We hunted the Umatilla National Forest years ago, there were a decent number of elk, but there was way too much pressure on them where we were. The elk were for the most part totally silent, and very hard to locate.

I would get some really good topo maps if I were you, and try to find a hole somewhere at least 3 to 5 miles from any road. If the terrain is right (timber and scabrock flats), you will find elk. Lot of people road hunting for deer and elk......they will push them into those hard to reach areas.

Best of Luck
Jeff