Chehalis Wildlife Area: hunting, units and access
The Chehalis Wildlife Area is 1,234 acres of land managed by WDFW in Region 6, in 4 units, inside GMU 660, measured from WDFW's boundary. The busiest elk unit it touches is GMU 660, where WDFW reports 63 elk taken in 2025.
Data updated October 2026. Area facts: WDFW's page for the Chehalis Wildlife Area, read 2026-10-18, and WDFW's facility data. Harvest: WDFW reports to 2025.
DNR state trust landWDFW landOther public (parks, county, city, other agencies)Chehalis Wildlife AreaGMU lineLake or riverHighway
| Size | 1,234 acres (WDFW boundary, measured by FilledTag) |
|---|---|
| WDFW region | Region 6, Coastal Washington |
| GMUs | GMU 660 |
| Units | 4 |
| Roads and trails | 3 miles |
| Parking areas | 9 |
| Boat ramps | 2 |
| Nearest towns | Elma (next to it), Montesano (3 mi) and Oakville (6 mi) |
What is the Chehalis Wildlife Area like?
The Chehalis Wildlife Area is located in Grays Harbor County in the Chehalis River Valley, and covers approximately 1,230 acres. Its estuary and wetland habitats support a diversity of wildlife, from big and small game species to songbirds, as well as native and federally endangered fish populations.
In WDFW's words, from WDFW's Chehalis Wildlife Area page.
What units make up the Chehalis Wildlife Area?
WDFW manages the area as 4 units. The largest is Chehalis at 858 acres.
| Unit | Acres | GMUs | Parking areas | Campgrounds | Hunting blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chehalis | 858 | 660 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Ferbrache | 237 | 660 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Hoxit | 133 | 660 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Satsop | 7 | 660 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Unit outlines and facilities: WDFW wildlife area and unit boundaries. Acres measured by FilledTag.
WDFW's notes for each unit
Chehalis: It is unlawful to possess shot (either in shotshells or as loose shot for muzzleloading) other than nontoxic shot when hunting for waterfowl, coot, or snipe (WAC 220-414-040). WDFW
Ferbrache: Hunters must retrieve all spent shells. WDFW
Hoxit: It is unlawful to possess shot (either in shotshells or as loose shot for muzzleloading) other than nontoxic shot when hunting for waterfowl, coot, or snipe (WAC 220-414-040). WDFW
Satsop: It is unlawful to possess shot (either in shotshells or as loose shot for muzzleloading) other than nontoxic shot when hunting for waterfowl, coot, or snipe (WAC 220-414-040). WDFW
How many elk and deer are taken in the GMUs around the Chehalis Wildlife Area?
WDFW reports harvest by GMU, not by wildlife area. These are the whole GMUs the area lies in:
| GMU | Wildlife area acres in it | Elk taken, 2025 | Deer taken, 2025 | Bears taken, 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GMU 660 Minot Peak | 1,234 | 63 | 289 | 29 |
Harvest: WDFW Game Harvest Reports (GMU, 2025). Wildlife area acres in each GMU measured by FilledTag from WDFW's boundaries.
How do you get to the Chehalis Wildlife Area?
Highways within 5 miles: US 12, SR 107 and SR 8. Nearest towns: Elma (next to it), Montesano (3 miles), Oakville (6 miles) and Cosmopolis (7 miles).
Questions hunters ask
Do you need a pass to park at the Chehalis Wildlife Area?
Yes. Parking on WDFW land needs the Vehicle Access Pass that comes with most annual hunting and fishing licenses, or a Discover Pass, displayed where it can be seen from outside the vehicle (WDFW pamphlet, page 72).
Which GMUs is the Chehalis Wildlife Area in?
All of it is in GMU 660 Minot Peak, by WDFW's boundaries. Seasons follow that GMU's rules.
Can you camp on the Chehalis Wildlife Area?
WDFW's facility data lists no developed campground on the Chehalis Wildlife Area. Camping on WDFW land follows WDFW's public conduct rules and any closures posted for the area; check WDFW's page before planning a camp.
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Where these facts come from
- Area description, rules and access notes: WDFW, Chehalis Wildlife Area.
- Boundary, units and facilities: WDFW wildlife area and unit boundaries. Surrounding public land: WA DNR Major Public Lands (non-DNR) and WA DNR Managed Land Parcels, read 2026-10.
- GMU harvest: WDFW Game Harvest Reports. Parking passes: WDFW 2026 Big Game Hunting Seasons and Regulations, page 72.
FilledTag is not part of Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Numbers are copied from WDFW and the State of Washington, or measured from their maps; nothing on this page is estimated by FilledTag. WDFW's regulations are the final word on every rule.