This unit has limited access due to no available parking.
Most of the Elwha Unit is situated in the 100-year floodplain of the Elwha River. The property was purchased for public fishing access to the Elwha River, although currently there is no public access to the unit through the surrounding properties. It is also managed for preservation of undeveloped floodplain habitat and contains conifer and deciduous riparian forest.
The Elwha Unit is located 5 miles west of Port Angeles and 2.5 miles north of Highway 101.
The Elwha Unit is in the Dungeness-Elwha basin. Adjacent properties include Lower Elwha Clallam Reservation and Tribal Lands, state land, and privately owned agriculture and undeveloped land.
This unit is part of the North Olympic Wildlife Area.
Game Management Units: 603, 624
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 established parking
- No restroom
Recreation and access advisories
- Overnight parking and camping are prohibited.
Wildlife viewing
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
The unit is within a 100-year floodplain, with a mix of conifer and deciduous riparian forest.
Conservation goals
- Conserve undeveloped floodplain habitat
Land stewardship
The Elwha Unit was purchased for public fishing access to the Elwha River.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased between 1961 and 1977.
| Funder | Fund |
|---|---|
| WA Dept of Fish and Wildlife | WDFW Game Fund (now Wildlife Fund) |
| WA Recreation and Conservation Office | State Bond Account |
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.