Disabled Hunter Road Access Entry Program
Other Road Access Opportunities
(Not requiring participation in the Road Access Entry Permit Drawing)

The following opportunities Are Not included in the drawing portion of this program.

These areas offer a similar experience to the Road Access Entry Permit opportunities and follow many of the same rules. These areas are subject to closure at any time without notice due to fire danger, vandalism, or act of nature.

The difference is:

• In most cases, the number of hunters with disabilities driving in the area Will NOT be limited like most of the Road Access Entry Permit Drawing Areas.
• These areas are administered from different agencies and you contact them directly. The policies and rules for each area may differ.

If you are drawn for one of the areas in the Road Access Entry drawing, you are still eligible to request permission to access these areas.

Some of these areas are:

• controlled by locked gates
• controlled by signs.

All areas are:

• still open to other hunters that can walk in, use horses or mountain bikes.
• subject to administrative use by the agency or land manager. Trespassers and violators of the closed or gated roads may also be a problem in some areas.

Please follow the instructions listed for each agency on the method and person to contact to receive information.  For other details or information contact, WDFW ADA Accessibility Program Manager at 360-902-2349,  Heidi Stephens, Department of Natural Resources at (360) 9902-1375 or heidi.stephens@dnr.wa.gov, or Rory Calhoun, Recreation and Conservation Office at (360) 902-3022 or Rory.Calhoun@rco.wa.gov

Please remember to be very courteous to the person answering the phone. Many are providing this opportunity as a courtesy to the WDFW. They may only have the information available that was mailed to you.

• Eastern Washington
• Western Washington

Eastern Washington

WDFW Methow Wildlife Area GMU 218 and 224

The Methow Wildlife Area’s Road Access Entry Program for Hunters with Disabilities currently provides two access areas:

• Riser Lake (GMU 218) is located in north central Washington near the town of Winthrop. The habitat is mostly rolling hills covered with sage brush, with draws containing scattered pine and aspen trees.  Mule deer are the most abundant big game species in this area, but one might also come across whitetail deer.  This area includes graveled parking and a vault toilet.  These amenities can be accessed from Gunn Ranch Road.  Both ATVs and street legal vehicles are authorized for this area.
   
• Bear Mountain (GMU 224) is located on U.S. Forest Service property near the Loup Loup summit off of Highway 290.  This area is characterized by rolling hills with mixed Ponderosa Pine and Douglas Fir forest with a shrubby understory.  Bear Mountain has an extensive road network.  Mule deer and black bear are the big game species found in the area.  Camping facilities, including vault toilets are available at nearby Forest Service campgrounds.  Only street legal vehicles are authorized in this area.  ATVs are prohibited.

The Methow Wildlife Area Manager limits authorized travel at both of these access areas.  Only the hunter with a Disabled Hunter Permit and the designated hunting companion (while accompanying the hunter with a disability) may operate the vehicle or be transported on/in it.  No vehicular camping is allowed at either area.

For reservations, rules, and other information about the Methow Wildlife Area, call the (509) 996-2559 in advance.

Hunters with Disabilities MUST

• Provide name, address, phone number, vehicular information (make, model, license plate number) and name of designated hunting companion before accessing these areas.  Hunters must also sign and agreement for the key to the gate.  Keys must be returned the day following their designated time slot.  Keys will not be issued earlier than the day before the hunters designated time slot.
• Display the orange “disabled hunter placard” so that it is visible from any direction.  Mounting it on an antenna or flag pole from the ATV so it can be identified from a distance is one way to make it visible.  Mounting the placard on the front or back (like a license plate) will NOT meet the "visible from any direction" requirement.  This requirement ensures that only Disabled Hunter Permit holders are using the area.
• Follow all applicable rules and regulations detailed in the Hunter with a Disability information package.

Northeast Washington Wildlife Areas

The Northeast Washington Wildlife Areas provide three access sites for Hunters with Disabilities. Two are located at Swanson Lakes Wildlife Area; one is located at West Branch Little Spokane (aka Rustler’s Gulch) Wildlife Area.

