The Scatter Creek Unit contains the unique south Puget Sound prairie ecosystem, which supports a variety of imperiled plant and animal species. Riparian and forest habitats are found here, including an Oregon white oak community that is uncommon on the west side of the Cascade Mountains.
The Scatter Creek Unit is located 15 miles south of Olympia in Thurston County. The unit can be accessed from Case Road and Guava Street SW near Rochester.
This unit is part of the Scatter Creek Wildlife Area.
Game Management Unit: 666
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 areas
- Restroom
- Trails
Recreation and access advisories
- Dogs must be on leash from April 1 through July 31.
- No motorized vehicles.
- Open fires are prohibited.
- Overnight parking and camping are prohibited.
- Plant and insect collecting or catch and release are not allowed without a permit.
- Please do not block gates.
- Horseback riding on the wildlife area is restricted to the designated trailhead and trail located at the 16810 Case Road parking area. The trail leads to a network of additional trails on private timberlands, including the first encountered private tract that is owned by Port Blakely (Public Access Policy). Visitors are responsible for knowing public access rules that are in place for private land.
- This unit has a Shotgun Only firearm restriction in place.
- Bird dog training may be conducted year-round only on the North Tract of the Scatter Creek Wildlife Area Unit. NOTE: Captive raised game birds may be released and killed during dog training if the hunter has proof of lawful acquisition (invoices) and the birds are appropriately marked (WAC 220-450-110 and 220-416-110).
- Dog field trials are by permit only: WDFW Field Trial Permit Application and Information and Field Trial Rules (PDF) apply. See Field Trial/Dog Event Calendar (PDF) for more information.
Hunting
WDFW releases pheasants on this unit.
Hunting advisories
- On all WDFW designated pheasant release sites, it is unlawful to possess shot (either in shotshells or as loose shot for muzzleloading), other than nontoxic shot, when hunting for upland game birds (pheasant, quail, chukar, and gray partridge), mourning dove, and band-tailed pigeon (WAC 220-414-040).
- SAFETY ZONES have been established on this unit. South tract - posted SAFETY ZONE surrounding the historic site and parking area with an additional SAFETY ZONE along the wildlife area unit perimeter adjoining roads and neighboring property. North tract - posted SAFETY ZONE surrounding the parking area and SAFETY ZONE along the wildlife area unit perimeter adjoining roads and neighboring property. No firearms may be discharged within these zones.
- This unit has a Shotgun Only firearm restriction in place.
Wildlife viewing
This unit includes Oregon white oak woodland, prairie, conifer forest, a pond, riparian, and wetland habitats, offering opportunities to view a variety of wildlife, including imperiled species.
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
The unit offers multiple trails for hiking, and the North Tract offers a designated riding route for horseback riding as well as bird dog training opportunities. The unit also offers dog field trials. In spring, native prairie wildflowers can be viewed.
The unit's South Tract includes the site of the historic Miller-Brewer homestead, which may be viewed from the parking lot at 17915 Guava Street SW in Rochester. Unfortunately, a fire destroyed the house in August 2017.
Conservation
The Scatter Creek Unit is in the Upper Chehalis River watershed. The unit is surrounded predominantly by private land.
Special habitats and species
Oak-woodland prairie habitat on this unit includes Idaho fescue/balsamroot short grass and associated wildflowers. This unit provides home to streaked horn lark, Mazama pocket gopher, vesper sparrow, western blue bird, and many species of butterfly, including the state endangered Mardon skipper butterfly.
Conservation goals
- Maintain healthy populations of game and non-game species
- Manage upland game birds
- Protect and restore native plant communities
- Preserve habitat and species diversity for fish and wildlife resources
Oak-woodland prairie habitat on this unit includes Idaho fescue/balsamroot short grass and associated wildflowers. This unit provides home to streaked horn lark, Mazama pocket gopher, vesper sparrow, western blue bird, and many species of butterfly, including the state endangered Mardon skipper butterfly.
- Maintain healthy populations of game and non-game species
- Manage upland game birds
- Protect and restore native plant communities
- Preserve habitat and species diversity for fish and wildlife resources
Land stewardship
The Scatter Creek Unit was purchased for prairie conservation and restoration and multiple-use outdoor recreation, including dog training, field trials, and upland bird hunting.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased between 1964 and 2001.
| Funder | Fund |
|---|---|
| State of Washington | Transfer of land |
| US National Park Service | Land and Water Conservation Fund |
| WA Dept of Fish and Wildlife | WDFW Game Fund (now Wildlife Fund) |
| WA Recreation and Conservation Office | Aquatic Species Restoration Plan |
| WA Recreation and Conservation Office | State Bond Account |
| WA Recreation and Conservation Office | Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program |
Management planning
2020 Scatter Creek Wildlife Area Management Plan
In 2020, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) updated the management plan for the Scatter Creek Wildlife Area. The management plan addresses the status of wildlife species in the area and their habitat, the progress of restoration efforts, and public recreation opportunities. Every eight to 10 years, 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.
Planning Advisory Committee
Scatter Creek Wildlife Area Advisory Committee