Countless creatures from mighty elk to tiny Western toads are a testament to Tacoma Power’s wildlife commitment on the Cowlitz River Hydroelectric Project. The foundation of the program is the Cowlitz Wildlife Area. It is one of the largest designated wildlife areas in Western Washington, encompassing more than 14,000 acres of forests, wetlands, lowland valleys and riparian habitats.

Located in Lewis County
The Cowlitz Wildlife Area is located in eastern Lewis County, Washington. The majority of the wildlife area surrounds Mayfield and Riffe lakes, including the 7,000-acre Peterman Ridge unit north of Riffe Lake, and other lands in seven smaller units along the river valley. View a map of the area.

Wildlife management program
The Cowlitz Wildlife Area is owned and funded by Tacoma Power and managed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). The FERC license, the management plan, and state and federal oversight guide the wildlife program. Protection and management of habitat for native species is the focus of the program.

Please visit
To really discover the wildlife area, step outside to hear the call of an osprey and smell the scent of cottonwood leaves in the spring. The wildlife area is open to the public for low-impact uses including nature watching, photography, hiking, boating, swimming, fishing, hunting and biking and horseback riding (only on established trails).

Part of the area is included in the Great Washington Birding Trail. Beautiful vistas of the wildlife area can be seen from paved roads such as the Champion Haul Road along the east side of Riffe Lake or Young Road and Green Mountain Road near Mossyrock.

Protect habitat by following the rules
Please enjoy the wildlife area and help us protect our natural resources. Rules are posted on signs at main entrance points and other state wildlife area rules apply. You may not remove petrified wood, minerals, fossils, wood products or artifacts from the lands. Digging is not allowed. Campfires are prohibited during burn bans and fireworks are never allowed. Visitors should be aware the water levels in the lakes and rivers can rise and fall quickly.

For a map and more information, visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's Cowlitz Wildlife Area page.