White oak trees
Simcoe Mountains Wildlife Area Unit
E-Bikes are not permitted for use within non-motorized access areas on the Klickitat Wildlife Area.
The Klickitat Wildlife Area is located in Klickitat County on the east slope of the Cascade Mountains, about halfway between the Columbia River Gorge to the south and Mt. Adams to the north. The wildlife area spans approximately 27,800 acres across units bordering the Klickitat River, which are fed by Mt. Adams glaciers and supports federally listed steelhead, spring Chinook and bull trout. The wildlife area is managed to provide access to the Klickitat River's summer-run steelhead fishery, but additionally provides black-tailed deer wintering range and important habitat for the Western gray squirrel and Vaux's swift. The area includes diverse vegetation in forested riparian zones along the Klickitat River, south-facing hillsides of open grasslands, north-facing hillsides forested with conifers, and a flat plateau covered by mixed forests of oak and pine interspersed with small grassland openings. There are 19 wildlife ponds and numerous springs located throughout the area. Wildlife use is diverse, from elk to western pond turtles. By actively managing lands, restoring habitats, and preserving wild places, the department serves as stewards for Washington's natural places, protecting the state's land and water for its human and wildlife populations.
See WDFW's Forest Health Story Map to find out about the department's forest conservation work on the wildlife area.
Wildlife area units
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