This unit has limited access as it is only accessible by boat.
Riffe Lake
The Riffe Buffer Unit was established as mitigation for the Cowlitz River hydroelectric projects. This unit is accessible ONLY by boat. The unit is a buffer along the entire shoreline of Riffe Reservoir. The upland is mainly in private timber ownership and access to the buffer is primarily by water. Large wood within the reservoir precludes water sport activities but the reservoir is well known for its trout and landlocked coho fishery. This is a popular location for fall big game hunts.
The Riffe Buffer unit is located along the entire shoreline of Riffe Reservoir in Lewis County. The unit can be accessed from Tacoma Power's Taidnapam Park off the Champion Haul Road (East end of Riffe) and the Mossyrock Park off Ajlune Road (West end of Riffe) near Mossyrock.
This 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 Units: 520, 503, 516, 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:
- Parking, restrooms, and boat launch at Taidnapam Park
Recreation and access advisories
- Taidnapum Park is day use only unless you are a registered guest of the campground.
- If you are not a registered guest, a nominal fee is charged for parking at the Taidnapam fishing bridge during weekend and holiday periods.
- This unit is predominately bordered by private commercial timberlands.
Hunting
Hunters may find opportunities to harvest black bear, cougar, deer, waterfowl, elk, grouse and pheasants 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).
Fishing
Fishing for landlocked coho (silvers) is a favorite pastime of those visiting this area. There is also a bass fishing competition on this lake annually.
Wildlife viewing
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's buffers are predominately bordered by private commercial timberlands. The buffer zone provides diversity of forage and cover not found in the adjacent clearcuts making this area a vital habitat component for local wildlife.
Conservation goals
- Maintain healthy populations of game and non-game species
- Protect and restore native plant communities
- Restore, enhance and create habitat for diving, dabbling and cavity nesting ducks
- 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 in 1993.
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.