The Stillwater Unit consists of a mix of active farm fields, forest and wetland habitats. Seasonal flooding is common and can inundate the entire unit. Waterfowl and pheasant hunting, wildlife viewing, and hiking are very popular activities. King County Parks and Recreation Department owns and manages the Snoqualmie Valley Trail which skirts the unit's eastern boundary.
The Stillwater Unit is located 3 miles north of Carnation.
The Stillwater Unit lies within the Snohomish Watershed and is located on the Snoqualmie River. The Stillwater unit has three oxbow lakes with two connected to Harris Creek. Local land use is agriculture.
This unit is part of the Snoqualmie Wildlife Area.
Game Management Units: 460, 454
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:
- Two parking areas
- No restroom
Recreation and access advisories
- Closed during hours of darkness.
- Seasonal flooding is common and can inundate the entire unit. Visitors should exercise caution.
Hunting
This is a popular pheasant hunting site with some waterfowl hunting opportunities in the fall and winter. Other opportunities include archery hunting for deer and elk.
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 has three oxbox lakes, a mix of active farm fields, forest, wetland, grassland meadow, and river shoreline, offering opportunities to view many wildlife species.
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 offers hiking opportunities, including along the Snoqualmie River.
The Snoqualmie Valley Trail (owned/managed by King County Parks and Recreation Department) skirts the unit's eastern boundary, offering nonmotorized recreation opportunities.
Conservation
This unit contains a mix of active farm fields, forest habitats, wetland and stream drainages with hedgerows and fallow grassland meadows. Seasonal flooding is common and can inundate the entire unit. Stillwater has three small oxbow lakes – two that are connected to Harris Creek during high flow events and one that is a separate drainage. Harris Creek runs through the center of the property before emptying into the Snoqualmie River. This unit also has 8,500 feet of Snoqualmie River shoreline.
Special habitats and species
The unit is located in critical salmon priority habitats, particularly for chinook salmon and steelhead. Among a variety of wildlife species, this unit hosts bats, bear, cougar, deer, elk, Neotropical migrant birds, and resident passerine birds.
Conservation goals
- Identify restoration and monitoring needs and address the feasibility of implementing restoration
- Identify and implement wetland enhancements
The unit is located in critical salmon priority habitats, particularly for chinook salmon and steelhead. Among a variety of wildlife species, this unit hosts bats, bear, cougar, deer, elk, Neotropical migrant birds, and resident passerine birds.
- Identify restoration and monitoring needs and address the feasibility of implementing restoration
- Identify and implement wetland enhancements
Land stewardship
The Stillwater Unit was purchased for hunting, wildlife conservation, and wildlife-related recreation.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased between 1970 and 1974.
| Funder | Fund |
|---|---|
| Private Grantor | Private Donation |
| US National Park Service | Land and Water Conservation Fund |
| WA Recreation and Conservation Office | State Bond Account |
Management planning
2018 Snoqualmie Wildlife Area Management Plan
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is developing a new management plan for the Snoqualmie Wildlife Area in northwestern Washington. The plan will provide management direction for nearly 2,774 acres in King and Snohomish counties. The Snoqualmie Wildlife Area consists of six units that are situated within the Snohomish watershed, including the Skykomish and Snohomish rivers, which join to form the Snohomish River. Habitats include estuaries, various types of wetlands, forested uplands, and agricultural lands. The various units contain a wide range of wildlife including waterfowl, eagles and chinook salmon. WDFW acquired the wildlife area properties between 1964 and 2008, using federal and state funding. The department primarily manages the wildlife area to preserve and enhance wildlife and their habitats, and to provide opportunities for hunting, and wildlife-related recreational opportunities. The new management plan will address the status of wildlife species and their habitat, ongoing restoration efforts and public recreation opportunities at the Snoqualmie wildlife area.
Planning Advisory Committee
Snoqualmie Wildlife Area Advisory Committee