•  Swanson Lakes Wildlife Area (GMU 136) provides two access areas:
  • Roloff Unit is located in the center of the Wildlife Area, about ten miles south of the town of Creston. The habitat is mostly shallow alkaline soils covered with sage brush, native bunchgrasses, and a few groves of aspens usually found in conjunction with shallow, seasonal alkali ponds. Mule deer are the predominant big game species. Coyotes are also abundant. Gray partridge are the primary hunted upland game birds. Hunters must be completely certain of their upland bird species before shooting; it is illegal to shoot native sage grouse and sharp-tailed grouse, both present on the Wildlife Area. Both ATVs and street legal vehicles are authorized for trail use only for this portion of the Wildlife Area.
     
  • Welch/Anderson Unit is located on the east side of the Wildlife Area, about eight miles south of the Telford Rest Area on U.S. Highway 2. The rest area is located between the towns of Davenport and Creston. The habitat is mostly shallow alkaline soils covered with sage brush, native bunchgrasses, and a few groves of aspens usually found in conjunction with shallow, seasonal alkali ponds. However, the Lake Creek drainage runs through this parcel, including the informally named mile-long “Z Lake,” which contains a seasonal population of waterfowl, and a fishable population of planted rainbow trout. Mule deer are the predominant big game species. Coyotes are abundant, but difficult to spot during the day. Gray partridge are the primary hunted upland game birds. Hunters must be completely certain of their upland bird species before shooting; it is illegal to shoot native sage grouse and sharp-tailed grouse, both present on the Wildlife Area. Access is provided via a gated driveway to an abandoned home site, off Telford Road North, heading downhill to the drainage. The entry road has an informal parking area 1/3 mile down the hill, where the gravel driveway ends and a trail starts north. There are no restroom facilities. Both ATVs and street legal vehicles are authorized for trail use only for this portion of the Wildlife Area. Trails will take the visitor to the south edge of Z Lake, and to a short cliff along the east side of the lake.
     
• West Branch Little Spokane Wildlife Area (GMU 117) provides one access area, through a locked gate off the corner of Horseshoe Lake Road and Holly Road. This intersection is accessed from U.S. Hwy 2 off the Eloika Lake Road. The trail, which continues northeast off the noted corner, eventually delivers the driver to a parking site, an abandoned dairy just north of Fan Lake. Drivers should take care to stay on the uphill side of the trail while traveling to and from the parking area, as there is continuing erosion around a culvert on the downhill side of the trail. There are no restroom facilities at this Wildlife Area. The habitat is composed primarily of upland forest, with some meadow openings. The West Branch Little Spokane River also runs through this property, providing fishing opportunities. Hunted species include white-tailed deer, forest grouse, and turkey. Beyond the parking area at the dairy, ATVs are the only authorized motorized vehicles, and they must stay on established trails. This Wildlife Area has an extensive trail network; however, some of the trails may be blocked off to access, and the fords across the river are not always passable. Crossing the river at locations other than established fords is prohibited.

The Northeast Washington Wildlife Area Complex Manager limits authorized travel at all of these access areas.  Only the hunter with a Disabled Hunter Permit and the designated hunting companion (while accompanying the hunter with a disability) may operate the vehicle or be transported on/in it.  No vehicular camping is allowed at any of these areas.

 For reservations, rules, and other information about Swanson Lakes and West Branch Little Spokane Wildlife Area, call the Manager at (509) 636-2344 in advance.

Hunters with Disabilities MUST:

• Provide name, address, phone number, vehicular information (make, model, license plate number) and name of designated hunting companion before accessing these areas.  Hunters must also sign an agreement for the key to the gate.  Keys must be returned or mailed back, the day following their designated time slot.  Display the orange “disabled hunter placard” on the dashboard of the vehicle used to gain access to the area. In the case of ATV use, mount the placard in the transport vehicle.
• Follow all applicable rules and regulations detailed in the Hunter with a Disability information package.

The Wenatchee National Forest GMU 245 and 250

The Wenatchee National Forest has limited road access entry areas. All of these areas require a special use road access entry permit from the district office and key or combination to open the gates.

Please contact the specific Forest Service District Office and ask about their disabled hunter road entry program for the area you desire to hunt in. You may be required to leave a key deposit, fill out paper work, and show your WDFW disabled hunter permit to receive a key and special use road access entry permit. Contact Entiat Ranger District at 509-784-1511, Chelan Ranger District at 509-682-2576, Leavenworth Ranger District 509-548-6977 for more information about the areas in their district.

