This unit is located south of the Quinault Reservation and south along the Pacific Ocean to Grays Harbor. From Hoquiam to Lake Quinault, this unit is diverse in habitat and land ownership. The northern portion is the Olympic National Forest. As you move down through the unit, there’s state, county, city, parks, DNR and F&W, along with a wide range of private ownership from the timber industry, farms, rural acreages, and urban developments. The largest continuous piece of land is owned by Rayonier Washington Timber Company, however, for the hunter willing to do a bit of leg work there are ample hunting opportunities throughout the area.

This unit sees quite a bit of hunting pressure.

Rolling conifer forests with heavy clear-cuts have been replanted. The oldest age-class of timber are located in small isolated pockets and in the deep ravines dissecting past cuts. There are some wet, marshy areas where water does not drain, along with some minor urban sprawl along the coast and Grays Harbor.

Conifer forests are highly farmed for timber and are in various stages of regrowth. Along with timber industries, the land also holds orchards, tree farms and vegetable farms. Tidal flats and marshland are both common as elevations rise just a few hundred feet above sea level along the coast.

The majority of this unit is private land, however, the various larger timber companies are enrolled in public access programs. Check in with Green Diamond Resource and Rayonier Timber to see what they offer.

Limited 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. Some overnight camping may be allowed on certain Rayonier access permits. If you are more interested in a bed and a shower and staying closer to gas stations, restaurants, and a grocery store, your best options will be in Hoquiam, Aberdeen and Ocean Shores.