This unit has limited access due to no available parking.
The Bauguess Unit is a relatively small unit that provides important riparian and wetland habitat along the Naches River. These habitats benefit fish and wildlife species. NOTE: Thick vegetation limits physical access to the river, and there are no hunting opportunities due to the unit's close proximity to surrounding private residences.
This unit is located off U.S. Highway 12, about 2 miles west of Naches in Yakima County.
Situated in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains in Central Washington, this unit is in the Naches Valley.
This unit is part of the Oak Creek Wildlife Area.
Game Management Unit: 368
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 developed parking
- No restrooms
Recreation and access advisories
- No overnight parking or camping.
- No hunting opportunities due to the unit's close proximity to surrounding private residences.
- Respect private property—please do NOT trespass.
Fishing
The Bauguess Unit provides some opportunities for bank fishing along the Naches River.
Fishing advisories
- Thick vegetation limits physical access to the Naches River.
Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities are minimal due to size and location of the unit. Species that may be seen are cougar, deer, elk, bald eagle, golden eagle, band-tailed pigeon, ducks (including wood duck), geese, Eurasian collared dove, mourning dove, and quail.
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
The Bauguess Unit is bisected by the Naches River and provides important riparian habitat and floodplain functionality. The property is protected from development and serves as off-channel wetland and waterfowl nesting habitat along the river, particularly important for wood ducks.
Special habitats and species
The unit is comprised primarily of riparian habitat classified as Columbia Basin Riparian Woodland and Shrubland. Special species that may occur on the unit are bald eagle, golden eagle, wood duck, Chinook salmon (spawning) and coho salmon, steelhead (spawning), bull trout, rainbow trout, and Pacific lamprey.
Conservation goals
- Maintain or improve riparian and instream habitat for fish and wildlife
- Protect the property from urban development
The unit is comprised primarily of riparian habitat classified as Columbia Basin Riparian Woodland and Shrubland. Special species that may occur on the unit are bald eagle, golden eagle, wood duck, Chinook salmon (spawning) and coho salmon, steelhead (spawning), bull trout, rainbow trout, and Pacific lamprey.
- Maintain or improve riparian and instream habitat for fish and wildlife
- Protect the property from urban development
Land stewardship
The Bauguess Unit was a gift from Ronald and Esther Bauguess in 1982 to the Washington Department of Game.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased in 1982.
| Funder | Fund |
|---|---|
| Private Grantor | Private Donation |
Management planning
2018 Oak Creek Wildlife Area Management Plan
In 2018, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) updated the management plan for the Oak Creek Wildlife Area, which consists of three units. The management plan addresses the status of wildlife species in the area and their habitat, the progress of restoration efforts, and public recreation opportunities. The plan covers activities for three landscapes in the Cowiche, Oak Creek, and Rock Creek units. Every eight to 10 years, WDFW revises management plans for each of its 33 wildlife areas to document current conditions, address new agency initiatives, and identify new management priorities and actions. In between those major revisions, WDFW updates plans every two years to outline short-term objectives and accomplishments.
Planning Advisory Committee
Oak Creek Wildlife Area Advisory Committee