The Grouse Flats Unit is a mix of forest and meadows, and supports deer, elk, turkey, blue and ruffed grouse, bear, and cougar, in addition to a multitude of non-game wildlife species.
The Grouse Flats Unit is located 65 miles southwest of Asotin in Garfield County. The unit can be accessed from the Troy/Pomeroy road out of Troy, Oregon.
The Grouse Flats Unit is located in the Snake River Watershed, within the Columbia River Basin. The Umatilla National Forest is located just north of the unit.
This unit is part of the Chief Joseph Wildlife Area.
Game Management Unit: 172
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:
- Several pull off areas along gravel entrance road
- No restroom
- Several camping areas along gravel entrance road
Recreation and access advisories
- Motorized vehicles are restricted to roads.
- Snowmobiles are prohibited.
- Unit is open year-round, but snow will restrict motorized access in winter.
Hunting
In addition to elk, the wildlife area supports white-tailed and mule deer, turkey, ruffed and blue grouse, bear, and cougar, affording a variety of hunting opportunities.
Hunting advisories
- Bighorn sheep seasons are closed.
Wildlife viewing
This unit offers opportunities to view a variety of wildlife, including black bear, cougar, mule and white-tailed deer, elk, blue and ruffed grouse, and wild turkey.
Wolves have been reported on this unit and may be more observable in the future.
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
This unit is a mix of forest and meadows, and supports deer, elk, turkey, ruffed and blue grouse, bear, and cougar, in addition to a multitude of non-game wildlife species.
Conservation goals
- Implement the Forest Management Plan
- See WDFW's Forest Health Story Map for more information.
- Conduct an assessment of native prairie habitat by 2022; and by 2024, develop a strategy to protect and restore native prairie habitat
- Develop plan to survey entire wildlife area for rare plants by 2024
- Improve habitat for mule deer populations
- Maintain healthy bighorn sheep population by communicating risks from domestic animals to the public
Land stewardship
The Grouse Flats Unit was acquired with the intent to reduce elk damage complaints and establish a large continuous wildlife area.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased between 1967 and 1983.
| Funder | Fund |
|---|---|
| Private Grantor | Private Donation |
| US Fish and Wildlife Service | Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Program |
| WA Dept of Fish and Wildlife | WDFW Game Fund (now Wildlife Fund) |
Management planning
2019 Blue Mountains Wildlife Areas 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
Chief Joseph/Asotin Creek Wildlife Area Advisory Committee