One Entiat district area is about 20 miles north of Ardenvoir in the Lake Creek area, off FR 5900. It has about 7 miles of existing road system behind a gate and is open to motor cycles and ATV for all hunters. Hunters with disabilities can use any motor vehicle. The area is at a high elevation and can get harsh weather at any time. This timbered area has a few new and some older clear-cut areas. Roads are good in the area. Mule deer are the primary hunted species.

The second Entiat district area is accessed from Mad River Road in the Billy Creek area off FR 5700. It has about 12 miles of road behind a gate. The area has a mix of open and timbered areas, with new logging and older clear-cuts. New trees were planted several years ago. There are some spur roads from the main line into clear-cuts. This area has motorcycle and ATV use behind the gate for the general public, but disabled hunters can use any motor vehicle. For more information contact the Entiat Ranger District at (509) 784-1511.

Cle Elum Ranger District – GMU 328

Camping Allowed – prepare for snowy conditions – between 4000-6000 elevation.

Table Mountain can be accessed from the south from Highway 97 near Ellensburg and from the north – from Highway 97 at Blewett Pass. The southern route, locally known as Reecer Creek, starts out on a two lane paved road with turnouts and climbs steeply through a series of switchbacks that lead to the Table Mountain area and accesses gravel forest service roads. Services road include 35, 3500, 114, 3507, 3517, 3521, 3530, 9712, 9716 and numerous spur roads.

Other areas on the other Forest Service (FS) districts vary and are in their boundaries. Most areas have deer in them and some have elk. They are a mix of high mountain areas, clear cuts logging and forested areas. The forest service maps of all areas can be purchased at most FS offices. Call the specific FS office for more information.

The Colville National Forest - GMUs 101, 105, 108, 111, 113, and 117

The Colville National Forest (CNF) has road opportunities for 2010 on all four Ranger Districts. All routes are signed, gated, and locked. Hunters with Disabilities must visit any CNF office or the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) office in Spokane prior to or on their first day of hunting to sign in and receive information, maps and access procedures and permits. Hunters with Disabilities must also have the Disabled Hunter Permit in their possession. The hunter with a disability and one designated hunter companion may carry firearms while using the area. The designated hunter companion may also fill their own tag. All WDFW rules and regulations apply. No firewood cutting or other removal of forest products is allowed. Camping and off-road-vehicle use on these roads may or may not be permitted – check with the Forest Service office before accessing the roads. If camping or off road vehicles are allowed, all pertinent Forest Service rules and regulations will apply. For specific information including CNF office business hours, road locations, maps, and other details, please contact the Colville National Forest Supervisor’s office at (509) 684-7000.

Northeast Spokane – GMU 121

Contact the Inland Northwest Wildlife Council at (509) 487‑8552 ffor more information about private landowner opportunities on private timberlands. Some are in old logging areas with locked gates and extensive road systems. These areas provide limited access for disabled permit holders to drive motor vehicles into the “walk in only” areas.

DNR Northeast Region- Colville:

Loup Loup State Forest (North) -- GMU 233 – Access from West Fork road out of Concunully, Salmon Creek road to Loup Loup Canyon road (which runs north and south all the way to Highway 20). ATVs allowed on DNR roads only.

Loup Loup State Forest (South) – GMU 239 – Access from Chilliwist road 1882 off Old Highway 97. An non-gated roads. ATVs allowed on DNR roads only.

Loomis State Forest (South) – GMU 215 – Salmon Creek Road to USFS 200 road at Kerr Camp up to DNR OMF 1000. Snow may occur as early as October 31 in the Loomis State Forest.

Loomis State Forest (Middle) – GMU 215 – From Sinlahekin Valley Road to DNR OME 1000.

Loomis State Forest (North) – GMU 215 – OMT 1000 road (Toats Coulee Rd)

DNR Southeast Region- Ellensburg:

Buck Creek Road System – GMU 578 – South of Trout Lake off Highway 141. No ATV’s or motorcycles allowed on trail system.

