Washington State Flag

Unit 169

Last Updated: Oct 30, 2024
  • Share on Twitter

  • Share on Facebook

  • Email

Topographic Loading Image

A map error has occurred


Quick Tips

  • Great backpack hunting unit
  • Hunt the new growth and forest edge created by the forest fire
speciesgeneral Sizetrophy potential
Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep150"-160"170"+

On The Ground

This is a small, very rugged unit consisting of Umatilla National Forest and Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness. This unit is popular for hunters with pack animals as there are zero roads in this rough country. West Butte peaks at 6,263-ft, and neighboring West Butte, Oregon Butte, along the northern border, tops out at 6,329-ft. A bit further east, Mount Misery tops at 6,368-ft, with Twin Buttes further south in the unit cresting at 5,656-ft. Butte Creek is low ground at 2,600-ft as it winds its way along with multiple random creeks and canyons pointing in every direction, breaking this country into a steep and rugged landscape.

A small but growing sheep population is doing well on this unit. Anyone holding a tag will be in for a great hunt.

Terrain

Comprised 95% within the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness, this unit has big, rugged, roadless topography. Access can be physically challenging with the land laying in two directions, up and down. This unit is favored by adventurous hunters with pack animals looking for a more traditional backcountry wilderness style hunt

  • Roughly 162 square miles

  • 100% public land

  • Elevations range from 2,600– 6,300 feet

The 2015 fire season burnt a third of the unit comprised of broken old growth forests consisting primarily of ponderosa pine, douglas fir and grand fir, typically following the north and south slopes, interspersed with a variety of native grasses, wildflowers and forbs.

This entire unit is public land. However, access into the bulk of the wilderness is roadless, steep and rugged. Hunters need to come physically prepared in order to navigate this terrain and get around in the unit.

Primitive camping in the National Forest and wilderness 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. For lodging, gas stations, restaurants, and a grocery store, your best option will be Walla Walla, although it is a long drive.

High

Low

April 2025


Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat

30

31

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

1

2

3

insider access

Become a member to access this content

Only Insiders can access this content. For premium hunting content, tips & tricks, and access to our full suite of hunting tools, become an Insider today.

Already have an account?

Log in

insider Membership

Our top tier membership gives you everything we offer! Research tool, maps, and gear shop rewards, all in one plan.