Mature forest trail near Rainy Creek.
The Kosmos Unit is managed for black-tailed deer, bald eagles, waterfowl, riparian forest, riparian shrub and emergent wetland habitats in general. In addition to several large fields that are hayed to maintain forage values, there are ponds and forest/shrub corridors. Three perennial creeks that flow into this unit are managed for cavity-nesting species and salmonids.
The Kosmos Unit is on the east end of Riffe Lake in Lewis County. The unit can be accessed from Champion Haul Road, from Kosmos Road off of Highway 12.
The Kosmos Unit lies along the western flank of the Cascade Range within the Cowlitz River valley.
This unit is part of the Cowlitz Wildlife Area.
Game Management Units: 503, 505
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 area
- Restrooms
Recreation and access advisories
- This is a popular unit during hunting seasons, so observe safe practices when visiting.
Hunting
Hunting opportunities include black bear, cougar, deer, waterfowl, elk, and grouse.
The unit is a pheasant release site; pheasants are released for fall hunting.
Hunting advisories
- It is unlawful to possess shot (either in shotshells or as loose shot for muzzleloading) other than nontoxic shot for any purpose on this unit (WAC 220-414-040).
Wildlife viewing
This unit includes riparian forest/shrub habitats, emergent wetland habitats and managed forage fields, offering opportunities to view a variety of species, including black-tailed deer, bald eagle, waterfowl, and amphibians.
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
In addition to several large fields that are hayed by contractors to maintain forage values, this unit includes riparian forest, riparian shrub, and emergent wetland habitats in general. There are ponds and forest/shrub corridors.Three perennial creeks that flow into this unit are managed for cavity-nesting species and salmonids.
Conservation goals
- Maintain healthy populations of game and non-game species
- Protect and restore native plant communities
- Restore, enhance and create habitat for diving, dabbling and cavity nesting ducks
- Preserve habitat and species diversity for fish and wildlife
Land stewardship
This unit includes lands owned by Tacoma Power and is managed by WDFW as wildlife mitigation for Mayfield and Mossyrock dams.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased in 1993.
No specific funders assisted with purchasing these lands.
Management planning
2006 Cowlitz 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.