Swanson Lakes Wildlife Area: hunting, units and access
The Swanson Lakes Wildlife Area is 21,476 acres of land managed by WDFW in Region 1, in 4 units, inside GMUs 136, 130 and 124, measured from WDFW's boundary. The busiest elk unit it touches is GMU 130, where WDFW reports 138 elk taken in 2025.
Data updated October 2026. Area facts: WDFW's page for the Swanson Lakes Wildlife Area, read 2026-10-18, and WDFW's facility data. Harvest: WDFW reports to 2025.
BLMDNR state trust landWDFW landNational wildlife refuge (refuge rules; not counted)National recreation areaMilitary land (restricted)Other public (parks, county, city, other agencies)Swanson Lakes Wildlife AreaGMU lineLake or riverHighway
| Size | 21,476 acres (WDFW boundary, measured by FilledTag) |
|---|---|
| WDFW region | Region 1, Eastern Washington |
| GMUs | GMU 136, GMU 130, GMU 124 |
| Units | 4 |
| Roads and trails | 38 miles |
| Parking areas | 9 |
| Hunting blinds | 2 (2 accessible) |
| Nearest towns | Reardan (next to it), Creston (6 mi) and Spokane (7 mi) |
What is the Swanson Lakes Wildlife Area like?
The Swanson Lakes Wildlife Area covers approximately 20,900 acres, of which around 1,280 acres are leased from the Washington Department of Natural Resources. Elevation ranges from about 1,640 feet in the southwest to about 2,490 feet in the northeast. Managed as one unit, Swanson Lakes is located in Lincoln County, about 10 miles south of the town of Creston in the upper portion of the Crab Creek Watershed. The Audubon Lake Unit, a 277-acre property at the town of Reardan further east in Lincoln County, is managed separately.
In WDFW's words, from WDFW's Swanson Lakes Wildlife Area page.
What units make up the Swanson Lakes Wildlife Area?
WDFW manages the area as 4 units. The largest is Swanson Lakes at 20,403 acres.
| Unit | Acres | GMUs | Parking areas | Campgrounds | Hunting blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swanson Lakes | 20,403 | 136 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Chapman Lake | 533 | 130 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Audubon Lake | 423 | 130 | 3 | 0 | 2 |
| Waikiki Springs | 116 | 124 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Unit outlines and facilities: WDFW wildlife area and unit boundaries. Acres measured by FilledTag.
WDFW's notes for each unit
Swanson Lakes: Upland bird hunters note: take of sharp-tailed and sage grouse is prohibited by law. WDFW
How many elk and deer are taken in the GMUs around the Swanson Lakes 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 136 Harrington | 20,403 | 13 | 390 | 1 |
| GMU 130 Cheney | 957 | 138 | 201 | 0 |
| GMU 124 Mount Spokane | 116 | 80 | 593 | 8 |
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 Swanson Lakes Wildlife Area?
Highways within 5 miles: US 2, US 395, SR 231, SR 291 and SR 206. Nearest towns: Reardan (next to it), Creston (6 miles), Spokane (7 miles) and Harrington (7 miles).
Questions hunters ask
Do you need a pass to park at the Swanson Lakes 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 Swanson Lakes Wildlife Area in?
GMU 136 Harrington (20,403 acres), GMU 130 Cheney (957 acres) and GMU 124 Mount Spokane (116 acres), by WDFW's boundaries. Seasons follow each GMU's rules.
Can you camp on the Swanson Lakes Wildlife Area?
WDFW's facility data lists no developed campground on the Swanson Lakes 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, Swanson Lakes 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 1 GMU 136 elk GMU 130 elk GMU 124 elk