Cowlitz Wildlife Area: hunting, units and access
The Cowlitz Wildlife Area is 14,056 acres of land managed by WDFW in Region 5, in 10 units, inside GMUs 505, 503, 520 and 516, measured from WDFW's boundary. The busiest elk unit it touches is GMU 520, where WDFW reports 65 elk taken in 2025.
Data updated October 2026. Area facts: WDFW's page for the Cowlitz Wildlife Area, read 2026-10-18, and WDFW's facility data. Harvest: WDFW reports to 2025.
National forestBLMDNR state trust landWDFW landOther public (parks, county, city, other agencies)Cowlitz Wildlife AreaGMU lineLake or riverHighway
| Size | 14,056 acres (WDFW boundary, measured by FilledTag) |
|---|---|
| WDFW region | Region 5, Southwest Washington |
| GMUs | GMU 505, GMU 503, GMU 520, GMU 516 |
| Units | 10 |
| Roads and trails | 127 miles |
| Parking areas | 13 |
| Boat ramps | 1 |
| Nearest towns | Morton (next to it), Mossyrock (next to it) and Toledo (6 mi) |
What is the Cowlitz Wildlife Area like?
The Cowlitz Wildlife Area is located in Lewis County and is comprised of approximately 14,000 acres in eight units owned by Tacoma Power. This area is managed by WDFW as wildlife mitigation for the Mayfield and Mossyrock dams along the Cowlitz River. Main tributaries draining into the Cowlitz River on or near the wildlife area are the Cispus and Tilton rivers. Large-scale flooding occurs in the Randle Valley when rain on snow events couple with a high water table, which contributes greatly to the hydrology of the wetlands located on the wildlife area.
In WDFW's words, from WDFW's Cowlitz Wildlife Area page.
What units make up the Cowlitz Wildlife Area?
WDFW manages the area as 10 units. The largest is Peterman Ridge at 6,774 acres.
| Unit | Acres | GMUs | Parking areas | Campgrounds | Hunting blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peterman Ridge | 6,774 | 505, 510 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Riffe Buffer | 2,581 | 503, 505, 516, 520 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Mossyrock | 1,153 | 505 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Kosmos | 1,013 | 503, 505 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Mayfield Buffer | 684 | 505, 520 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Spears | 434 | 503 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Kiona Creek | 404 | 503 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Cowlitz River | 365 | 505 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Swofford | 342 | 505, 520 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Davis Lake | 307 | 505 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Unit outlines and facilities: WDFW wildlife area and unit boundaries. Acres measured by FilledTag.
WDFW's notes for each unit
Peterman Ridge: It is unlawful to possess shot (either in shotshells or as loose shot for muzzleloading) other than nontoxic shot for any purpose on this unit (WAC 220-414-040). WDFW
Riffe Buffer: It is unlawful to possess shot (either in shotshells or as loose shot for muzzleloading) other than nontoxic shot for any purpose on this unit (WAC 220-414-040). WDFW
Mossyrock: It is unlawful to possess shot (either in shotshells or as loose shot for muzzleloading) other than nontoxic shot for any purpose on this unit (WAC 220-414-040). WDFW
Kosmos: It is unlawful to possess shot (either in shotshells or as loose shot for muzzleloading) other than nontoxic shot for any purpose on this unit (WAC 220-414-040). WDFW
Mayfield Buffer: It is unlawful to possess shot (either in shotshells or as loose shot for muzzleloading) other than nontoxic shot for any purpose on this unit (WAC 220-414-040). WDFW
Spears: It is unlawful to possess shot (either in shotshells or as loose shot for muzzleloading) other than nontoxic shot for any purpose on this unit (WAC 220-414-040). WDFW
Kiona Creek: It is unlawful to possess shot (either in shotshells or as loose shot for muzzleloading) other than nontoxic shot for any purpose on this unit (WAC 220-414-040). WDFW
Cowlitz River: It is unlawful to possess shot (either in shotshells or as loose shot for muzzleloading) other than nontoxic shot for any purpose on this unit (WAC 220-414-040). WDFW
How many elk and deer are taken in the GMUs around the Cowlitz 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 505 Mossyrock | 11,145 | 34 | 394 | 5 |
| GMU 503 Randle | 1,628 | 20 | 88 | 5 |
| GMU 520 Winston | 1,194 | 65 | 545 | 8 |
| GMU 516 Packwood | 56 | 59 | 126 | 24 |
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 Cowlitz Wildlife Area?
Highways within 5 miles: US 12, SR 508, SR 122, SR 505 and SR 7. Nearest towns: Morton (next to it), Mossyrock (next to it), Toledo (6 miles) and Winlock (9 miles).
Questions hunters ask
Do you need a pass to park at the Cowlitz 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 Cowlitz Wildlife Area in?
GMU 505 Mossyrock (11,145 acres), GMU 503 Randle (1,628 acres), GMU 520 Winston (1,194 acres) and GMU 516 Packwood (56 acres), by WDFW's boundaries. Seasons follow each GMU's rules.
Can you camp on the Cowlitz Wildlife Area?
WDFW's facility data lists no developed campground on the Cowlitz 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, Cowlitz 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.
Washington hunting Region 5 GMU 505 elk GMU 503 elk GMU 520 elk GMU 516 elk