The Cherry Valley Unit consists of forest, grassland, and wetland in the Snoqualmie River floodplain, 1 mile north of Duvall. This unit is popular for pheasant and waterfowl hunting in the fall and winter, and dog training and trials in the spring and summer. The unit is located on one of the lowest points in the Snoqualmie River valley, so flooding is common from mid-Nov. to April. The department has implemented projects to restore salmon populations in the two creeks that flow through the unit.
The Cherry Valley Unit is located about 1 mile north of Duvall in King County. The unit can be accessed from Highway 203.
The Cherry Valley Unit lies within the Snoqualmie River floodplain. Local land use includes agriculture.
This unit is part of the Snoqualmie Wildlife Area.
Game Management Unit: 460
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:
- Large parking area on Highway 203
- No restroom
Recreation and access advisories
- Closed during hours of darkness.
- The unit is located at one of the lowest points in the Snoqualmie River valley, so flooding is common from mid-Nov. through March.
Hunting
This is a popular unit for pheasant and waterfowl hunting in the fall and winter. Other opportunities include dove, rabbit, coyote, and raccoon. An ADA hunting blind is available by reservation.
Hunting advisories
- It is unlawful to possess shot (either in shotshells or as loose shot for muzzleloading) other than nontoxic shot for any purpose on this unit (WAC 220-414-040).
Wildlife viewing
This unit includes decidious and coniferous forest, uplands, grassland/meadows, streams, wetlands and hedgerows, offering opportunities to view a variety of wildlife, including waterfowl.
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
This unit consists of a variety of deciduous and coniferous forest land, as well as wetlands and uplands. The unit also includes some farm fields, grass meadows, streams and hedgerows.The vision for this unit includes expanding agriculture to improve waterfowl habitat and wetland enhancement.
Special habitats and species
The unit is located in critical salmon priority habitats, particularly for chinook salmon and steelhead. The department has implemented projects to restore salmon populations in the two creeks that flow through the unit. Cherry Valley has an abundance of bird species, including hawks, owls, swans, geese, waterfowl, and songbirds. Deer, coyote, beaver, and river otter, and recently elk, are among the mammals on the unit.
Conservation goals
- Explore opportunities to work with partners to identify wildlife corridors
- Identify and implement wetland enhancements
- Identify restoration and monitoring needs and address the feasibility of implementing restoration
- Improve infrastructure and fish passage to enhance chinook, steelhead and bull trout
The unit is located in critical salmon priority habitats, particularly for chinook salmon and steelhead. The department has implemented projects to restore salmon populations in the two creeks that flow through the unit. Cherry Valley has an abundance of bird species, including hawks, owls, swans, geese, waterfowl, and songbirds. Deer, coyote, beaver, and river otter, and recently elk, are among the mammals on the unit.
- Explore opportunities to work with partners to identify wildlife corridors
- Identify and implement wetland enhancements
- Identify restoration and monitoring needs and address the feasibility of implementing restoration
- Improve infrastructure and fish passage to enhance chinook, steelhead and bull trout
Land stewardship
The Cherry Valley Unit was acquired for hunting, wildlife-related recreation, and waterfowl habitat. Ongoing management includes sharecropping as a management tool to benefit waterfowl.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased between 1974 and 1987.
| Funder | Fund |
|---|---|
| Private Grantor | Private Donation |
| US National Park Service | Land and Water Conservation Fund |
| WA Recreation and Conservation Office | Salmon Recovery Fund |
| WA Recreation and Conservation Office | State Bond Account |
Management planning
2018 Snoqualmie Wildlife Area Management Plan
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is developing a new management plan for the Snoqualmie Wildlife Area in northwestern Washington. The plan will provide management direction for nearly 2,774 acres in King and Snohomish counties. The Snoqualmie Wildlife Area consists of six units that are situated within the Snohomish watershed, including the Skykomish and Snohomish rivers, which join to form the Snohomish River. Habitats include estuaries, various types of wetlands, forested uplands, and agricultural lands. The various units contain a wide range of wildlife including waterfowl, eagles and chinook salmon. WDFW acquired the wildlife area properties between 1964 and 2008, using federal and state funding. The department primarily manages the wildlife area to preserve and enhance wildlife and their habitats, and to provide opportunities for hunting, and wildlife-related recreational opportunities. The new management plan will address the status of wildlife species and their habitat, ongoing restoration efforts and public recreation opportunities at the Snoqualmie wildlife area.
Planning Advisory Committee
Snoqualmie Wildlife Area Advisory Committee