This unit is comprised of the Monte Cristo and Cascade Ranges. The Wind River unit lies on the north banks of the Columbia River and is predominantly Gifford Pinchot National Forest combined with a large section of state along the eastern side and the smaller Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Wind River Experimental Forest. This GMU features Big Huckleberry Mountain standing at 4,209-ft, and Little Huckleberry standing at 4,695-ft separated by the wide Big Lava Bed at 3,000-ft between them. Other than this wide flat valley dissecting the GMU vertically through the center, this is a steep physical unit that drops off sharply in the east to Rd 141. The edges of the unit are mostly private with the exception of the National Forest in the northwest. Lumber companies hold large tracts of private with farms, vineyards and single-family small acreage properties cutting smaller pieces out. The Huckleberry Mountains hold good numbers of elk, however as their name suggests, there are lots of huckleberries, which also mean bears and additional human land use.

There are decent access points across the GMU and game is widely distributed and can move out of an area when pressured.

This steep country is thickly timbered with open vegetation under canopy suited for blacktail deer. This unit drains south to the Columbia River and ground favored by vineyards as it provides the perfect growing conditions for grapes.

There are thick, old grown forests on the steep mountain sides. The area is dramatically less forested throughout the wide, flat lava bed along Rd 66 in the middle with open underbrush which is ideally suited for the deer populations. There are large tracts of private timber company owned lands within the unit and smaller farms and vineyards utilizing this rich soil and ideal growing season. South slopes of the forest have prime huckleberry ground with large patches attracting bears, turkeys and humans alike.

There are sizeable tracts of National Forest and state land in this unit. Hunter access is easy, but bring a GPS to know exactly where you stand and the game you’re pursuing.

Primitive camping in the National Forest is allowed for 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 a shower and being closer to gas stations, restaurants, and a grocery store, your best option is Hood River which is outside the unit on the southeast corner.