Depending on which side of portland your talking, about an hr west you' ll be with elk. About an hr to hr 1/2 to the S.E. you will also find elk. If you want lots of elk, go to eastern ore. Oh yea, get into shape it' s very rough country here! Don' t get me wrong, there' s lot' s of easy hunting, but then thats where most of the people will be. And lots of them. If you don' t want people, then pick a canyon. There' s lots of them to. Get some maps and do some searches. Hope that helps good luck........fishon