This forested area along 2.6 miles of the Elochoman River protects riparian habitat and is a popular destination for elk and deer hunters. You can walk into the site along a 2 mile unmaintained, unpaved road.
Recreational Activities: Hunting, hiking, fishing
Access:
⇒ Hunting: deer and elk are huntable here. A Columbia Land Trust hunting access permit is required. Please fill out an access permit request form at least two weeks in advance.
⇒ Hiking, fishing, and other activities: open to walk-in access, no permission needed
⇒ Day use only
Dogs: Allowed
Amenities: None
Trails: There are no trails, but there is an old logging road that goes through most of the Upper Elochoman site (about 2 miles). This road is unmaintained.
Acreage: 151 acres
County: Wahkiakum
Nearest Town: Cathlamet, WA
Directions: Park at 46.285895, -123.265794. About 2-4 cars can park here. Please be aware of logging trucks using the road and do not block roadways or gates.
Tips for visiting: This remote area along the Elochoman River is popular with deer and elk hunters. A permit from Columbia Land Trust is required for hunting access. Please follow all state and federal hunting regulations, as well as Columbia Land Trust’s hunting rules. Hikers and people fishing should avoid the area during hunting season. Cell service is unreliable in this area. Please be aware of logging trucks using the roads and do not block roadways or gates.
Year Conserved: 2012
About: Located in the tidal floodplain of the Columbia River Estuary, the 15-mile-long Elochoman River is known for its runs of steelhead. This area was once defined by Sitka spruce swamps, complex forests, and tidal wetlands—a dynamic, water-rich place filled with wildlife. Columbia Land Trust has been restoring wetlands and forested areas in the lower and upper parts of the Elochoman River, bringing back the native habitat and its wildlife.
Columbia Land Trust’s 151-acre Upper Elochoman site contains 2.6 miles of Elochoman River frontage, 6 tributaries, and 10 acres of wetlands. The conifer-forested riparian habitat is relatively natural with restoration potential, offering significant watershed benefits to the Elochoman watershed. Portions of the property were historically logged, but not for at least 30 years. A timber hauling railroad ran through the property, but has been decommissioned for many years, though the old grade remains.
Restoration started with ecological thinning on part of the site, and in 2017 logs were then used for large woody debris placement within the upper Elochoman River. Later, native plants were added to some of the previously disturbed places. We are left with a beautiful forest with gorgeous river views.
Project Partners: N/A