This unit has limited access due to no available parking.
The Nelson Unit lies within the Columbia River floodplain and is accessible ONLY by boat. The management focus of this site is for waterfowl production and hunting opportunities.
The Nelson Unit is located south of Kelso, at the downstream tip of Port of Kalama property, in Cowlitz County. This unit is accessible only by boat.
This unit is located in Lower Columbia-Clatskanie River watershed.
This unit is part of the Mount Saint Helens Wildlife Area.
Game Management Unit: 564
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:
- No developed parking area.
- No restroom.
Recreation and access advisories
- This unit is accessible ONLY by boat.
- Camping is prohibited.
- Fires and fireworks are prohibited.
Hunting
This unit may provide hunting opportunities for black-tailed deer, waterfowl, and small game.
Hunting advisories
- Columbian white-tailed deer are present in the area and are illegal to hunt.
Wildlife viewing
This unit offers opportunities to view waterfowl.
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 lies within the Columbia River floodplain and is managed to benefit waterfowl.
Conservation goals
- Maintain and restore riparian and instream habitat for steelhead and chinook and coho salmon
Land stewardship
The Nelson Unit, lying in the Columbia River floodplain, was acquired for waterfowl production and hunting.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased between 1960 and 1982.
| Funder | Fund |
|---|---|
| Power, dike & irrigation districts | Mitigation Funds |
| WA Dept of Fish and Wildlife | WDFW Game Fund (now Wildlife Fund) |
| WA Recreation and Conservation Office | Boating Facilities 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