The Elk River Unit is a small but popular waterfowl hunting and birding location. The management focus for this unit is estuary, tide flat, and salt marsh restoration.
The Elk River Unit is located on the south side of Grays Harbor, 3 miles south of Westport in Grays Harbor County.
The Elk River Unit is in the Grays Harbor watershed. Surrounding lands include tidal flats, salt marsh estuary, and diked agricultural land.
This unit is part of the Johns River Wildlife Area.
Game Management Unit: 658
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:
- No restroom
Recreation and access advisories
- Overnight parking and camping is prohibited.
Hunting
This unit is popular for waterfowl hunting.
Be advised:
- The unit has been designated as a Regulated Access Area (WAC 220-416-080). The hunting of waterfowl, coot, and snipe is allowed on only Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday.
- The unit is within a Firearm Restriction Area (WAC 220-413-180), the use of centerfire or rimfire rifles is prohibited during modern firearm general elk season. View firearm restriction area map (PDF).
Wildlife viewing
This unit offers opportunities to view a variety of wildlife, including waterfowl and other bird species.
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
Conservation goals
- Manage for waterfowl and species diversity
- Protect and restore estuary and freshwater wetlands
Land stewardship
The Elk River Unit includes mitigation habitat intended to replace wetlands lost to development of the Ocean Shores airport.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased between 1984 and 2019.
| Funder | Fund |
|---|---|
| City or Town | Mitigation Funds |
| Private Grantor | Mitigation Funds |
| US Fish and Wildlife Service | National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant |
| US Fish and Wildlife Service | North American Wetlands Conservation Program |
| WA Dept of Fish and Wildlife | State Migratory Waterfowl Fund |
| WA Recreation and Conservation Office | Washington Coastal Restoration Initiative |
| WA Recreation and Conservation Office | Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program |
Management planning
2006 Olympic-Willapa Hills 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.