The Big Valley Unit includes the Methow Trails, maintained by Methow Valley Sport Trails Association for winter skiing/snowshoeing, and summer horseback riding, biking, and hiking. This large unit is mostly flat with little elevation change. The unit was purchased primarily to protect endangered fisheries riparian habitat along the Methow River, but is also in the migratory path of deer moving north and south between winter ranges in the lower valley and summer ranges in the upper Methow Valley and Pasayten Wilderness.
The Big Valley Unit is about five miles northwest of Winthrop between Highway 20 and the Methow River in Okanogan County. The unit can be accessed from Dripping Springs Road off of Highway 20.
The Big Valley Unit lies within Methow River watershed.
This unit is part of the Methow Wildlife Area.
Game Management Units: 231, 218
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:
- Parking area
- ADA accessible toilet
- Trailhead for Methow Community Trail
Hunting
On this unit, hunters may find opportunities to harvest black bear, cougar, deer, waterfowl, Eurasian collared dove, forest grouse, gray (Hungarian) partridge, moose, mourning dove, quail, small game, and turkey.
Hunting advisories
- A SAFETY ZONE has been established from Highway 20 to the community trail. Weapons may not be discharged within this zone.
Fishing
The Methow River provides fishing opportunities on this unit.
Wildlife viewing
This unit includes river floodplain with riparian habitat and managed grain crop fields, offering opportunities to view a variety of wildlife, including bear, beaver, bobcat, cougar, coyote, mule and white-tailed deer, mink, otter, and Neotropical birds.
The Methow River offers opportunities to view spawning chinook salmon in spring.
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.
Wildlife viewing advisories
Sandhill crane closure information
A portion of the Big Valley Unit of the wildlife area is closed until Sept. 30, 2024 to protect nesting sandhill cranes. The cranes are listed as a species of Greatest Conservation Need under the State Wildlife Action Plan Priority Species under WDFW's Priority Habitat and Species Program.
Additional resources
-Sandhill Crane Informational Flyer | Methow Wildlife Area (PDF)
Other recreational opportunities
This unit offers hiking, biking, horseback riding, and winter skiing/snowshoeing.
The Methow Community Trail is maintained by Methow Trails for winter skiing/snowshoeing, and summer horseback riding, biking, and hiking. Interpretive signs are situated around 6-mile loop trail.
Conservation
The riparian vegetation shades and cools the river for endangered salmon and steelhead, but it's also beneficial for Neotropical birds, mule and white-tailed deer, bears, cougars, bobcats, coyotes, mink, otter, and beaver. Several side channels in the riverine floodplain provide winter habitat for fish and important water storage for recharge of the Methow River.
Special habitats and species
Key spawning grounds for spring chinook salmon are found along the river.
Conservation goals
- Create, restore, and enhance a mosaic of habitat
- Maintain and restore native plant communities
- Manage for species diversity including game and nongame species
Key spawning grounds for spring chinook salmon are found along the river.
- Create, restore, and enhance a mosaic of habitat
- Maintain and restore native plant communities
- Manage for species diversity including game and nongame species
Land stewardship
This unit was purchased primarily for biodiversity and endangered fisheries riparian habitat protection along the Methow River.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased between 1991 and 2022.
| Funder | Fund |
|---|---|
| US Fish and Wildlife Service | Endangered Species Act Section 6 Program |
| WA Recreation and Conservation Office | Washington Coastal Restoration Initiative |
| WA Recreation and Conservation Office | Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program |
Management planning
2006 Methow 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.