This unit has limited access due to no available parking.
The Naselle River Unit includes the Chetlo Harbor property that is made up of estuarine and marine wetland and freshwater forested wetland on the Naselle River along Willapa Bay. This property is managed to protect declining estuarine and freshwater wetlands, and provide a forested buffer to that habitat in perpetuity for the conservation of wildlife habitat. This protects migratory shorebird and waterfowl habitat along the Pacific Flyway and a nearshore environment that provides juvenile rearing habitat for salmonids and other wildlife. This unit also includes additional property along the Naselle River acquired for the purpose of restoring and conserving coastal shoreline habitat and other natural heritage resources. Recreation opportunities on the unit include hunting and wildlife viewing.
This unit has properties located between 3½ to 6 miles northwest of Naselle in Pacific County.
Unit properties are along the Naselle River along Willapa Bay. The bay is the most ecologically intact large estuarine bay in the continental United States.
This unit is part of the Johns River Wildlife Area.
Game Management Units: 681, 673
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 restrooms
Recreation and access advisories
- Overnight parking and camping are prohibited
- The Chetlo Harbor property does not include Government Quarry Road. This road is privately owned, and the owners do not allow public entry.
Hunting
Game species likely to occur on the unit are black bear, cougar, deer, elk, small game, band-tailed pigeon, ducks, forest grouse, and geese (including brant).
Hunting advisories
- Lead shot restriction on this unit. Lead shot can kill wildlife that ingests it, and it only takes a few lead pellets to be toxic to wildlife.
- On the Parpala Road property, there is a SAFETY ZONE put in place to protect private property.
Fishing
Although there are no developed facilities for fishing and boating, the Naselle River Unit can offer fishing opportunities.
Wildlife viewing
A variety of wildlife viewing opportunities occur on this unit, including the potential to see black bear, cougar, deer, elk, band-tailed pigeon, ducks, forest grouse, brant, and geese.
In spring, migratory shorebirds along the Pacific Flyway use estuarine wetlands as stopover places to feed and rest on their way to Arctic and sub-Arctic breeding grounds.
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 Naselle River Unit is managed for the permanent conservation of its lands and water to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish and wildlife, and other natural heritage resources. Tideland restoration efforts are underway to enhance coastal shoreline habitat at the property off Parpala Road near Naselle.
Special habitats and species
Habitats on this unit include estuarine and marine wetland and freshwater forested wetland.
Conservation goals
- Manage for waterfowl and species diversity
- Protect and restore estuary and freshwater wetlands
- Restore fish populations
Habitats on this unit include estuarine and marine wetland and freshwater forested wetland.
- Manage for waterfowl and species diversity
- Protect and restore estuary and freshwater wetlands
- Restore fish populations
Land stewardship
The Chetlo Harbor property was purchased for the purpose of protecting declining estuarine and freshwater wetlands, and providing a forested buffer to that habitat in perpetuity for the conservation of wildlife habitat. The property off Parpala Road, was purchased for the purpose of restoring and conserving coastal shoreline habitat and other natural heritage resources.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased between 2012 and 2014.
| Funder | Fund |
|---|---|
| Private Grantor | Transfer of land |
| US Fish and Wildlife Service | National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant |
| WA Dept of Fish and Wildlife | State Migratory Waterfowl Fund |
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.