The Methow unit is the largest and oldest, with 14,800 acres located in the foothills on the east side of the Methow Valley. It is a long narrow strip of land varying in width from a half mile to two miles, stretching from Falls Creek on the north end to Frazer Creek and Highway 20 on the south end -- a distance of about 18 miles. The area is bordered on the east and north by Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forest, and on the west and south by private land. Elevations vary from 2,100 feet in the Frazer Creek area to just under 4,000 feet at a point north of Campbell Lake. Purchased primarily for mule deer winter range, habitats and vegetation vary from timber (Ponderosa pine, Douglas fir) on north facing sites, to shrub-steppe (bitterbrush, sagebrush, and bunch grasses) on south and west facing slopes. Aspen, cottonwood, and a variety of shrub and forb species dominate along most stream courses. This is critical habitat for songbirds, cavity nesters, amphibians and reptiles, small mammals, nesting golden eagles, and three species of forest grouse.
Viewing Opportunities
Birds
Birds of Prey
Eagles
Songbirds
Mammals
Bear
Deer
Small Mammals
Other
Butterflies
Reptiles/Amphibians
How to Get Here
Click Here
for Printable
Map and Driving Directions
Access Site #1
Driving Directions From Winthrop, take East Chewuch Road 2 miles; turn right on Bear Creek Loop Road- Pearrygin Lake State Park turnoff. Follow 3.5 miles to WDFW Methow Wildlife Area Headquarters.
Parking/Restroom Information Parking in vicinity on county and USFS road systems. ADA restroom facilities at Bear Creek Campground, Beaver Creek Campground, and Ramsey Creek Campground.
Other Information USFS roads not open during winter months. Lester Road not plowed during winter.
Access Site #2
Driving Directions From Twisp, take highway 20 towards Okanogan, and turn left on Beaver Creek Road. Follow Beaver Creek Road approx 3 miles to Balky Hill Road and turn left. Drive 1/2 mile and WDFW land on the right. Follow Beaver Creek Road approx 6 miles, to Lester Road, turn left. Follow Lester Road for 7 miles to Bear Creek Road (see Site Information #1). To Fraser Creek Area: Approximately 1 mile east of Beaver Creek Road on Hwy 20 is a parking access to the Fraser Creek area of the Methow Unit.
Parking/Restroom Information Parking in vicinity on county and USFS road systems. ADA restroom facilities at Bear Creek Campground, Beaver Creek Campground, and Ramsey Creek Campground.
Other Information USFS roads not open during winter months. Lester Road not plowed during winter.
Unique Features
Kiosk signs at main entrance areas with maps and shrub-steppe habitat information.
Other Information
Motorized vehicles are NOT permitted on the Methow Wildlife Area.
Public conduct rules for WDFW Lands restrict the discharge of firearms within 500 feet of any of the 7 designated campgrounds for the Methow Unit. See locations for all 21 WDFW designated campgrounds here.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Public conduct rules for WDFW Lands restrict the discharge of firearms within 500 feet of any of the 7 designated campgrounds for the Methow Unit. See locations for all 21 WDFW designated campgrounds here.
The Methow unit is the largest and oldest, with 14,800 acres located in the foothills on the east side of the Methow Valley. It is a long narrow strip of land varying in width from a half mile to two miles, stretching from Falls Creek on the north end to Frazer Creek and Highway 20 on the south end -- a distance of about 18 miles. The area is bordered on the east and north by Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forest, and on the west and south by private land. Elevations vary from 2,100 feet in the Frazer Creek area to just under 4,000 feet at a point north of Campbell Lake. Purchased primarily for mule deer winter range, habitats and vegetation vary from timber (Ponderosa pine, Douglas fir) on north facing sites, to shrub-steppe (bitterbrush, sagebrush, and bunch grasses) on south and west facing slopes. Aspen, cottonwood, and a variety of shrub and forb species dominate along most stream courses. This is critical habitat for songbirds, cavity nesters, amphibians and reptiles, small mammals, nesting golden eagles, and three species of forest grouse.
OTHER INFORMATION
