The Rustlers Gulch Unit provides a large contiguous area of healthy riparian and wetland habitats at low elevation, which is relatively unique in Eastern Washington and Pend Oreille County. The habitat supports many declining wildlife species populations such Townsend's big-eared bat, northern goshawk, western toad, Columbia spotted frog, and pygmy whitefish.
The Rustlers Gulch Unit is located about 30 miles north of Spokane and 18 miles southwest of Newport in Pend Oreille County. The unit can be accessed from Last Chance Road off of Fertile Valley Road from Highway 2, and from Horseshoe Lake Road off North Division Road.
The Rustlers Gulch Unit lies along the West Branch Little Spokane River, adjoining Horseshoe Lake on the north end and Fan Lake on the south end of the wildlife area.
This unit is part of the Sherman Creek Wildlife Area.
Game Management Units: 124, 117
Getting there
Maps and directions to WDFW-managed access points for this unit. Opens Google Maps in a new tab.
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 entry points
- No restroom
- Informational kiosks
- Trails
Recreation and access advisories
- This area is day use only for non-motorized recreation with an extensive old road system available for trail use.
- All visitors should be careful to avoid trespass on surrounding private property. Pre-existing fences along the property boundary may not signify true boundaries; watch for WDFW property boundary signs and study the area map.
- Disabled hunter vehicle access is allowed on some roads, but access requires annual registration with wildlife area management.
- No unauthorized motor vehicles are allowed on any of this property.
- Open fires and fireworks are prohibited.
- Overnight camping and parking are prohibited.
Hunting
White-tailed deer, moose, black bear, wild turkey and forest grouse contribute to the popularity of hunting on this unit.
An ADA accessible hunting/viewing platform is located near the old barn, situated overlooking the old fields north of Fan Lake.
Hunting advisories
- A SAFETY ZONE has been established on the south end of Horseshoe Lake. No weapons may be discharged within this zone.
- Disabled hunter vehicle access is allowed on the Last Chance and Prufer Barn roads only, but those hunters must register with wildlife area management annually.
Wildlife viewing
This unit includes streams, riparian areas, wetlands, lakes, beaver ponds, cottonwood stands, aspen groves, and conifer forests, offering the opportunity to view a variety of wildlife, including Townsend's big-eared bat, beaver, moose, bald eagle, northern goshawk, songbirds, Columbia spotted frog, and western toad.
Pygmy whitefish (state-listed sensitive species) are remnants from the last Ice Age and may be seen in cools lakes and streams on this unit.
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 offers opportunities for hiking, biking, and horseback riding on an extensive old road system available for trail use.
From the Holly Road access point (south end of unit), a road offers walk-in access to view an old barn (take a photo!) north of Fan Lake. From the Beaver Creek access point/parking area (west side of the unit), trails leave to the east and it is an easy walk down to the West Branch Little Spokane River.
Conservation
The unit has highly diverse habitats that include streams, riparian, wetlands, lakes, beaver ponds, cottonwood galleries, aspen groves, and conifer forests.
Special habitats and species
The highly diverse habitat includes streams, wetlands, riparian, beaver ponds, cottonwood, aspen and conifer forests.
Conservation goals
- Maintain big game populations
- Protect and restore riparian habitat
- Manage for species diversity
- Provide sustainable fish and wildlife related recreation
- See WDFW's Forest Health Story Map for more information about work happening on the unit.
The highly diverse habitat includes streams, wetlands, riparian, beaver ponds, cottonwood, aspen and conifer forests.
- Maintain big game populations
- Protect and restore riparian habitat
- Manage for species diversity
- Provide sustainable fish and wildlife related recreation
- See WDFW's Forest Health Story Map for more information about work happening on the unit.
Land stewardship
The Rustlers Gulch Unit was acquired for forest and wetland values.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased between 1958 and 2009.
| Funder | Fund |
|---|---|
| US Fish and Wildlife Service | North American Wetlands Conservation Program |
| WA Dept of Fish and Wildlife | WDFW Game Fund (now Wildlife Fund) |
| WA Recreation and Conservation Office | Boating Facilities Program |
| WA Recreation and Conservation Office | State Bond Account |
| WA Recreation and Conservation Office | Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program |
Management planning
2006 Sherman Creek 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.