This is a very small elk special permit unit bordering Oregon. This GMU is almost all Umatilla National Forest and public land, however, it is closed to the public with the exception of permit holders, as this unit is the source of drinking water for Walla Walla. Terrain here consists of steep, rugged country with very few trails, making for a very physical hunt. Scouting or overnight camping inside the watershed is not permitted, only perimeter roads can be used for scouting. Table Rock peaks out at 6,247-ft and drops off quickly to the west in a series of deep and steep valleys, the largest being Mill Creek. Elevation gains of over 1,000-ft in under a half mile are common. Successful applicants will be contacted by the U.S. Forest Service and will be provided with an information packet.

This unit is not for the faint of heart, come physically prepared. Scout from Kendall Skyline Road on the top.

The steep brutal country here is not for every hunter. Scouting and camping are not allowed within the unit, so you won’t be able to familiarize yourself with the area before your hunt. You could easily see bulls that will take you hours to get to, only to find them gone by the time you reach where it is you seen them, as elevation gains can easily exceed 1,000-ft in just over a quarter of a mile. You can, however, scout a bulk of the unit from the Skyline Road, which separates this unit from the West Wenaha.

The forest here is primarily ponderosa pine, douglas fir, grand fir and subalpine fir. Northern slopes are by far more timbered and the canopy’s dark forest offers excellent bedding cover for deer and elk. Green Fork and Mill Creek have carved out deep, steep, hard valleys. South facing slopes offer excellent native grasses and forbs, along with open benches which will give you your best chance of glassing up elk.

Although this GMU is almost entirely public land, access is restricted to special permit holders only. Access is regulated because Walla Walla’s drinking water source is located within this unit. There is access from the bottom, however, you’re in Oregon for quite a ways.

Camping is not allowed in this unit. Lodging, fuel, restaurants, and groceries will be located in Walla Walla.