The Skokomish Unit consists of floodplain and estuary habitat on the Skokomish River. The north property at the Skokomish River delta is accessible ONLY by boat and provides waterfowl hunting access. The WDFW George Adams Fish Hatchery is located on the south property.
The Skokomish Unit is located on the Skokomish River north of Shelton in Mason County.
The Skokomish Unit is within the Skokomish River watershed. Surrounding lands include estuary restored by Tacoma City Light and the Skokomish Tribe, and diked farmland.
This unit is part of the South Puget Sound Wildlife Area.
Game Management Units: 636, 633
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:
- North property (Skokomish River delta) has no developed parking area or restrooms
- South property (includes George Adams Fish Hatchery) has gravel parking area
Hunting
The north portion of the property at the Skokomish River delta provides waterfowl hunting access.
Wildlife viewing
Accessible ONLY by boat, the Skokomish River delta (north property) offers opportunities to view a variety of bird species, including waterfowl and marine birds.
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 includes estuary islands at the mouth of the Skokomish River.
Special habitats and species
This unit provides habitat for many common species found throughout western Washington such as deer, elk, fox, bobcat, coyote, hare, raccoon, river otter, beaver, muskrat, small rodents, shrews, hawks, owls, ducks, geese, swallows, red-winged blackbird, killdeer, woodpeckers and a variety of song birds.
Conservation goals
- Maintain healthy populations of game and non-game species
- Protect and enhance Endangered Species Act listed fish habitat
- Protect and restore native plant communities
- Preserve habitat and species diversity for both fish and wildlife resources
This unit provides habitat for many common species found throughout western Washington such as deer, elk, fox, bobcat, coyote, hare, raccoon, river otter, beaver, muskrat, small rodents, shrews, hawks, owls, ducks, geese, swallows, red-winged blackbird, killdeer, woodpeckers and a variety of song birds.
- Maintain healthy populations of game and non-game species
- Protect and enhance Endangered Species Act listed fish habitat
- Protect and restore native plant communities
- Preserve habitat and species diversity for both fish and wildlife resources
Land stewardship
The Skokomish Unit was acquired for public shooting grounds and boat-in access for waterfowl hunting.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased between 1947 and 1968.
| Funder | Fund |
|---|---|
| State of Washington | Transfer of land |
| US National Park Service | Land and Water Conservation Fund |
| WA Recreation and Conservation Office | State Bond Account |
Management planning
South Puget Sound Wildlife Area Management Plan (January 2022)
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.
Planning Advisory Committee
South Puget Sound Wildlife Area Advisory Committee