Methow Wildlife Area: hunting, units and access
The Methow Wildlife Area is 35,648 acres of land managed by WDFW in Region 2, in 7 units, inside GMUs 224, 231, 218, 242 and 239, measured from WDFW's boundary. Of the GMUs it touches, WDFW reports the most deer taken in GMU 218: 226 in 2025.
Data updated October 2026. Area facts: WDFW's page for the Methow Wildlife Area, read 2026-10-18, and WDFW's facility data. Harvest: WDFW reports to 2025.
National forestBLMDNR state trust landWDFW landNational wildlife refuge (refuge rules; not counted)National recreation areaOther public (parks, county, city, other agencies)Methow Wildlife AreaGMU lineLake or riverHighway
| Size | 35,648 acres (WDFW boundary, measured by FilledTag) |
|---|---|
| WDFW region | Region 2, North Central Washington |
| GMUs | GMU 224, GMU 231, GMU 218, GMU 242, GMU 239 |
| Units | 7 |
| Roads and trails | 218 miles |
| Parking areas | 26 |
| Campgrounds | 8 |
| Boat ramps | 2 |
| Nearest towns | Twisp (2 mi), Winthrop (2 mi) and Pateros (7 mi) |
What is the Methow Wildlife Area like?
The Methow Wildlife Area is located in the Methow River watershed in the western half of Okanogan County, and spans approximately 35,300 acres of land. The area is comprised of shrubsteppe, grasslands, and dry coniferous ponderosa pine forests. Meadow-steppe habitats area also found here, and are characterized by wheatgrass, bluegrasses, and a rich component of broad-leaved forbs.
In WDFW's words, from WDFW's Methow Wildlife Area page.
What units make up the Methow Wildlife Area?
WDFW manages the area as 7 units. The largest is Methow at 19,665 acres.
| Unit | Acres | GMUs | Parking areas | Campgrounds | Hunting blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Methow | 19,665 | 218, 224, 239 | 13 | 8 | 0 |
| Big Buck | 5,208 | 231, 242 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Rendezvous | 4,656 | 218 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Golden Doe | 1,993 | 242 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Texas Creek | 1,843 | 239, 242 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Big Valley | 1,368 | 218, 231 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Hunter Mountain | 916 | 242 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Unit outlines and facilities: WDFW wildlife area and unit boundaries. Acres measured by FilledTag.
WDFW's notes for each unit
Methow: SAFETY ZONES have been established west of Bear Creek Road and near Frazer Creek along Highway 20. Weapons may not be discharged within these zones. WDFW
Big Buck: On this unit, hunters may find opportunities to harvest black bear, cougar, deer, waterfowl, Eurasian collared dove, forest grouse, gray (Hungarian) partridge, mourning dove, quail, small game, and turkey. WDFW
Rendezvous: On this unit, hunters may find opportunities to harvest deer, black bear, cougar, bobcat, waterfowl, Eurasian collared dove, forest grouse, mourning dove and small game. WDFW
Golden Doe: On this unit, hunters may find opportunities to harvest deer, black bear, cougar, waterfowl, Eurasian collared dove, forest grouse, gray (Hungarian) partridge, mourning dove, quail, small game, and turkey. WDFW
Texas Creek: On this unit, hunters may find opportunities to harvest deer, black bear, cougar, waterfowl, Eurasian collared dove, forest grouse, gray (Hungarian) partridge, mourning dove, quail, small game, and turkey. WDFW
Big Valley: A SAFETY ZONE has been established from Highway 20 to the community trail. Weapons may not be discharged within this zone. WDFW
Hunter Mountain: On this unit, hunters may find opportunities to harvest deer, black bear, forest grouse, upland bird and small game. WDFW
How many elk and deer are taken in the GMUs around the Methow 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 224 Pearrygin | 19,033 | 0 | 159 | 3 |
| GMU 231 Gardner | 6,109 | 0 | 130 | 5 |
| GMU 218 Chewuch | 5,652 | 0 | 226 | 11 |
| GMU 242 Alta | 3,349 | 0 | 129 | 17 |
| GMU 239 Chiliwist | 1,504 | 2 | 129 | 13 |
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 Methow Wildlife Area?
Highways within 5 miles: SR 20 and SR 153. Nearest towns: Twisp (2 miles), Winthrop (2 miles), Pateros (7 miles) and Brewster (11 miles).
Questions hunters ask
Do you need a pass to park at the Methow 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 Methow Wildlife Area in?
GMU 224 Pearrygin (19,033 acres), GMU 231 Gardner (6,109 acres), GMU 218 Chewuch (5,652 acres), GMU 242 Alta (3,349 acres) and GMU 239 Chiliwist (1,504 acres), by WDFW's boundaries. Seasons follow each GMU's rules.
Can you camp on the Methow Wildlife Area?
WDFW's facility data lists 8 campgrounds on the Methow Wildlife Area. Follow the posted rules and WDFW's public conduct rules.
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Where these facts come from
- Area description, rules and access notes: WDFW, Methow 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.