This is the largest GMU in District 13 and offers the majority of elk hunting opportunity, however, there are no established elk herds. The eastern portion of the unit is west of the Cascade Range and part of Snoqualmie National Forest, including Wild Sky, Henry M. Jackson and Boulder River Wilderness Areas. These heavily forested mountains are steep with Monte Cristo Peak on the north side of Columbia Glacier, topping out at 7024-ft. Mountain Loop Hwy dissects the GMU in a big loop from the northern border to the western border, and follows parts of the Sauk and South Fork Stillaguamish River. There are multiple hidden lakes scattered throughout the area, along with numerous creeks, streams and rivers. Along with forest ground, there is a large amount of continuous state land which becomes more and more fractured with smaller lands as you move westward. The northern, western and southern borders are all highly developed with farms, single-family residential properties, and a mix of other public landowners from state parks, DNR, State Forest Board, timber companies and city. Blacktail deer are widely spread throughout the unit and much of this GMU is forested with trees in the 30-60-year old class on federal public lands. This is thick country and finding deer can be a challenge. There is some walk-in access in the south, off of the Sultan Basin Road; this area has a mix of public and private, so a GPS is highly recommended.

This unit is very thick, so you won’t see many deer, but they are there.

Monte Cristo Peak is the highest point at 7,024-ft, with Wilmans, Kyes, Sloan and Columbia Peaks all well above 7,000. Columbia Glacier drops from these rugged rocky peaks to 4,800-ft in a mile. The eastern region of the unit is very steep with thick, old growth conifer forests, and alpine peaks dotted with mountain lakes and glaciers. By the western border, the GMU has significantly mellowed out and divided into small chunks of both private and public lands.

Old conifer forests of ponderosa pine, douglas fir and grand fir dominate the GMU. There are some clear cuts offering an excellent variety of dark timber and escape edges, along with food sources in the form or native tender grasses, forbs, and buckbrush.

There is decent public access here and a decent series of unimproved roads, but watch for seasonal closures. There are large blocks of private land, secure access early for best public access opportunities.

Primitive camping in the National Forest is allowed most of the year, but various fire bans and forest road closures may happen, so double check any restrictions or permits necessary prior to your trip. If you are more interested in a bed and shower, as well as staying closer to gas stations, restaurants, and a grocery store, your best options will be in the towns of Darrington, Granite Falls, Monroe and Sultan.