This unit sits to the northwest of the famous Mount Rainier National Park. Goats can be scattered all across this unit. Spike camp hunting is a good idea in this unit, but not required as there are a number of trailheads within 2-3 miles of where the goats live, so having a base camp is not out of the question. Fife Peaks is the dominant terrain feature in the unit and tends to be the focal point of past goat hunters. With multiple trails heading into this area, access isn’t bad at all.

The 2017 Norse Peak fire ripped through this unit to the tune of 50,000+ acres and is the major buzz in this unit.

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 to reach these ridgebacks as you begin hunting. The bulk of this unit is roadless; 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 up to the summits, which is not typically necessary. There are multiple high mountain valleys at over 5,000 feet in Fifes Peaks area, and goats can be found just about anywhere once you get the necessary elevation. 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 goats out on the crags during the morning and evening 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. Most of the vegetation, except wildflowers, some grass, and the occasional twisted whitebark pine, will begin to fade as you gain elevation.

Hwy 410, on the south side of the unit, runs southwest to northeast and 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 goat habitat will be to the south of you when you reach to ridgeback. The Crow Lake trailhead also comes off of Hwy 410 and will take you on to the south side of the Fifes Peaks area; plan on a moderate 2.5-mile hike to get to good mountain goat habitat.

Primitive camping in the forest is allowed most of the year, but access and areas of the forest will get closed as winter weather starts to set in. Call ahead to double check any restrictions or permits necessary prior to your trip. If you are looking for a more established campground, there are multiple options on Hwy 410 like Pleasant Valley Campground and Salmon Cove Group Site. The nearest fuel to this part of the unit can be found near the town of Cliffdell, as well as lodging at the Whistlin’ Jack Lodge, a very nice resort style lodge with a full bar and restaurant. Plan ahead for groceries and supplies as this is a remote unit and supplies will be at a minimum once you leave Yakima.