trespass complaints. The DFW has plans to pursue easements
or acquisition to provide better public access to this unit in the
future. Check here for updates. Access to the Pogue Mountain unit
is possible from the west, off of Green Lake road (county paved road).
However it is steep and rocky, but possible.
Road map enlargement
Hunting
Opportunities
for hunting game animals include mule deer, white-tailed deer, quail,
ruffed grouse, blue grouse, black bear, cougar, and bobcat. Hunting
seasons vary depending on species and weapon choice, consult Washington
Department of Fish and Wildlife hunting
regulations for seasons and dates.
Fishing
There are no
fish bearing waterways on Pogue Mountain. Fishing opportunities with
in driving distance-offering fishing include, Blue Lake (Limebelt),
Green Lake and Little Green Lake.
| Name |
Boat
Launch |
Toilet |
Camp |
Special
Information |
| Blue
Lake - Limebelt |
X
|
|
X |
Car top
launch only |
| Green
Lake |
X
|
X
|
X
|
|
| Little
Green Lake |
X
|
X |
|
|
Additional fishing
opportunities can be found on the Sinlahekin Wildlife Area to the
north and both upper and lower Conconully reservoirs. Consult Washington
Department of Fish and Wildlife Fishing
Regulations for further information on seasons and the Sinlahekin
Wildlife Area Homepage.
Camping
The Pogue Mountain
unit offers pack-in style camping. Firewood can be gathered from downed
dead wood only and must remain on the wildlife area. Campfire 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. Additional
developed camping opportunities can be found at Blue Lake (Limebelt),
Green Lake and Little Green Lake Access Areas, Conconully
State Park, and the Sinlahekin
Wildlife Area.
Other Recreation
Hiking, biking
and horseback riding:
Non-motorized
recreational activities are allowed, however currently there are no
developed trail systems on the Pogue Mountain unit. Numerous logging
roads traverse this unit and can be used as trail systems, however
currently there are no parking areas or off-loading facilities available.
Permission from private landowners on the north, east and south boundaries
of this unit must be obtained to avoid trespass complaints.
Wildlife Observations
and Photography
Wildlife viewing
and photography encompasses a vast number of wildlife species. During
the winter, deer can be viewed roaming the hills with eagles and hawks
soaring high above in the sky. In the spring numerous songbirds can
be heard and seen.
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