This rugged, steep unit is perfectly suited for hunters willing to hike off of the beaten path for a bit of elbow room. Within the unit, there is state land, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Tahoma State Forest, Muckleshoot Federal Corp, timber companies, and small private land parcels, which simply translate into hunting opportunities. This is thickly forested country, with the exception of clearcut areas, typically in the southwestern portion on private lands. There are numerous peaks in this modest-sized GMU including: Johnson Mountain, Kiona Peak, Stormking, Watch Mountain, Kehoe Mountain, Griffin Mountain and Roundtop Mountain. The northern boundary runs close to National Park Hwy between Elbe and Ashford, and the southern border loosely follows Hwy 12.

If you are willing to hike into some steep country and spend some time scouting, this unit could be for you.

This is a steep unit with multiple peaks, mountains, and terrain rising and falling 4,000-ft constantly. The only mild terrain is along the north, west and southern borders, and most private land with the exception of Tahoma State Forest south of Ashford. There is a vast network of roads, however, they will be closed to motorized vehicles.

This unit holds thick, old growth forests with small patches of open meadows. On large timber company land, there are many large clear cuts in multiple stages of regrowth offering a great mix of tender high-protein grazing and browsing on young brush and trees. Right along the borders in the low flat country, you will find farmland holding cattle, horses and hay, with single-family residential properties becoming more common and introducing non-native decorative shrubs, trees and flowers.

This unit has an equal mix between private, public and timber companies. If you are willing to do a bit of pre-season work, there are plenty of hunting opportunities within this GMU.

There is limited camping on state and National Forest land, and 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 lodging and being closer to gas stations, restaurants, and a grocery store, your best options will be in Morton, Mineral and Elbe.