The Cowiche unit covers 7,683 acres south of Tieton and west of Yakima. In 2010, the unit expanded with the acquisition of the Worrell Ranch on the south side of Cowiche Mountain, adding 2,340 acres of shrub steppe habitat. The South Fork Cowiche Creek, which hosts spawning steelhead now that downstream barriers have been removed, flows for more than three miles through the unit. The Cowiche Unit is an excellent example of intact shrub steppe plant community attracting a variety of shrub steppe obligate birds. Bird watchers and nature lovers can see many bird species and beautiful spring wildflowers throughout the area. Elk and mule deer can be found year round, with hunting opportunities available in fall. A segment of the William O. Douglas trail runs through the Cowiche Unit, offering great views of shrub steppe habitat and the Yakima Valley below. The five-mile Box Spring Canyon Trail departs from Access Site #1 and follows the elk fence along Sunset Way. At the first corner, hikers can use the gate in the elk fence to access an old road and pick up the trail that runs beside it.