Mount Saint Helens Wildlife Area Mount Saint Helens Unit
This 2,744-acres unit is located in Cowlitz County along the North Fork Toutle River lying just west of and adjacent to the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. The unit was established in 1990 to protect elk winter range on the North Fork Toutle River mudflow that resulted from the 1980 eruption of Mt. St. Helens. Most of the property was acquired through a land exchange with the Weyerhaeuser Company with assistance from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Extensive efforts have been made to improve elk winter forage, including erosion control, weed control, fertilization and vegetation plantings. A winter feeding program for elk is implemented when necessary. Elk hunting by special permit sometimes occurs on the unit.
Viewing Opportunities
Birds
Birds of Prey
Eagles
Songbirds
Upland Birds
Waterfowl
Mammals
Deer
Elk
How to Get Here
Click Here
for Printable
Map and Driving Directions
Access Site #1
Driving Directions From Interstate 5 at Castle Rock turn east on Highway 504. The area is approximatly 30 miles east of Castle Rock south of the highway along the North Fork of the Toutle River. The unit is approximatly 1.5 miles south of the highway on the valley floor.
Parking/Restroom Information There is parking located along the pull outs of Highway 504, but there are no public driving routes down onto the Wildlife Area from the Highway. There are no restroom facilities.
Other Information The unit is open to the public May 1st to November 30th.
Unique Features
The unit is a wintering area for elk along the North Fork of the Toutle River, and is the debris flow from the Mt. St. Helens eruption.
Other Information
The wildlife area is within a game management unit closed to all hunting and trapping except elk hunting by special permit. The wildlife area is closed to public access from December 1st through April 30th each year to protect wintering elk herds. Dogs are not allowed on the wildlife area at any time.
A Discover Pass or WDFW Vehicle Access Pass
is required on all WDFW lands. Learn more at DiscoverPass.wa.gov
OTHER INFORMATION
