Located south of Mount Rainier National Park, this predominantly public land GMU consists of Gifford Pinchot National Forest, with some private land along Hwy 12 and in the northwest corner and Rd 706. Overall, the unit has modest elevations with the Tatoosh Range topping out a little over 6,000-ft, and most peaks sitting at less than 5,000-ft.

Located on the west side of the Cascade Range, this unit is steep and rugged with the Tatoosh Range and eastern boundary being roadless giving the backpack hunter a bit of elbow room.

This relatively mild GMU has some rocky peaks, talus slopes and lots of thick old growth forest. With that being said, there are two small regions of roadless with steep elevation changes in this mild altitude but rugged unit.

Old conifer forests of ponderosa pine, douglas fir and grand fir dominate the GMU, except for the string of rocky peaks dissecting the unit. Numerous creeks and meadows offer the best feed in the way of native grasses, forbs, buckbrush, and areas of taller reed grass. A few small fires have burned in this unit in the past.

There is decent access along both Hwy 12 and Rd 706, along with a few roads that dissect the unit north to south. There is a decent set of unimproved roads and trails within the GMU with the exception of two smallish roadless regions.

Primitive camping in the National Forest is allowed during 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 and staying closer to gas stations, restaurants, and a grocery store, your best options will be local B&B’s.