The Duckabush Unit provides protection of the Duckabush River estuary, which benefits both fish and wildlife.
The Duckabush Unit is located 4 miles south of Brinnon, and 22 miles north of Hoodsport, in Jefferson County. The unit can be accssed from Highway 101.
The Duckabush Unit is located in the Hood Canal watershed. Surrounding property is predominantly privately owned residential and timber lands.
This unit is part of the North Olympic Wildlife Area.
Game Management Units: 621, 624
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:
- Parking area (off Highway 101)
- No restroom
Recreation and access advisories
- Camping is not permitted.
Wildlife viewing
This unit includes wetland and river/tidal estuary, 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.
Land stewardship
The Duckabush Unit was acquired for the protection of estuary habitat to benefit fish and wildlife.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased between 1993 and 1997.
| Funder | Fund |
|---|---|
| US Fish and Wildlife Service | National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant |
| US Navy | Mitigation Funds |
| WA Recreation and Conservation Office | Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account |
| WA Recreation and Conservation Office | Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program |
Management planning
2010 North Olympic Wildlife Area 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.
Plan Updates
Current land management projects
Duckabush Estuary Restoration
WDFW, in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group (HCSEG), is proposing an estuary restoration project that would reconnect the Duckabush River to the floodplain and wetlands by modifying local roads and elevating Highway 101 onto a bridge spanning the estuary. Distributary channels would be re-established, habitat complexity increased, and riparian vegetation planted. This project would contribute to a Puget Sound-wide objective to restore river deltas and their wetlands. Learn more at the Duckabush Estuary Restoration Project page.