Hunting Information:
Deer hunting and turkey hunting are two of the most popular uses of this unit, along with fishing on the Klickitat River. All of this unit is open to hunting with the exception of areas posted as Safety Zones. Safety Zones are posted around wildife area buildings and neighboring residences. Visitors should be aware that various hunting seasons occur between Sept. 1 and Dec. 15. Also, spring turkey hunting season runs from mid-April to the end of May. Anticipate hunting activity on this unit and employ appropriate safety precautions.
Boating & Restrooms:
Boat ramps and restroom facilities are located at the Leidl Park and Stinson Flat Campgrounds.
Camping:
Camping in upland areas is permitted, provided that visitors use established camping sites. Contact the wildlife area headquarters at 509-773-4459 for more information on upland camping spots. Visitors to all camping areas are required to pick up after themselves; no garbage collection facilities are available.
Wildlife Viewing:
Wildlife may be viewed from roads or during cross-country walks. There is no designated wildlife feeding area.
Hiking:
There are no developed hiking trails, however the open nature of the country is conducive to dispersed hiking. Wildlife area service roads, which are closed to motorized travel by the public, are available for hiking.
Nordic Skiing and Snowshoeing:
Snowfall depth varies from year to year. The time most suitable for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing is January. Adequate snow depth is less dependable in December and February.
Horseback Riding:
Horseback riding is permitted on this unit between May 1 and December 15. Riders are encouraged to stay on roads. (Horses are allowed on roads that are closed to motorized access.) Most of the watering sites are seasonally available. After June 1, many become dry. |
Most of the wildlife area is in the Soda Springs unit, about 13,000 acres in size, located west of Goldendale in numerous small, mostly contiguous parcels. About 2,100 acres are owned and leased from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM). It is managed to preserve and enhance forage and cover habitat types for deer, primarily through farming, regulated cattle grazing, timber harvest and thinning, grass and shrub planting, and water developments including eight ponds and eight guzzlers (structures designed to collect and store rainfall and snowmelt run-off). Hunting, camping, hiking and wildlife watching are popular.
OTHER INFORMATION
