Wildlife Programs

Bald eagles, osprey, great blue heron, and elk are among the species in the Cowlitz Wildlife Area. One of the largest designated wildlife areas in Western Washington, it encompasses more than 14,000 acres of land in the Cowlitz River Project area. The Cowlitz Wildlife Area is owned and funded by Tacoma Power and managed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Whether putting up nesting boxes for birds or controlling undesirable vegetation, Tacoma Power and the state put a great amount of effort into assisting a healthy wildlife habitat. Some of the sensitive animal species protected in this area are bald eagle, great blue heron, pileated woodpecker and osprey. Sensitive plant species such as fringed pinesap and small-flowered trillium are protected here as well.
Two Elk

The Cowlitz Wildlife Area Management Plan was completed by the Department of Fish and Wildlife in December of 1997 and is being periodically updated. It sets priorities and guidelines for protection and use of the wildlife habitat.

The plan directs protection and enhancement of lands for a variety of species. It also allows recreational use by the public for low-impact activities such as hiking and hunting. Please note that off-road vehicles (ORV's) are prohibited from all Cowlitz Wildlife Area lands. Removal of plants, animals, rocks, minerals and cultural artifacts is prohibited in order to protect wildlife habitats and provide for an enjoyable experience for all users. Fishing and hunting is permitted during legal seasons, please refer to the WDFW Big Game Hunting Seasons and Rules, Sport Fishing Rules, or Migratory Waterfowl and Upland Game Season pamphlets for specific information.

Whether fishing, hunting, watching wildlife or just taking a nature walk, please enjoy the wildlife area and help us protect our natural resources.

The wildlife area is divided into the following units and buffer zones that require different types of management:

Cowlitz Trout Hatchery Unit:

280 acres adjacent to the Cowlitz Trout Hatchery.
Management activities: providing nesting structures, cultivating big game habitat, planting visual screens and weed control.
A large portion of the wetland area known as Oxbow Lake is included here and is used heavily by wetland wildlife.

Swofford Unit:

520 acres that include Swofford Pond and the surrounding upland areas.
Swofford Pond was created as a steelhead rearing pond and used until 1983. It has since been developed into wildlife habitat with an established warm-water fish program.
Management activities: providing nesting structures and cultivating big game habitat, snag creation, weed control and tree plantings.

Mossyrock Unit:

640 acres of wetland, upland and forested habitat between Mossyrock Park and Mossyrock Dam.
Management activities: wetland enhancement and creation, farming, tree planting, putting up nest boxes and big game forage production.

Kosmos Unit:

520 acres at the east end of Riffe Lake near Glenoma.
Management activities: creating big game habitat, tree planting, timber thinning, creating ponds, putting up nest boxes and maintaining an upland bird management program.
Managed for multiple wildlife values, including emergent wetlands, bald eagle nesting/foraging, dabbling duck, riparian forest, black-tailed deer forage and compatible recreation.

Peterman Ridge Unit:

6,855 acres north of Riffe Lake.
Purchased in 1992 with stipulations, it is a uniquely managed area.
Although Tacoma Power owns the land and bought 2,212 acres of the timber, the remaining timber was retained by the Hancock Timber Resource Group (since sold to Simpson Resource Co.). They are allowed one cutting by 2025.
Upon completion of the cutting, ownership reverts to Tacoma Power, which is then responsible for the replanting and management as wildlife habitat.
Management activity includes monitoring and patrol, forest type management and an access program for hunters with disabilities.

The Kiona Creek Unit:

415 acres off of Savio Road west of Randle
Managed for black-tailed deer forage, dabbling duck and forested wetland values

The Spears Unit:

418 acres south of Randle
Managed for black-tailed deer, dabbling duck, emergent wetland, and both forested and riparian wetland. The area also provides wintering habitat for area elk.

Davis Lake Unit:

243 acres at Davis Lake near Morton
Waterfowl and grassland bird management.

Buffer Zones:

Some of the acreage designated as wildlife land exists in the form of a narrow band of habitat surrounding both Riffe and Mayfield reservoirs.
Most of these buffer zone lands are steep and forested. They provide important edge habitat for many species.
Management of these lands has focused on protecting them in their current state.

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Parks, Power, Fish & Wildlife