Campfires are restricted year-round on the Sunnyside-Snake River Wildlife Area.
The Esquatzel Coulee Unit is owned by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, but managed by WDFW for public fishing and hunting access. Walking and hunting waterfowl are popular. The unit hosts a variety of species.
The Esquatzel Coulee Unit is located just north of Mesa in Franklin County. The unit can be accessed off of Highway 17.
The Esquatzel Coulee Unit is located within the Upper Columbia-Priest Rapids watershed in the Columbia Plateau. Surrounding lands are predominantly privately-owned agriculture.
This unit is part of the Sunnyside-Snake River Wildlife Area.
Game Management Unit: 381
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 areas
- No restroom
Hunting
This unit is popular for upland and small game hunting. Hunters will find deer, Eurasian collared dove, mourning dove, quail, and pheasant.
Wildlife viewing
This unit offers opportunities to view a variety of wildlife species, including waterfowl.
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
This unit offers opportunities for walking.
Conservation
The Bureau of Reclamation/South Columbia Basin Irrigation District is developing habitat within the coulee for improved upland bird production.
Conservation goals
- Maintain and restore shrubsteppe, upland and floodplain habitat
- Protect and enhance habitat for state and federal listed species
- Maintain agriculture leases to benefit migrating waterfowl, upland birds, and Sandhill cranes
- Maintain and restore wetland habitat
Land stewardship
The Esquatzel Coulee Unit is owned by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and managed by WDFW for public fishing and hunting access.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased in 2003.
No specific funders assisted with purchasing these lands.
Management planning
2020 Sunnyside-Snake River 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.
Planning Advisory Committee
Sunnyside-Snake River Wildlife Area Advisory Committee