This unit has limited access due to no available parking.
Field view of Davis Lake unit.
The Davis Lake Unit is managed for black-tailed deer, waterfowl, salmonids and riparian forest habitat. In addition to several large fields that are mowed to maintain forage values, there is a large pond, wetlands and forested/shrub corridors. Visitors can often observe wintering waterfowl and elk on this unit.
The Davis Lake Unit is located east of Morton in Lewis County. The unit can be accessed from Davis Lake Road (Main Street) out of Morton.
The Davis Lake 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 Unit: 505
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
Hunting
Hunters may find opportunities to harvest black bear, cougar, deer, waterfowl, elk, and grouse on this unit.
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).
Wildlife viewing
This unit includes riparian forest habitat, a large pond, wetlands, forested/shrub corridors, and managed forage fields, offering opportunities to view a variety of wildlife, including black-tailed deer and, in winter, elk.
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 includes riparian forest habitats and several large fields that are mowed to maintain forage values, open water, and wetlands.
Conservation goals
- Maintain healthy populations of game and non-game species
- Manage for elk, black-tailed deer and wintering waterfowl
- Protect and restore native plant communities
- Restore and enhance wetlands to improve diversity and wintering waterfowl habitats
- 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 between 1995 and 2007.
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.