This unit has limited access due to no available parking.
Public access to the Corson Natural Unit is extremely limited, requiring making prior arrangements with the Snoqualmie Wildlife Area Manager. Hunting is not allowed on the unit in keeping with the donor's vision of a wildlife preserve. The unit is donated land consisting of forest riverine and wetland complexes north of Lake Stevens in a rural residential area. Recreational opportunities include wildlife watching and hiking--a trail network winds throughout the unit and there is a viewing platform. Several large ponds and fields provide forage for birds and waterfowl.
The Corson Natural Unit is located just north of Lake Stevens in a rural residential area in Snohomish County.
This unit is part of the Snoqualmie Wildlife Area.
Game Management Unit: 407
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 parking area
- Information kiosk
- Trail network
- Viewing platform
Recreation and access advisories
- Public access is extremely limited; the unit is accessible ONLY through prior arrangement with the Snoqualmie Wildlife Area Manager.
- Hunting is not allowed on this unit.
Wildlife viewing
This unit has one large ponds, one forage agricultural fields, and second-growth forest, offering opportunities to view many bird species, including waterfowl, and other wildlife.
Recreational opportunities include wildlife watching--a trail network winds throughout the unit and there is a viewing platform.
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
Recreational opportunities include hiking--a trail network winds throughout the unit.
Other advisories
- Recreational opportunities include hiking--a trail network winds throughout the unit.
Conservation
This unit has second growth forest with deciduous and coniferous trees, but is predominantly river bottomland with a mix of native habitat. Catherine Creek enters the wildlife area from the north and flows along the east side of the property.
Special habitats and species
One large ponds and small fields provide forage for birds and waterfowl.The placement of root wads at each crossing provides stream habitat as well as encourages beaver activity, which naturally maintains the wetland water elevation. Several unnamed tributaries drain wetlands into Catherine Creek, which has created habitat for waterfowl, birds of prey, songbirds and upland birds, coho salmon, amphibians, deer, black bear, cougar, bobcat, weasel, mink, beaver, muskrat and river otter. In 2016, one control structure and 5 culverts were replaced, removing barriers for fish passage to Catherine Creek.
One large ponds and small fields provide forage for birds and waterfowl.The placement of root wads at each crossing provides stream habitat as well as encourages beaver activity, which naturally maintains the wetland water elevation. Several unnamed tributaries drain wetlands into Catherine Creek, which has created habitat for waterfowl, birds of prey, songbirds and upland birds, coho salmon, amphibians, deer, black bear, cougar, bobcat, weasel, mink, beaver, muskrat and river otter. In 2016, one control structure and 5 culverts were replaced, removing barriers for fish passage to Catherine Creek.
Land stewardship
The Corson Natural Unit was donated to WDFW in 1976 for wildlife habitat enhancement and non-hunting public use.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased in 1977.
| Funder | Fund |
|---|---|
| Private Grantor | Private Donation |
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