Ahtanum Multiple Use Area – GMU 368 –Thisis a Green Dot system. Any road marked with a green dot is open to motorized use. Follow Ahtanum road from exit 36 off I-82 for 13 miles to Tampico. Go right on North Fork Ahtanum road. Travel west about 10 miles to the entrance. Camping available.

Western Washington

DNR Land open to the general public for hunting.

Northwest Region–Sedro Woolley

Sauk Prairie Road System – GMU 437 – East of Darrington. From I-5 take exit 208 and head east on Highway 530. Follow 530 approximately 29 miles to Darrington. At the stop sign in Darrington, turn left on Highway 530 to the North. Go approximately .1 miles from the stop sign and turn right on the Sauk Prairie Road. Follow Saulk Prairie road approximately 5.5 miles to the stop sign at the T in the road. Turn left onto Forest Road.

Forest Service 18 Road – GMU 437– Take off from Highway 530 at White Horse Store. Go north on Forest Service mainline road 18. Only street legal motorized vehicles allowed on roads.

Red Mountain – GMU 407 – North of the town of Kendall, access is from Highway 542 about 1.5 miles east of Kendall.

Sumas Mountain – GMU 407 –West of Kendall, access is from Highway 542 about 2 miles south of Kendall.

North Fork Nooksack Area – GMU 418 – Southwest of Kendall, access is from the North Fork Road off the Mosquito Lake Road.

Middle Fork Nooksack Area – GMU 418 – East of Deming, access is on the USFS Road 38 off the Mosquito Lake Road.

Van Zandt Dike – GMU 407 – Northeast of Acme, access is from the Mosquito Lake Road about 2 miles east of Highway 9 at Acme.

Anderson Mountain – GMU 407 – Northwest of Sedro Woolley, access is on the Skarup Road off the Prairie Road about one mile east of old Highway 99.

Harry Osborn State Forest – GMU 418 – North of the town of Hamilton on Highway 20, take the Muddy Creek Road from the Hamilton Cemetery Road.

South Puget Sound Region - Enumclaw:

Tahuya State Forest – GMU 633 Belfair – At the intersection of 300 and old Belfair Highway (Safeway and QFC at the corners) go West on 300 approximately .8 miles to Sand Hill Road and turn right. Go approximately 1.7 miles to the Tiger 2 Road (Blue Gate) on the right. ATV’s allowed. May offload just north of the Youth Camp Road at the gravel pit. Take the Overland Trail to the Tiger 2 road for additional roads.

Elbe Hills State Forest – GMU 654 – Access off Highway 706, turn left at 278th street, follow into State Forest. Roads are not gated, bermed or signed “No motorized Use” – they are open to hunt. No access from Scott Turner Road.

Pacific Cascade Region – Castle Rock:

Yacolt Burn State Forest – GMU 568 – Access from Dole Valley Road, NE Rawson Road, NE Berry Road, NE Livingston Road, Ammeter Road, NE 412th, Skamania Mines Road, North Fork Road, Washougal River Road, Skaar Road, and Carson Road – all roads behind closed gates and/or berms are walk in only for hunting purposes.

Capitol State Forest – GMU 663 – Access from Highway 8 at Rock Candy Trailhead, Waddell Creek Road, Bourdeaux road, D-Line and Porter Creek road off Highway 12. All non gated roads are open to hunting.

Lincoln Creek Road to Chandler Road in Doty – GMU 501 – The L-3000 – is mostly open – however, increased garbage and unattended fires have caused it to be locked at times.

Winston Creek Block – GMU 520 – Access off Highway 12 onto Winston Creek/Salmon Creek roads.

Deep Creek – GMU 501 – D-1000 and D-6000 roads at the end of the Deep Creek Road, the end of the Teague road, D-3000, off Cooks Hill Road, D-5000. A couple of these gates are on private timber lands and may be subject to closure because of dumping

Lake Creek Block - GMU 530 – Access of King road and Jones road Southeast of Curtis, WA. Available beginning mid-October.

Olympic Region - Forks:

Olympic Experimental Forest  – GMU 615 –  Access off Highway 101 on Clearwater road to the South and Hoh Mainline to the North.  Roads not gated, bermed or signed “No Motorized Use” – they are open to hunt