Chief Joseph Wildlife Area Unit
The Chief Joseph Wildlife Area is located in Asotin County and Garfield County, and is comprised of 25,037 acres about 30 miles south of the town of Asotin, WA. Elevations range from 825 feet along Joseph Creek up to 4,913 feet at Mt. Wilson, the highest point in the vicinity. The wildlife area borders the Snake River on its eastern boundary, and three of the units border the Grande Ronde River. These drainages provide habitat for Chinook salmon, summer steelhead, and bull trout, although high temperatures affect water quality and may influence fish presence, particularly bull trout. WDFW management of the wildlife area is focused primarily on the enhancement of bighorn sheep, mule deer, and upland game bird populations. Large populations of California quail are present, along with blue and ruffed grouse, Hungarian partridge, and chukar. Over 100 species of birds have been identified, including a remnant population of mountain quail. Horseback riders, hikers, and bird watchers commonly make use of trails.
See the Heller Bar Access Area story map to learn about the opportunities and benefits WDFW land management facilitates for the public, wildlife, and habitats.
Wildlife area units
Management planning
2019 Blue Mountains Wildlife Areas 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
Chief Joseph/Asotin Creek Wildlife Area Advisory Committee