This large GMU is located on the north bank of the Columbia River, between I-5 in the east and the Chehalis River to the west. Other than a large piece of state land in the southwestern portion, the unit is basically all private, dominated by large timber companies except along the major rivers and interstate. Here the private land is divided into small tracts of all sizes stuck together like a puzzle making land access and hunting a bit more difficult, but not impossible, for those willing to do just a bit of legwork early on. The timber companies typically offer public access, however, this access can easily close if fire danger is too high. In the southwestern tail along the Columbia River lies the Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for Columbia Whitetail deer. Boistfort Peak is the high ground at 3,087 ft and is located on Weyerhaeuser land. Steep to rolling mountains that have been heavily logged throughout the years create a patchwork of forests and a network of roads and trails that seem to go everywhere. Boistfort Prairie and the South Fork Chehalis River create a low-lying vertical strip of ground right down the center of the GMU giving easy access along Wildwood Road to the center of unit, however, it is all private land through here. Whether you choose to hunt public state land, large timber company ground, or gain access on smaller private land, there are hunting opportunities for those willing to do a bit of homework. There are significant numbers of deer throughout the area, but the unit is also heavily hunted so it is best to find areas not often traveled, which is difficult.

Timber companies typically offer some access however, it does not seem to be consistent from year to year.

Boistfort, at just over 3,000-ft, is the high ground here. Although fairly low in elevation, this rugged, steep country holds multiple peaks and mountains. Largely in part to many years of clear-cutting, there is a vast system of roads, although many have locked gates. The low ground along the rivers and valleys have been plowed or divided into small rural residential acreages. Along the Columbia River, elevations drop to 200-ft and are subject to tidal flows.

This unit is heavily forested with enormous areas of clear cuts in various stages of regrowth. Along with timber, there are multiple farming activities of various sizes in the lower flat lands of the GMU.

There are sizeable tracts of state land in combination with DNR in the southwestern region, and a bit of broken state land between Pumphrey Mountain and the small town of Vader on the east side of the GMU. The largest landholders are timber companies which have a variety of access programs worth checking out. Carry a GPS to know exactly where you stand in this rugged, steep country. There are roads everywhere throughout the unit, however, some roads and trails may close at any time or be closed to motorized traffic, watch for posted signs. Cell phones don’t work in a large portion of this unit, go in prepared.

Seeing as the unit is basically all private, there are limited primitive camping opportunities here. 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 a shower and being closer to gas stations, restaurants, and a grocery store, your best options will be in Chehalis and Castle Rock.