The Chinook Unit, near the mouth of the Columbia River, provides diverse recreational opportunities. Waterfowl, elk, and deer are hunted during established seasons; this unit is a pheasant release area. This site also offers an excellent opportunity for bird watching. The management focus of this property is estuary restoration. Fields are managed to provide elk winter forage and also to benefit waterfowl.
The Chinook Unit is located east of Ilwaco near the mouth of the Columbia River in Pacific County. The unit is accessible from Lingenfelter Road off of Highway 101, and Highway 101.
The Chinook Unit is within the Lower Columbia River estuary. Adjacent property includes private timberland.
This unit is part of the Johns River Wildlife Area.
Game Management Unit: 681
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:
- Unimproved parking
- No restroom
Recreation and access advisories
- Overnight parking and camping is prohibited.
Wildlife viewing
This unit includes freshwater wetland, riparian habitat, offering opportunities to view a variety of wildlife, including deer and elk, and diverse bird species. NOTE: the management focus for this unit is estuary restoration.
This unit offers excellent birdwatching opportunities.
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
A freshwater wetland, riparian habitat, and saltwater estuary restoration project is in progress at this site in support of managing for waterfowl and to restore fish passage.
Conservation goals
- Improve and expand winter forage for elk
- Manage for waterfowl and species diversity
- Protect and restore estuary habitat
- Restore fish populations.
Land stewardship
Much of the Chinook Unit was acquired by the Columbia Land Trust and then donated to WDFW for estuary restoration.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased between 2001 and 2019.
| Funder | Fund |
|---|---|
| Bonneville Power Administration | Mitigation Funds |
| Private Grantor | Private Donation |
| US Fish and Wildlife Service | North American Wetlands Conservation Program |
Management planning
2006 Olympic-Willapa Hills 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.