Campfires are restricted year-round on the Sunnyside-Snake River Wildlife Area.
The Benton City Unit is a relatively small parcel of Yakima riverfront property. This units offers a shoreline fishing access site on the Yakima River, and the riparian habitat along the river offers good birding opportunities. Benton City manages this WDFW-property and also provides a hiking trail and picnic tables.
The Benton City Unit is located directly west of Benton City along the Yakima River, in Benton County. The unit can be accessed from 14th Street off of Highway 225.
The Benton City Unit is located within the Lower Yakima River watershed in the Columbia Plateau. Surrounding lands are predominantly privately-owned agriculture.
This unit is part of the Sunnyside-Snake River Wildlife Area.
Game Management Units: 373, 372
Getting there
Maps and directions to WDFW-managed access points for this unit. Opens Google Maps in a new tab.
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:
- Small paved parking area
- No restrooms
- Trail
Recreation and access advisories
- This unit is owned by WDFW and managed by Benton City under a long-term agreement. Please follow all posted rules.
Hunting
This unit offers opportunities to hunt waterfowl, Eurasian collared dove, mourning dove, quail, and small game.
Fishing
This small parcel with Yakima River frontage offers shoreline fishing.
Wildlife viewing
This unit has Yakima River frontage with riparian habitat, offering good birding.
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.
Other recreational opportunities
The City of Benton manages a hiking trail and picnic tables that are on this WDFW-owned unit.
Conservation
This unit includes riparian habitat along the Yakima River.
Special habitats and species
This habitat benefits songbirds, upland birds, and waterfowl. The unit also has components of resident and anadromous fish in the river. Rainbow trout are resident while spring and fall chinook salmon and steelhead trout are migratory.
Conservation goals
- Protect and enhance habitat for state and federal listed species
- Maintain and restore shrubsteppe, upland and floodplain habitats
This habitat benefits songbirds, upland birds, and waterfowl. The unit also has components of resident and anadromous fish in the river. Rainbow trout are resident while spring and fall chinook salmon and steelhead trout are migratory.
- Protect and enhance habitat for state and federal listed species
- Maintain and restore shrubsteppe, upland and floodplain habitats
Land stewardship
The Benton City Unit was acquired as mitigation for dams on the Snake River to provide public fishing access to the Yakima River.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased between 1968 and 1994.
| Funder | Fund |
|---|---|
| US Army Corps of Engineers | Snake River Mitigation Account |
| US National Park Service | Land and Water Conservation Fund |
| WA Recreation and Conservation Office | State Bond Account |
Management planning
2020 Sunnyside-Snake River 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.
Planning Advisory Committee
Sunnyside-Snake River Wildlife Area Advisory Committee