Washington Wildlife Areas Rules & Regulations for using the Sinlahekin Wildlife Area

Contact Information: Dale Swedberg, Manager P.O. Box C Loomis, WA  98827 509-223-3358   Home Directions and Map Rules and Regulations Access Sites Physical Geography Sinlahekin Past and Present Photo Gallery Sinlahekin Wildlife Sinlahekin Landscape Historical Photographs Bird Checklist Mammal Checklist Reptile & Amphibian Checklist Fish Checklist Butterfly Checklist Current Sinlahekin Wildlife Links Vegetation Inventory of The Sinlahekin Wildlife Area Comprehensive Vascular Plant List & Rare Plant Species Weed Inventory [PDF Format - 4 MB] A Vehicle Use Permit is REQUIRED on ALL WDFW Lands Purchase Vehicle Use Permit About Vehicle Use Permit

Hunting You will find opportunities on the wildlife area for hunting deer, black bear, cougar, coyote, bobcat, turkey, pheasant, quail, partridge, mallard, teal, geese, buffleheads, and scaups. Special hunting seasons may be authorized for bighorn sheep based on herd size. The hunting seasons will vary depending on whether you’re hunting small game or big game, upland birds, waterfowl, or furbearers. Fishing Fishing is extremely popular on the Sinlahekin, providing excellent rainbow and brook trout fishing, as well as tiger and cutthroat trout. Twenty day-use and overnight camping areas occur at fishable lakes with “put and take” fisheries, where bait may be used. One lake is under Selective Fishing Regulations – Blue Lake- has 3 camping areas and has become one of Washington’s top Selective Fisheries. Trapping Although limited by the restriction of no use of “body gripping” traps, there are still some opportunities for trapping on the Sinlahekin Wildlife Area. Furbearers that are present on the Sinlahekin include beaver, muskrat, mink, bobcat, raccoon, river otter, short- and long-tailed weasel, and coyote. Hiking and Horseback Riding Even without developed hiking and horseback-riding trails, visitors will find numerous opportunities for both activities. A trail proposal, Conners Lake to Forde Lake Trail, was recently approved by the Interagency for Outdoor Recreation (IAC) for funding. Plans are in the works to begin development. Be aware that the Sinlahekin Valley is home to the Western Rattlesnake. Camping Camping is allowed throughout the area adjacent to established roads. Campgrounds with firepits and/or toilets include Conners Lake, Forde Lake, Sinlahekin Creek, Blue Lake, the Hunters Campground south of Blue Lake, and Fish Lake (see Access Sites). Firewood can be gathered from downed deadwood only and may not be removed from the wildlife area. Vehicle Travel Motorists will find good access to the area from the north at Loomis, or from the south over Pine Creek Road or Conconully. The entire length of the valley is accessible from the graveled, county-maintained road. Off-road vehicles and off-road travel are strictly prohibited. Snowmobile use is limited to open posted roads near Fish Lake and prohibited on the rest of the area. Wildlife Observation and Photography The Sinlahekin Wildlife Area is home to hundreds of species of birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles and butterflies, in addition to fish and invertebrates. Wintering deer and bighorn sheep at low elevations are major attractions. Spring is a good time for observing a variety of birds as well as white-tailed deer in the alfalfa fields along Sinlahekin Creek. If a person is lucky they may catch a glimpse of a black bear or a cougar on the SWA. Please help to protect these lands by following the rules and regulations.