The Crescent Lake Unit consists of forest, sloughs, and farm fields at the confluence of the Skykomish and Snoqualmie rivers. This unit is a popular pheasant and waterfowl hunting site in the fall and winter; other recreation opportunities include fishing, and bird dog training in designated areas. A network of trails wind through the forest and fields to provide areas for hiking and nature observation, plus a 200-foot long footbridge built across the lake in 1978 completes the loop.
The Crescent Lake Unit is located 3 miles south of Monroe in Snohomish County. The unit can be accessed from 203rd Street off of Highway 203.
The Crescent Lake Unit is bordered by the Snoqualmie River and lies within the Snohomish River basin.
This unit is part of the Snoqualmie Wildlife Area.
Game Management Unit: 407
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:
- Gravel parking area
- No restroom
- Trail network
Recreation and access advisories
- Closed during hours of darkness.
Hunting
This unit is a popular pheasant and hunting site in the fall and winter.
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 has an oxbox lake, sloughs, forest (mostly bigleaf maple), and farm fields, providing opportunities to view many bird species, including waterfowl, and other wildlife.
The unit offers a network of trails through forest and fields offering wildlife viewing opportunities.
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
The unit offers a network of trails through forest and fields offering hiking opportunities; a 200-foot long footbridge, built across the lake in 1978, completes a loop.
Conservation
This unit is a mix of agriculture and early succession forest, sloughs, and agricultural fields. A mix of native coniferous and deciduous trees and shrubs, with a large stand of mature big-leaf maple, make up the forest. About 100 acres are farmed through sharecrop agreements, which guarantee that cereal grains are left standing for wintering waterfowl.
Special habitats and species
Trumpeter swans and migratory waterfowl such as Canada geese, snow geese, and a variety of ducks forage on the unit in the winter months. This unit is a very important wintering area for trumpeter swans in the region. Tundra swans also visit the area. Elk, deer, bear, weasel, coyote, small mammals, owls, eagles, and hawks and other raptors also occur.
Conservation goals
- Identify restoration and monitoring needs and address the feasibility of implementing restoration.
Trumpeter swans and migratory waterfowl such as Canada geese, snow geese, and a variety of ducks forage on the unit in the winter months. This unit is a very important wintering area for trumpeter swans in the region. Tundra swans also visit the area. Elk, deer, bear, weasel, coyote, small mammals, owls, eagles, and hawks and other raptors also occur.
- Identify restoration and monitoring needs and address the feasibility of implementing restoration.
Land stewardship
The Crescent Lake Unit was purchased by WDFW in 1974 for waterfowl and pheasant hunting, wildlife conservation, and wildlife-related recreation.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased in 1974.
| Funder | Fund |
|---|---|
| US National Park Service | Land and Water Conservation 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