Quick Tips
- Hunt the high ground along Mount Rainier National Park
- Watch out for no shooting zones
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Columbian Blacktail Deer | 90"-110" | 120"+ |
| Roosevelt Elk | 270"-300" | 300"+ |
On The Ground
This big unit lies between The Cascade Range at 7,200-ft in the east, and Riffe Lake at 1,000-ft in the west. Gifford Pinchot National Forest takes up most of the unit, with just a touch of private land, primarily along Hwy 12 and the northern border. The majority of the unit holds old-growth conifer forests and has seen a few small wildfires over the years. The very eastern edge has rugged, roadless backcountry with alpine saddles, rockslides and glaciers. Several roads dissect the unit north to south, mostly in the western half and along the broader valleys in this steep unit.
Elk will be in the park until a big snowfall hits.
Terrain
This National Forest GMU consists of alpine meadows, rocky peaks, glaciers, and talus slopes giving way to thick old growth forest in this mid-range elevation forest. Numerous creeks and rivers drain these twisting ridgelines and peaks to the west.
Roughly 547 square miles
93% public land
Elevations range from 1,000– 7,200 feet
Vegetation
Old conifer forests of ponderosa pine, douglas fir and grand fir dominate the GMU, with the exception of the Cascade Range on the eastern border which is above timberline and features Packwood Glacier. 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 wildfires have burned within this unit in the past.
Access
There is decent access along Hwy 12 along the northern boundary. There are also several roads dissecting the western portion of the unit along the southern border. There is a decent set of unimproved roads and trails within the GMU, with the exception of the roadless region along the eastern border.
Offers easy access and roadless hunting
Roadless country, you will want a GPS
Camping and Lodging
Primitive camping in the National Forest is allowed for the majority 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.
Historical Temperatures
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Moon Phases
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