This unit has limited access as it is only accessible by boat.
The Palix Unit, in Pacific County, is popular for hunting waterfowl and elk. This unit is best accessed by boat from the Palix River water access area. The property is maintained to protect estuarine function and values and to preserve hunting and fishing opportunities.
The Palix Unit is located 5 miles southwest of South Bend in Pacific County. The unit is best accessed by boat from the Palix River water access area. The access site is located off of Highway 101 approximately 15 miles south of South Bend.
The Palix Unit is within the Willapa Bay watershed. Adjacent lands are predominantly tidelands.
This unit is part of the Johns River Wildlife Area.
Game Management Unit: 673
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.
Recreation and access advisories
- No facilities are provided on this unit.
- Overnight parking and camping are prohibited.
- This unit is often flooded at high tide. Please be aware of tidal conditions.
Hunting
This unit is popular for waterfowl and elk hunting.
Fishing
This unit is within a mile of the Palix River water access area containing a boat launch and parking lot.
Wildlife viewing
This unit includes tidal estuary, offering opportunities to view a variety of wildlife, including black-tailed deer, Roosevelt elk, small mammals, waterfowl and numerous other birds.
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 area is mostly within the tidal zone of the estuary.
Special habitats and species
Often flooded at high tide, this unit has a rich diversity of plant and animal life. Roosevelt elk, deer, and numerous birds and small mammals utilize this area.
Conservation goals
- Improve and expand winter forage for elk
- Manage for waterfowl and species diversity
- Protect and restore estuary habitat
- Restore fish populations
Often flooded at high tide, this unit has a rich diversity of plant and animal life. Roosevelt elk, deer, and numerous birds and small mammals utilize this area.
- Improve and expand winter forage for elk
- Manage for waterfowl and species diversity
- Protect and restore estuary habitat
- Restore fish populations
Land stewardship
The Palix Unit was acquired for estuary protection, waterfowl hunting and fishing access.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased between 1967 and 2013.
| Funder | Fund |
|---|---|
| Private Grantor | Transfer of land |
| US Fish and Wildlife Service | North American Wetlands Conservation Program |
| WA Dept of Fish and Wildlife | State Migratory Waterfowl Fund |
| WA Dept of Fish and Wildlife | WDFW Game Fund (now Wildlife Fund) |
| WA Recreation and Conservation Office | State Bond Account |
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.