This long unit runs from Keechelus Lake along the northeast point, and then follows the Yakima River along its northeastern boundary to Rattlesnake Canyon. The western border winds its way along several ridgelines past Dandy, Stampede, Sheets and Tacoma Pass, down to Blowout Mountain at 5,709-ft. From here, the border travels southeast by the 6,004-ft Mount Clifty and Peaches Ridge before following the South Fork Taneum and Taneum Creek to the Yakima River. Although a significant portion of the unit is public land, it is largely broken and checkerboarded. Wenatchee National Forest, L.T. Murray Wildlife Area, and state land represent the largest public land blocks, mainly along the west and southwestern borders. Along the Yakima River there are lots of recent developments which continue to push game out of what was once agricultural areas. There are good populations of elk, mule deer and black bear, however, they are widely dispersed until heavy snowfall occurs at higher elevations.

You will need to put some miles on your boots in order to get away from hunting pressure.

There are old-growth conifer forests in a twisting maze of valleys, cuts and drainages pointing in every direction, with elevation changes of 2,000-ft in roughly a mile being very common. High points include Mount Clifty, along the southern border, at 6,004-ft, and Cole Butte, in the middle of the unit, topping out at 5,358-ft. There are multiple old logged areas, however, they are becoming overgrown with less prime browse for elk and deer. From the town of Cle Elum along the Yakima River, there is more and more recreation residential sprawl.

Conifer forests of ponderosa pine, douglas fir, grand fir, and larch follow the drainages. Old growth forests with logging areas, typically in mature stages of regrowth, dominate the unit. Historically, this unit has seen very little forest fire activity. The very southern tip consists of arid shrub steppe and represents an insignificant portion of the unit overall.

There is a lot of public lands offering excellent access, however, it is very broken. A GPS is highly recommended when hunting this GMU.

Primitive camping is allowed during most of the year, however, various fire bans and forest road closures may happen, so double check any restrictions or permits necessary prior to your trip. If you would like to stay somewhere with lodging, gas stations, restaurants, and a grocery store, your best option will be in the small town of Cle Elum.