This unit has limited access due to no available parking.
The South Grays Harbor Unit, located along the south shore of Grays Harbor, is popular with waterfowl hunters and birders. This unit is managed for critical shoreline and estuary preservation.
The South Grays Harbor Unit is located southwest of Aberdeen in Grays Harbor County. The unit can be accessed off of Highway 105 between Aberdeen and Westport.
The South Grays Harbor Unit is in the Grays Harbor watershed. Surrounding lands include private residential, county land, and private tree farms.
This unit is part of the Johns River Wildlife Area.
Game Management Unit: 658
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 established parking
- No restroom
Recreation and access advisories
- Overnight parking and camping are prohibited
Hunting
This unit is popular for waterfowl hunting.
Wildlife viewing
This unit includes Grays Harbor estuary shoreline, offering opportunities to view a variety of wildlife, including waterfowl and other birds.
This unit is a popular area for birdwatching.
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
Conservation goals
- Improve and expand winter forage for elk
- Manage for waterfowl and species diversity
- Protect and restore estuary habitat
- Restore fish populations
Land stewardship
The South Grays Harbor Unit was acquired for critical shoreline protection and estuary preservation.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased between 1971 and 2023.
| Funder | Fund |
|---|---|
| Private Grantor | Private Donation |
| US Fish and Wildlife Service | North American Wetlands Conservation Program |
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.