This unit has limited access due to no available parking.
The Fisher Hill Unit is made up of several parcels along the lower Klickitat River, providing fishing access and access to the Klickitat Trail. This segment of the river flows through a narrow channel that was fished by the First Peoples for centuries and remains an important fishing site for members of the Yakama Nation today. The property includes upland areas that may be hunted.
The Fisher Hill Unit is comprised of several parcels along the Klickitat River northeast of Lyle in Klickitat County. The parcels can be accessed from State Route 142, the Fisher Hill Road, or the Centerville Highway.
The Fisher Hill Unit lies on the east slope of the Cascades Mountains, on the Klickitat River before it empties into the Columbia River. Lower portions of the unit are within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.
This unit is part of the Klickitat Wildlife Area.
Game Management Units: 388, 578
Contact
Cassandra Holman
Wildlife Area Manager
1886 Glenwood Highway
Goldendale, WA 98620
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 developed parking areas
- No restrooms
Recreation and access advisories
- Fishing for subsistence and ceremonial purposes by enrolled Yakama Nation members occurs along the Klickitat River upstream of the Fisher Hill Road Bridge. This activity is protected by treaty.
- Respect private property; do not trespass. Property boundary markings are scarce on this unit. Visitors must employ orienteering skills or utilize navigation software to ensure that they stay on public land. Do not enter private lands without landowner permission.
- Parking is very limited. Small parking spots are located along Highway 142, the Fisher Hill Road, and the Centerville Highway.
Hunting
Black-tailed deer and turkey are the most commonly hunted species on this unit.
Fishing
This unit is within the confines of the Klickitat River Canyon and offers river access for fishing.
Wildlife viewing
This unit features pine-oak woodland, cliff, and grassland habitats, 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.
Other recreational opportunities
The Klickitat Trail, which was originally a railroad route, is now a popular hiking and biking trail of regional importance. This trail follows the Klickitat River as it passes through the Fisher Hill Unit.
The Klickitat Trail passes through the Fisher Hill Unit and offers an excellent way to enjoy the beauty of the Klickitat River Canyon either on foot or by bicycle. A parking lot with toilets is located adjacent to Highway 142 just above the intersection with Highway 14. While this facility is not on the Fisher Hill Unit, it serves as one of the best access points to the Klickitat Trail. Limited parking is also available adjacent to Highway 142 at the intersection with the Fisher Hill Road, and along the Fisher Hill Road just upstream of the bridge over the Klickitat River.
Other advisories
- Rules for trail use are posted at the access points for the Klickitat Trail.
- Non-motorized use only.
- Dogs are required to be on leash to prevent conflicts with other trail users, landowners and wildlife.
- Horses are prohibited.
Conservation
Habitat types at Fisher Hill are pine-oak woodlands, cliffs, and open grasslands.
Special habitats and species
Western gray squirrels occur in the pine-oak woodlands on this unit. Bald eagles congregate in this area during winter and may be observed in large numbers December through January. Other raptors such as golden eagles are often observed from winter into spring as well.
Conservation goals
- Maintain and enhance black-tailed deer, upland game bird, and eagle habitat
- Maintain instream habitat for steelhead and salmon along the Klickitat River
- Recover western gray squirrel populations in and around the wildlife area to healthy self-sustaining levels
Western gray squirrels occur in the pine-oak woodlands on this unit. Bald eagles congregate in this area during winter and may be observed in large numbers December through January. Other raptors such as golden eagles are often observed from winter into spring as well.
- Maintain and enhance black-tailed deer, upland game bird, and eagle habitat
- Maintain instream habitat for steelhead and salmon along the Klickitat River
- Recover western gray squirrel populations in and around the wildlife area to healthy self-sustaining levels
Land stewardship
The Fisher Hill Unit was acquired to preserve fish habitat and public access to the Klickitat River for sport fishing.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased between 1950 and 1996.
| Funder | Fund |
|---|---|
| WA Dept of Fish and Wildlife | WA Dept. of Fisheries Funds |
Management planning
2023 DRAFT Simcoe Mountains Management Plan
The plan will help to guide public access and outdoor recreation, habitat enhancements, and forest and range management, among other elements, for the Simcoe Mountains Unit. The plan will be an addendum to the Klickitat Wildlife Area Plan, which is updated every 10 years.
2016 Klickitat Wildlife Area Management Plan
In 2016, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) updated the management plan for the Klickitat Wildlife Area, which consists of seven units. The management plan addresses the status of wildlife species in the area and their habitat, the progress of restoration efforts, and public recreation opportunities. Every eight to 10 years, 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.
Planning Advisory Committee
Klickitat Wildlife Area Advisory Committee