The Nemah River-Estuary Unit in Pacific County, offers visitors opportunities to see unique estuary flora and fauna. A short trail through mature conifer forest leads to the estuary.
The Nemah River-Estuary Unit is located 15.5 miles southwest of South Bend in Pacific County. The unit can be accessed from Highway 101.
The Nemah River Estuary Unit is within the Willapa Bay watershed. Adjacent lands include private oyster beds, undeveloped upland and timber, estuary wetland, tide land, mudflat, and salt marsh.
This unit is part of the Johns River Wildlife Area.
Game Management Unit: 673
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:
- Unimproved parking area
- No restroom
Recreation and access advisories
- Overnight parking and camping is prohibited
Wildlife viewing
This unit includes tidelands, estuary wetlands, and salt marsh habitat, offering opportunities to view a variety of wildlife, including black-tailed deer, Roosevelt elk, birds of prey, and 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.
Other recreational opportunities
This unit has a short trail through mature conifer forest that leads to the estuary.
Conservation
This unit has mature conifer forest plus important tidelands, estuary wetlands and salt marsh habitat that benefit salmon, migratory waterfowl, and birds of prey.
Special habitats and species
Roosevelt elk, black-tailed deer, and many other birds are common on this site.
Conservation goals
- Manage for waterfowl and species diversity
- Protect and restore estuary and freshwater wetlands
Roosevelt elk, black-tailed deer, and many other birds are common on this site.
- Manage for waterfowl and species diversity
- Protect and restore estuary and freshwater wetlands
Land stewardship
The Nemah River Estuary Unit was acquired for protection of tidelands, estuary, wetlands and saltmarsh, for salmon, migratory waterfowl, and birds of prey.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased between 1999 and 2009.
| Funder | Fund |
|---|---|
| Private Grantor | Private Donation |
| Private Grantor | Transfer of land |
| US Fish and Wildlife Service | National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant |
| WA Dept of Fish and Wildlife | State Migratory Waterfowl Fund |
| WA Recreation and Conservation Office | Salmon Recovery Fund |
| WA Recreation and Conservation Office | Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program |
Management planning
2006 Olympic-Willapa Hills 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.