This unit has limited access due to no available parking.
The Canal Road Unit, located on the east end of Silver Lake, is managed for wetland/waterfowl habitat. Waterfowl hunting is offered at this site.
The Canal Road Unit is located on the east end of Silver Lake, just outside of Toutle, in Cowlitz County. The unit can be accessed off of Canal Road, from Sightly Road, from State Route 504.
The Canal Road Unit is located in the Cowlitz River watershed.
This unit is part of the Mount Saint Helens Wildlife Area.
Game Management Unit: 550
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 area area
- No restroom
Recreation and access advisories
- Camping and overnight parking are prohibited
- Fires and fireworks are prohibited
Hunting
This unit may provide hunting opportunities for deer, waterfowl, elk, and small game.
Fishing
This unit provides fishing opportunities for warmwater fish species.
Wildlife viewing
This unit includes wetland habitat, offering opportunities to view a variety of wildlife.
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
Wetlands provide habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife.
Conservation goals
- Develop strategy for riparian/wetland restoration projects to benefit fish and wildlife species
Land stewardship
The Canal Road Unit was acquired to protect wetland and waterfowl habitat and provide waterfowl hunting opportunities.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased between 1955 and 1966.
| Funder | Fund |
|---|---|
| US Fish and Wildlife Service | Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Program |
| 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