South Swofford Pond trail.
The Swofford Unit is managed for elk, waterfowl and black-tailed deer. Elk are prevalent on this unit and the lake provides for some of the largest waterfowl populations in the area.
The Swofford Unit is located southeast of Mossyrock and south of Mossyrock Campground and drains into Riffe Lake. This unit can be accessed from Green Mountain Road, off of Swofford Road out of Mossyrock.
This unit lies along the western flank of the Cascade Range within the Cowlitz River valley.
This unit is part of the Cowlitz Wildlife Area.
Game Management Units: 520, 505
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:
- Limited parking
- Portable restrooms
- Trail
- Boat ramp
Recreation and access advisories
- No camping. Stays are limited to 8 hours.
Hunting
Hunting is popular on this unit. Hunters may find opportunities to harvest black bear, cougar, deer, waterfowl, elk, and grouse.
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).
Fishing
This is a popular fishing site with abundant populations of warmwater species and trout.
A boat launch can be accessed on the east end of the lake.
Fishing advisories
- Internal combustion engines are prohibited.
Wildlife viewing
This unit includes ponds, riparian forest corridors, and managed forage fields, offering opportunities to view a variety of wildlife, including black-tailed deer, elk, and waterfowl.
Swofford Pond offers opportunities to see large waterfowl populations.
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 has several large fields, a pond and several riparian forest corridors. The fields are hayed as forage fields. The southern boundary of this unit borders industrial timberlands located on a steep slope. The steep slope allows for abundant ground water delivery to the unit.
Conservation goals
- Maintain healthy populations of game and non-game species
- Protect and restore native plant communities
- Restore, enhance and create habitat for diving, dabbling and cavity nesting ducks;
- Preserve habitat and species diversity for fish and wildlife
Land stewardship
This unit includes lands owned by Tacoma Power and is managed by WDFW as wildlife mitigation for Mayfield and Mossyrock dams.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased in 1993.
No specific funders assisted with purchasing these lands.
Management planning
2006 Cowlitz 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.