The Abernathy Creek Unit is located near the confluence of the Columbia River and Abernathy Creek. Chum salmon spawn in Abernathy Creek, which flows through a portion of this unit into the river. This unit is managed for the protection of riparian and upland forest habitat and to provide fishing access. Access to this site is walk-in only.
The Abernathy Creek Unit is located on Abernathy Creek near the Columbia River, approximately 20 miles west of Longview in Cowlitz County. The unit can be accessed from Abernathy Creek Road off of State Route 4.
The Abernathy Creek Unit is located in the Lower Columbia Basin just upstream of the confluence of Abernathy Creek and the Columbia River across from Crims Island, Oregon.
This unit is part of the Mount Saint Helens Wildlife Area.
Game Management Unit: 530
Recreation and public access
A Discover Pass is required on WDFW lands -- including water access areas, wildlife areas, and campgrounds -- unless you already have a Vehicle Access Pass issued with the purchase of an eligible hunting or fishing license. Recreate responsibly on public lands: please know the Public Conduct Rules.
Public facility information:
- No restroom
Recreation and access advisories
- Walk-in access only; this site is gated due to past frequent vandalism.
- Camping and overnight parking is prohibited
- Fires and fireworks are prohibited
Hunting
This unit may provide hunting opportunities for deer, waterfowl, elk, and small game.
Fishing
This unit offers fishing access to Abernathy Creek.
Wildlife viewing
This unit includes riparian and upland forest habitat, offering opportunities to view a variety of wildlife.
In this reach of the stream, spawning chum salmon may be viewed.
Search for potential birding opportunities on or near a wildlife area unit by using eBird Northwest, a citizen science database portal that provides freely-shared bird lists at 'hotspots' and interactive maps plus other birding information updated daily.
Conservation
Abernathy Creek provides important habitat for endangered fish species.
Special habitats and species
Chum salmon spawn in this reach of the creek.
Conservation goals
- Develop a strategy for riparian/wetland restoration projects to benefit fish and wildlife species
- Maintain and restore riparian and instream habitat for steelhead, chinook, and coho
Chum salmon spawn in this reach of the creek.
- Develop a strategy for riparian/wetland restoration projects to benefit fish and wildlife species
- Maintain and restore riparian and instream habitat for steelhead, chinook, and coho
Land stewardship
The Abernathy Creek Unit was acquired to provide fishing access and protect riparian and forest habitat.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased in 1933.
| Funder | Fund |
|---|---|
| County | Transfer of land |
| US Fish and Wildlife Service | National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant |
| WA Dept of Fish and Wildlife | WDFW Game Fund (now Wildlife Fund) |
Management planning
2019 Mount Saint Helens Wildlife Area Management Plan
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife completed the new management plan for the Mount St. Helens Wildlife Area, which is comprised of 18 units in Skamania, Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum counties, and totals 10,002 acres. The Mount St. Helens Wildlife Area is largely managed for elk in the North Fork Toutle River Valley, but the area units are diverse, and provide habitat for multitudes of species, over a broad range of habitats including old growth forest, forested floodplains, riparian areas, ancient lava flows, mineral springs, tidal mudflats, and wetlands. The new management addresses the status of wildlife species and their habitat, ongoing restoration efforts and public recreation opportunities at the wildlife area.
Planning Advisory Committee
Mount Saint Helens Wildlife Area Advisory Committee