White River Wildlife Area
White River Wildlife Area is a 1,120-acre property located in northwest Ashland County, two and a half miles south of the city of Ashland. It was established in 1946 to protect winter deer habitat. While still utilized by wintering deer, the once dense balsam fir and young white pines which line the many steep and deep gullies leading to the White River have matured and been heavily browsed and winter habitat values have significantly decreased.
The White River Wildlife Area is entirely wooded and features numerous habitats important to a full range of wildlife species due to varying topography and forest successional stages. From furbearers and waterfowl to grouse, deer, bear, raptors and songbirds, the property offers opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts to see and enjoy many different species.
In addition, approximately three miles of the White River flows through the northern portion of the wildlife area. The White is an important tributary to the Bad River in Ashland County and has a good warm water fishery, with an annual anadromous run of steelhead from Lake Superior. However, the wildlife area provides limited access to the river, requiring walking for a distance from the parking area (~1 mile).
Directions
Located in northwest Ashland County, there are no developed parking lots in the White River Wildlife Area. South of Ashland on the west side of Highway 13, there is a small parking area on the south side of the White River that is often used for canoe takeout for people floating the River from the west. This parking area can also provide canoe access to the Wildlife Area. However, there is no take-out location on the property, so a return trip to the parking area is necessary. To drive to a location providing walk-in trail access to the Wildlife Area, drive south from the White River on Highway 13 1.1 miles to Tapani Road. On Tapani Road, go east 0.4 miles to Park Road. Go north from Park Road 0.7 miles to a private driveway heading east. Park along Park Road somewhere near this point. From the driveway, either walk north along the Park Road snowmobile trail 0.4 miles to the White River Fishery Area and 1.0 mile to the Wildlife Area, or walk east along the private driveway and trail, which provides easement access to the Fishery Area and Wildlife Area 0.7 miles and 0.8 miles from Park Road, respectively. Access to the portions of the Wildlife Area on the north side of the White River is provided by Hegstrom Road, which intersects Highway 13 about 0.2 miles north of the White River. From Highway 13, travel 0.5 miles east to the Wildlife Area. There is no parking area along Hegstrom Road and road conditions vary seasonally, so walk-in access from Highway 13 is advised.
Management Objectives
Current timber management strategies attempt to maintain a strong conifer component mixed with mid to late successional hardwoods on the property, especially around areas of steep topography. On flatter upland areas, diverse age classes of aspen habitat are emphasized, along with expanding naturally established red pine stands.
For more information on master planning for this and other wildlife areas around the state, visit the property planning page.
Recreation
The White River Wildlife Area offers many recreational opportunities.
- Birding
- Cross-country skiing (no designated trail)
- Fishing
- Hiking (no designated trail)
- Hunting (pheasant noon closure rule applies)
- Trapping
- Wild edibles/gathering
- Wildlife viewing
Amenities
- Bathroom - none.
- Parking lot - yes.
- Campground and size - none.
- Trails, Types and Lengths - non-designated hunter walking trails.
Maps
Download a map of this property.
If you are interested in exploring this property further, you can access an interactive map.
