This unit has limited access due to no available parking.
Hiking trail in Kiona Creek Unit.
The Kiona Creek Unit is managed for black-tailed deer, dabbling ducks, and other riparian forest and forested wetland habitat species. Salmon spawn in Kiona Creek and it is a pleasant walk through a mixed decidious/conifer forest to the forage fields where elk and deer can be observed.
The Kiona Creek Unit is located west of Randle in Lewis County. The unit can be accessed from Savio Road.
The Kiona Creek 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: 503
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.
Recreation and access advisories
- This is a popular unit during hunting seasons, so observe safe practices when visiting.
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 habitats, creeks, forest wetland habitats, and managed forage fields, offering opportunities to view a variety of wildlife, including black-tailed deer, elk, and dabbling ducks.
Kiona Creek offers opportunties to view spawning salmon.
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
A mixed/deciduous forest provides a pleasant area to walk to the forage fields.
Conservation
This unit includes mixed deciduous/conifer forest, riparian forest, and forested wetland habitat.
Special habitats and species
Salmon spawn in Kiona Creek and deer and elk use the forage fields.
Conservation goals
- Maintain healthy populations of game and non-game species
- Protect and restore native plant communities
- Restore and enhance wetlands to improve diversity and wintering waterfowl habitats
- Manage for healthy riparian corridors
- Preserve habitat and species diversity for fish and wildlife
Salmon spawn in Kiona Creek and deer and elk use the forage fields.
- Maintain healthy populations of game and non-game species
- Protect and restore native plant communities
- Restore and enhance wetlands to improve diversity and wintering waterfowl habitats
- Manage for healthy riparian corridors
- 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 1996.
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.