Located just upstream from the mouth of the Grays River, Devil’s Elbow has some of the most intact tidal spruce swamp habitat in the area as well as an example of a successful wetland restoration project. Waterfowl hunting is available here on a first-come, first-served basis via a WDFW permit kiosk.
Recreational Activities: Hunting, Fishing, Birdwatching
Access:
⇒ Day use only
⇒ Waterfowl hunting: first-come, first-served each day of hunting season at the WDFW kiosk on site
⇒ Fishing and other walk-in activities: open access, no permission needed
Dogs: Allowed
Amenities: None
Trails: There is an unmaintained footpath on top of the setback levee, but sure footing is needed to walk along the whole levee. Otherwise, there are no trails.
Acreage: 155 acres
County: Wahkiakum County
Nearest Town: Naselle, WA
Directions: Park at 46.317318, -123.677881 off Raistakka Road. There is space for about four vehicles.
Tips for Visiting: Devil’s Elbow Marsh and Spruce Swamp is very tidally influenced and swampy. Check local tide charts before visiting and plan accordingly.
Year Conserved: Parcels were conserved in 2004 and 2006.
About: Devil’s Elbow Marsh and Spruce Swamp protects tidal wetlands just upstream from the mouth of the Grays River. The eastern part of the site is a healthy intertidal spruce swamp habitat. Because this area has not been heavily changed by past land use, it is a good example of a functional tidal wetland.
The western part of the site was cut off from the tides for almost a century by a dike along the Grays River. After constructing a setback levee along Raistakka Road, the dike was breached in two locations to reconnect about 80 acres of floodplain to the Grays River. This work improves habitat for salmon and other wildlife, stores floodwater, and improves water quality. Columbia Land Trust continues to monitor and care for the site so it can remain a productive wetland habitat in the future.
Project Partners: National Resources Conservation Service Wetland Reserve Program, Ducks Unlimited, The Nature Conservancy, Columbia River Estuary Study Taskforce (CREST), Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife