This unit has limited access due to no available parking.
The Bell Creek Unit, east of Sequim, is ecologically diverse and includes deciduous dominant riparian forest, marsh wetland, forested wetland, wet upland meadows, and Oregon white oak-woodland prairie. The unit is managed for conservation, restoration and enhancement of these habitats. Prairie habitat supports many kinds of butterfly.
The Bell Creek Unit is located in Clallam County on the east side of Sequim
The Bell Creek Unit is located in the Dungeness-Elwha basin. Adjacent properties include City of Sequim, WA Department of Transportation, and privately owned residential and agricultural land.
This unit is part of the North Olympic Wildlife Area.
Game Management Unit: 624
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 restroom
Recreation and access advisories
- Overnight camping and parking are prohibited.
Wildlife viewing
This unit includes deciduous riparian forest, marsh wetland, forested wetland, wet upland meadows, and oak-woodland prairie, offering opportunities to view a variety of wildlife, including many butterfly species.
Prairie habitat offers opportunities to view butterflies.
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
Habitat types on this unit include deciduous dominant riparian forest, marsh wetland, forested wetland, wet upland meadows, and Oregon white oak-woodland prairie.
Special habitats and species
Prairie habitat supports many butterfly species.
Conservation goals
- Assess forest conditions with regard to fire, insects and disease risks
- Protect and restore Oregon white oak and prairie habitat
- Restore stream and riparian habitat
Prairie habitat supports many butterfly species.
- Assess forest conditions with regard to fire, insects and disease risks
- Protect and restore Oregon white oak and prairie habitat
- Restore stream and riparian habitat
Land stewardship
The Bell Creek Unit was purchased for stream and riparian restoration; conservation and restoration of Garry oak forest and associated prairie habitat; and conservation of Sequim River valley habitat with emphases on Bell Creek tributaries.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased between 1998 and 2001.
| Funder | Fund |
|---|---|
| US Fish and Wildlife Service | National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant |
| WA Recreation and Conservation Office | Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program |
Management planning
2010 North Olympic Wildlife Area Management Plan
Every eight to 10 years, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (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. In 2014, WDFW began the process of updating existing plans, many of which were written in 2006. The new plans are being developed with significant public participation and input.