The northern part of the unit has very broken terrain and lots of timber, much of what you will find in this unit is not what most would consider ideal sheep habitat. However, considering the fire that burned through the unit in 2017, things could change quickly, and the areas around Fifes Peak and further to the southwest along Hwy 410 could start holding sheep better than they have in the past. Overall, most of the sheep hunters with this permit have found success to the south, specifically on the Cleman Mountain, but if you are looking for an extraordinary ram, don’t rule out this part of the unit, you never know where a big mature ram will decide to call home.

With a large fire that burned through this area in 2017 and all of the new growth that will happen because of it, sheep may begin to turn up more throughout this unit than they have in the past.

This unit consists of multiple peaks and ridgebacks over 5,000 feet in elevation, with a number of summits reaching over 6,000 feet. Plan on gaining a few thousand feet in elevation in order to reach these ridgebacks as you begin hunting. The bulk of this unit is roadless and you will need to plan on long day hikes or spike camping for multiple days during the hunt if you are up for that type of adventure. Once you reach the ridgebacks, the elevation doesn’t change too dramatically unless you decide to climb on up to the summits. There are multiple high mountain valleys at over 5,000 feet in the Fifes Peaks area, all of which is ideal sheep country. There is lots of timber scattered around the different rock formations along the ridgebacks, don’t overlook these areas as it is not uncommon to have sheep out on the crags during the morning and evening hours, and shaded up just inside the tree line in the heat of the day.

A large array of different vegetation can be found in the Wenatchee National Forest; you can expect to see many species, including but not limited to, Vine Maple, Sword Fern, Douglas fir, Western Red Cedar, Alder, Western Hemlock, Mountain Hemlock, and the Yellow Cedar. There are multiple species of grasses, ferns, shrubbery, and wildflowers that make up the forest floor. Aside from the wildflowers, some grass, and the occasional twisted whitebark pine, most of the vegetation will begin to fade as you gain elevation.

In the northern, part Hwy 410, running southwest to northeast is where you will find the trailhead to the Fifes Ridge Trail. This trail will gain approximately 2,000 feet in elevation as you make your way to the ridgeback northeast of the Fife Peaks area. Once you reach the ridgeback, this hike becomes less than moderate most of the time. The more rugged sheep habitat will be to the south of you when you reach the ridgeback. The Crow Lake Trailhead also branches off of Hwy 410 and will take you to the south side of the Fifes Peaks area; plan on a moderate 2.5-mile hike from here to get to good sheep habitat.

In the southern part, there is a lot of vehicle access, which can make for a hunt that is not too physical at all depending on where you find the ram you are after. There is a turn off of Hwy 410 near Sanford Canyon that will take you onto the Mud Lake Road. This road reaches the top of Cleman Mountain eventually, but stays in more of the mid-elevations of the face, above the Naches River for the most part. Further up Hwy 410, away from the town of Naches, you will find the Rocky Flat Road. This road will head north to an intersection approximately 3.5 miles from the highway. At this intersection, you can choose to go straight onto Maloy Road, which will take you further north into the South Fork, Wenas Creek, and Box Spring Canyon. If you turn southeast at the intersection, you will be on Cleman Mountain Road which will take you on top of the face and another 1000+ feet above the Mud Lake Road.

Primitive camping on the National Forest is allowed most of the year, but access and areas of the forest will be closed as winter weather starts to set in. Call ahead to double check any restrictions or permits necessary prior to your trip. Camping is allowed in the Oak Creek or Wenas Wildlife Area, but campfires are restricted from April 15th to October 15th -this would only pertain to the ewe hunters as the ram hunt is over before the fire ban is lifted. If you are looking for a more established campground, there are multiple options on Hwy 410 like the Cottonwood campground near the Naches Ranger Station. The nearest fuel to this part of the unit can be found near the town of Cliffdell. Lodging here can be found at the Whistlin’ Jack Lodge, a very nice resort style lodge that has a full bar and restaurant. The town of Naches will have any last minute items you are looking for. Plan ahead for groceries and supplies as this is a remote unit and supplies will be at a minimum once you leave Yakima.