Quick Tips
- Physical preparation will be key in this unit
- Hunting can be difficult because of the terrain in this unit and staying committed to the hunt can bring success
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Columbian Blacktail Deer | 80"-100" | 110"+ |
On The Ground
Unit 450 is located in both District 13 and 14, with the southern portion directly on the west side of the Cascade Range in 13. The widest portion in the north is approximately 25 miles wide with much of the southern portion less than 5 miles wide. Elevations range from around 1,600-ft to over 8,000-ft; this entire GMU is very steep and rugged with numerous peaks standing guard over deep, dark, old growth forest valleys and mountain lakes.
Good hunting can be found here but hunters need to be physically prepared for the extreme terrain.
Terrain
In the northern portion, Snowking Mountain, in the Mt. Baker National Forest stands at 7,388-ft, looking over Cyclone Lake to the east. Further east, Mount Formidable and Spider Mountain both top 8,000-ft on the south side of Middle Cascade and Spider Glacier. Moving south in this tall, narrow unit you get to Fire, Black, Painted, Johnson, June, Bald Eagle, Benchmark, Fortune, Silica and Scrabble Mountains, along with Skullcap and Portal Peaks illustrating just how rugged this predominantly roadless unit is.
Roughly 489 square miles
100% public land
Elevations range from 1,600– 8,271-feet
Vegetation
Old conifer forests of ponderosa pine, douglas fir and grand fir dominate the GMU, along with alpine grasses and forbs growing amongst the high-altitude rocky peaks and glaciers.
Access
The bulk of the unit is roadless backcountry and is very physical.
GPS is essential in this roadless unit
Camping and Lodging
Primitive camping in the National Forest is allowed for the majority 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. There are no towns within this GMU.
Historical Temperatures
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Moon Phases
April 2025
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