The Early Winters Unit, is a popular destination for hiking and cross-country skiing. Major habitats include riparian and mixed forest combined with agricultural lands. The Methow River runs along the east boundary.
The Early Winters Unit is located about 1 mile north of Mazama in Okanogan County. The unit can be accessed from Highway 20.
The Early Winters Unit lies within Methow River watershed.
This unit is part of the Methow Wildlife Area.
Game Management Unit: 218
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 at Arrowleaf Trailhead on Highway 20
- No restroom
Recreation and access advisories
- Winter access is via the Arrowleaf community ski trail system.
- Winter access only; respect surrounding private property.
Hunting
On this unit, hunters may find opportunities to harvest black bear, cougar, deer, waterfowl, Eurasian collared dove, forest grouse, gray (Hungarian) partridge, moose, mourning dove, quail, small game, and turkey.
Wildlife viewing
This unit includes riparian and mixed forest habitats, 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.
Other recreational opportunities
This unit is a popular destination for hiking and cross-country skiing.
The Arrowleaf community cross-country ski trail system, which exclusively enables winter access, is maintained by the Methow Trails.
Conservation
The Early Winters Unit is a mix of native forest and riparian habitats combined with agricultural lands.
Conservation goals
- Create, restore, and enhance a mosaic of habitat
- Maintain and restore native plant communities
- Manage for species diversity including game and nongame species
Land stewardship
This unit was acquired for mule deer winter range and the biodiversity of its large riparian areas on the Methow River.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased in 2003.
| Funder | Fund |
|---|---|
| US Fish and Wildlife Service | Endangered Species Act Section 6 Program |
| WA Recreation and Conservation Office | Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program |
Management planning
2006 Methow 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.