Quick Tips
- Hunt the high ground along Mount Rainier National Park
- Hunt at first and last light
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Columbian Blacktail Deer | 100"-120" | 120"+ |
| Roosevelt Elk | 260"-290" | 290"+ |
On The Ground
This heavily forested GMU is located on the western border of Mount Rainier National Park and is almost entirely private. Gifford Pinchot National Forest offers public access in the southeast corner, along with Snoqualmie National Forest in the northeast corner. Puyallup Reservation, state, city and Elbe Hills State Forest make up the bulk of the remaining public lands. There is access to private land; large tracks are owned by various timber companies and many offer some sort of limited public access. The western border loosely follows the Puyallup River and Lake Kapowsin. The Elbe Hills, Tahoma State Forest, and the U of W Charles Lathrop Pack Forest offer deer and elk hunting, best accessed by foot, bike and horse.
There is a lot of hunting pressure in this unit.
Terrain
The eastern region of this unit consists of very steep old-growth conifer forests and significantly mellows out by the western border and Puyallup River basin. There are substantial pieces of land with clear cuts in multiple stages of regrowth.
Roughly 331 square miles
19% public land
Elevations range from 600– 4,600 feet
Vegetation
Old conifer forests of ponderosa pine, douglas fir and grand fir dominate the GMU. Large tracts of clear cuts offer an excellent variety of dark timber and escape edges, along with food sources in the form or native tender grasses, forbs, and buckbrush.
Access
There is decent access along Rd 165 in the north and Rd 706 in the south. Throughout the GMU there are a decent series of unimproved roads, just remember to watch for seasonal closures. There are large blocks of private land with various public access opportunities.
In the U of W Pack Forest, watch for students conducting research
Elbe Hills has limited vehicle access during the season, with expanded access for hunters with a disabled access permit
Camping and Lodging
Primitive camping in the National Forest is allowed 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. For lodging, gas stations, restaurants, and a grocery store, your best options will be in the town of Eatonville.
Historical Temperatures
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Moon Phases
April 2025
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