GMU 699 - Long Island, Washington

Low-elevation estuarine island (~5,460 acres) sitting in the southern portion of Willapa Bay. Terrain is gently rolling with no significant elevation gain. The western shore features earthen cliffs with exposed tree roots and a rock-strewn beach. Interior is densely forested with numerous sloughs, wetlands, and tidal channels (Baldwin Slough, Lewis Slough, Paradise Point area). The Don Bonker Cedar Grove contains old-growth western red cedars exceeding 900 years of age. Over 10 miles of maintained trails cross the island.

100% publicly owned and managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (Willapa National Wildlife Refuge). Boat access only — kayak or canoe from the USFWS boat launch near refuge headquarters off US-101, south of Raymond. The channel crossing is short but tidal currents are significant; tides in the south bay run approximately 1 hour later than coastal beaches. Campground reservations required Aug 29-Sep 18 (2025-26 season). Five primitive campgrounds with 20 total campsites. No motors, no dogs, no firearms permitted anywhere on the island. Contact Willapa NWR at (360) 484-3482.

Old-growth and mature second-growth conifer forest dominated by western red cedar and western hemlock, with red alder in wetter areas. The forest floor is heavily moss-covered with abundant fungi on fallen logs — classic Pacific coastal rainforest character. Understory includes salal, sword fern, and shrubs attractive to deer and bear. The 274-acre Don Bonker Cedar Grove is a true old-growth stand. Wetland and tidal marsh habitat along sloughs supports waterfowl and provides water sources for game. Historically logged (early 20th century through 1990s); second-growth now mature in logged areas.

Black-tailed deer inhabit the entire island year-round with no migration off the island — a closed population. Roosevelt elk are present as part of the Willapa Hills elk herd (estimated 5,711 animals herd-wide per 2025 survey; herd-wide ratios: 30 calves:100 cows, 17 bulls:100 cows). Elk use the forested interior and tidal marsh edges. Black bears are present throughout. Deer rut peaks last week of October through first week of November — bucks most susceptible to harvest during this window.

GMU 699 is unique in Washington: the only island unit and only unit where 100% of land is USFWS refuge. Archery-only for all big game — modern firearms and muzzleloaders prohibited on the refuge. WDFW 2025 District 17 Prospects explicitly states the unit is 'closed to modern firearm and muzzleloader hunters.' WDFW Access Rating: Poor (due solely to boat-only requirement). HuntScore 2021 data: 105 hunters, 10 deer harvested, 9.5% success. District-wide deer hunter success is 15-20%. USFWS expanded hunting at Willapa NWR in 2025, adding 710 acres of coastal forest to archery deer/elk and 105 acres of tidal marsh for waterfowl. Bear season opens Aug 15 with a one-bear bag limit across the Willapa Hills GMUs including 699. Hunters must hold a valid modern firearm big game license even when hunting with archery equipment, per USFWS refuge regulations.