This unit has limited access as it is only accessible by boat.
The Eagle Island Unit is located on the North Fork Lewis River, east of the town of Woodland. The area is largely a forested floodplain comprised of mature conifer and deciduous trees and dense vegetation, but a large meadow is on the downstream end of the island. The management objective for the unit is to provide riparian and side-channel habitat for salmonids, as well as habitat for black-tailed deer, waterfowl, and songbirds.
The Eagle Island Unit is located on the North Fork Lewis River, east of Woodland, in Cowlitz County.
This unit is part of the Mount Saint Helens Wildlife Area.
Game Management Unit: 564
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:
- Large parking area and restrooms at the Island Boat Ramp
Recreation and access advisories
- This unit is only accessible by boat. The Island Boat Ramp is located approximately 5 miles east of Woodland along Lewis River Road/State Highway 503.
- Boaters should be aware of several log jams along the shoreline of the island; navigation around these structures is still possible and should not pose a hazard while traveling on the river.
- Launching a boat during low flow periods is not advised due to the shallow depth of the river adjacent to the launch area.
- Overnight parking and camping are prohibited.
- Fires and fireworks are prohibited
- Vegetation is dense on the island and is difficult to travel through.
Hunting
This unit may provide hunting opportunities for black-tailed deer, waterfowl, and small game.
Hunting advisories
- This unit is in a restricted firearm use zone, in which only shotguns, muzzle loaders, and bow and arrow equipment can be used. The use of rifles and pistols here is prohibited under county rules.
Fishing
This unit provides fishing opportunities for salmon and steelhead.
Wildlife viewing
This unit includes mature conifer and deciduous trees, a large meadow, riparian, and side-channel habitat, offering opportunities to view a variety of wildlife, including black-tailed deer, waterfowl, and songbirds.
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
The area is largely a forested floodplain comprised of mature conifer and deciduous trees and dense vegetation, but a large meadow is on the downstream end of the island.
Special habitats and species
Riparian and side-channels provide habitat for black-tailed deer, waterfowl, songbirds, and salmonids.
Conservation goals
- Maintain and enhance foraging habitat for band-tailed pigeons
- Maintain and restore riparian and instream habitat for steelhead and chinook and coho salmon
Riparian and side-channels provide habitat for black-tailed deer, waterfowl, songbirds, and salmonids.
- Maintain and enhance foraging habitat for band-tailed pigeons
- Maintain and restore riparian and instream habitat for steelhead and chinook and coho salmon
Land stewardship
The Eagle Island Unit was acquired from Clark County for the primary purpose of maintaining and enhancing habitat for juvenile chinook salmon. WDFW has parterned with the Cowlitz Tribe and the Regional Fisheries Enhancement Group to enhance habitat through riparian forest restoration and in-stream habitat improvements.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased in 2011.
| Funder | Fund |
|---|---|
| County | Transfer of land |
| WA Recreation and Conservation Office | Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account |
| WA Recreation and Conservation Office | Salmon Recovery Fund |
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