This unit has limited access due to no available parking.
For the adventurer, the Tarboo Unit offers access to mature forest, riparian habitat, and Tarboo Bay, and the avid birder should find excellent opportunities to watch birds on the bay on incoming tides. This unit includes both conifer and deciduous forests and supports protected species such as bald eagle, northern spotted owl and marbled murrelet. The unit was acquired to protect high quality stream and riparian habitat for salmon and wildlife, and to protect the Tarboo-Dabob Bay's water quality.
The Tarboo Unit is located 4.5 miles northeast of Quilcene at the top of Tarboo Bay.
The Tarboo Unit is in the Hood Canal watershed. Surrounding property includes conservation lands, county and Department of Natural Resources lands, and privately owned rural residential and timber lands.
This unit is part of the North Olympic Wildlife Area.
Game Management Unit: 624
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
- No restroom
Recreation and access advisories
- Overnight parking and camping are prohibited.
Wildlife viewing
This unit includes deciduous and mature conifer forests, riparian habitat, streams, Tarboo Bay shoreline, offering opportunities to view a variety of wildife.
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.
Wildlife viewing advisories
- If accessing Tarboo Bay, check local tide conditions.
Other recreational opportunities
This unit offers access to mature forest, riparian habitat, and Tarboo Bay.
Conservation
Habitat types on this unit include mature forest and riparian habitat; the unit bounds the north top ofTarboo bay.
Special habitats and species
Habitat on this unit benefits bald eagle, northern spotted owl, and marbled murrelet.
Conservation goals
- Protect water quality and important shellfish habitat
- Protect core stream and riparian habitat for salmon
- See WDFW's Forest Health Story Map for more information about forest health work happening on the unit.
Habitat on this unit benefits bald eagle, northern spotted owl, and marbled murrelet.
- Protect water quality and important shellfish habitat
- Protect core stream and riparian habitat for salmon
- See WDFW's Forest Health Story Map for more information about forest health work happening on the unit.
Land stewardship
The Tarboo Unit was acquired to protect high quality stream and riparian habitat for salmon and wildlife and to protect the Tarboo-Dabob Bay's water quality for shellfish and other aquatic wildlife.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased in 1998.
| Funder | Fund |
|---|---|
| US Fish and Wildlife Service | National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant |
| WA Recreation and Conservation Office | Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program |
Management planning
2010 North Olympic 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.