The Merrill Lake Unit is bordered by Merrill Lake to the south and the Kalama River to the north. A waterfall on the Kalama River is a popular site for hikers. The unit includes old-growth forest located primarily on an ancient lava flow — tree casts can be found in the lava flow — and also has a large stand of lodgepole pine, a unique feature. The Merrill Lake Unit is primarily managed for elk and black-tailed deer habitat.
The Merrill Lake Unit is located north of Cougar, in Cowlitz County, and is bordered by Merrill Lake to the south and the Kalama River to the north. The unit can be accessed from U.S. Forest Service Road 81 from State Highway 503.
The Merrill Lake Unit is located in the Kalama River watershed within the west Cascade Mountains.
This unit is part of the Mount Saint Helens Wildlife Area.
Game Management Unit: 560
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 small pullouts along U.S. Forest Service Road 81 and one larger parking area at the gated road into the unit
- No restroom
Recreation and access advisories
- Limited camping is allowed in marked areas adjacent to U.S. Forest Service Road 81 within 50 feet of the pavement
- There is no vehicle access onto this unit
- Off-road driving and ATVs are prohibited
Hunting
This unit may provide hunting opportunities for band-tailed pigeon, black bear, black-tailed deer, cougar, waterfowl, elk, grouse, and small game.
Fishing
This unit provides opportunities for fishing on Merrill Lake and the upper Kalama River.
Fishing advisories
- Merrill Lake is designated a fly-fishing ONLY lake
- Merrill Lake is designated a catch and release ONLY lake
- Merrill Lake is designated a non-motorized lake
- The Kalama River is closed to fishing in the section below Kalama Falls
Wildlife viewing
This unit includes Merrill Lake shoreline, old growth forest, and a large stand of lodgepole pine, offering opportunities to view elk, black-tailed deer, songbirds, and birds of prey.
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
The Merrill Lake Unit has ancient lava flows and tree castings, large springs, waterfalls, and old-growth forests.
Special habitats and species
Habitat on this site helps support black-tailed deer and elk.
Conservation goals
- Monitor and protect fisher denning areas, if and when they occur on the wildlife area
- Improve ecological integrity of forests while maintaining and/or improving habitat for wildlife
- See WDFW's Forest Health Story Map for more information about work happening on the unit.
Habitat on this site helps support black-tailed deer and elk.
- Monitor and protect fisher denning areas, if and when they occur on the wildlife area
- Improve ecological integrity of forests while maintaining and/or improving habitat for wildlife
- See WDFW's Forest Health Story Map for more information about work happening on the unit.
Land stewardship
The Merrill Lake Unit was acquired primarily for elk and black-tailed deer habitat.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased between 2015 and 2019.
| Funder | Fund |
|---|---|
| Private Grantor | Private Donation |
| WA Recreation and Conservation Office | Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program |
Management planning
2019 Mount Saint Helens Wildlife Area Management Plan
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife completed the new management plan for the Mount St. Helens Wildlife Area, which is comprised of 18 units in Skamania, Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum counties, and totals 10,002 acres. The Mount St. Helens Wildlife Area is largely managed for elk in the North Fork Toutle River Valley, but the area units are diverse, and provide habitat for multitudes of species, over a broad range of habitats including old growth forest, forested floodplains, riparian areas, ancient lava flows, mineral springs, tidal mudflats, and wetlands. The new management addresses the status of wildlife species and their habitat, ongoing restoration efforts and public recreation opportunities at the wildlife area.
Planning Advisory Committee
Mount Saint Helens Wildlife Area Advisory Committee