Gail Achterman Wildlife Area
Gail Achterman Wildlife Area (GAWA), located in Polk County, is a beautiful intact riparian forest totaling 290 acres. This property is recognized for its unique hydrology and is an annually inundated floodplain forest with off channel wetland, slough, and meadow habitat.
With its boat in access only and day use only there is no camping on the island, but during the summer months a wide gravel bar is exposed which you can camp on per DSL’s ownership.
Although there aren’t any permanent trails there is great bird watching within the island. There is ongoing active restoration on site, so be mindful of newly planted native shrubs and trees.
Hunting and fishing are allowed per ODFW’s guidelines. Visit their website for further information.
Doug Decker Aug 15, 2024
Camped on the gravel bar here, which worked well. Last camp possibility before turning into the Salem stretch. Gail would have loved this place.