The Altoona Unit consists of three parcels located along the Grays and Deep rivers north of Grays Bay. The parcels contain Sitka spruce forest, tidelands, and mudflats, as well as forested wetlands. The tideland parcel on Deep River is accessible ONLY by boat.
The Altoona Unit is approximately 18 miles west of Skamokawa in Wahkiakum County. The unit and the Oneida Water Access Site, which is located on the west-most parcel, can be accessed from Oneida Road off of State Highway 4.
This unit is part of the Mount Saint Helens Wildlife Area.
Game Management Units: 681, 506
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:
- Parking area
- Restrooms
- Boat launch at Oneida Water Access Site
Recreation and access advisories
- Some areas of this unit flood on a daily basis. During low tides, the vast majority of the unit becomes mudflats. Users should check the tides and water levels before traveling to the area to ensure access to and from the unit.
Hunting
This unit may provide hunting opportunities for deer, waterfowl, elk, and small game.
Fishing
The Oneida Water Access Site offers a boat launch and dock.
Wildlife viewing
This unit includes Sitka spruce forest, forested wetlands, tidelands, and mudflats, offering opportunities to view a variety of wildlife.
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
Lowland spruce forest and wetland habitats are found on this unit. The tideland parcel floods on a daily basis, and during low tides the vast majority of the unit becomes mudflats.
Special habitats and species
This unit offers habitat for bald eagles.
Conservation goals
- Develop strategy for riparian/wetland restoration projects to benefit fish and wildlife species
This unit offers habitat for bald eagles.
- Develop strategy for riparian/wetland restoration projects to benefit fish and wildlife species
Land stewardship
The Altoona Unit was acquired originally to protect bald eagle habitat. Later acquisitions included intertidal marsh, important to both wintering waterfowl and juvenile salmon.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased between 1991 and 2012.
| Funder | Fund |
|---|---|
| US Fish and Wildlife Service | National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant |
| WA Recreation and Conservation Office | Boating Facilities Program |
| WA Recreation and Conservation Office | Salmon Recovery Fund |
| WA Recreation and Conservation Office | Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program |
Management planning
2019 Mount Saint Helens Wildlife Area Management Plan
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife completed the new management plan for the Mount St. Helens Wildlife Area, which is comprised of 18 units in Skamania, Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum counties, and totals 10,002 acres. The Mount St. Helens Wildlife Area is largely managed for elk in the North Fork Toutle River Valley, but the area units are diverse, and provide habitat for multitudes of species, over a broad range of habitats including old growth forest, forested floodplains, riparian areas, ancient lava flows, mineral springs, tidal mudflats, and wetlands. The new management addresses the status of wildlife species and their habitat, ongoing restoration efforts and public recreation opportunities at the wildlife area.
Planning Advisory Committee
Mount Saint Helens Wildlife Area Advisory Committee