Welcome aboard JB. This is a great group of folks. Can't really help you on the question your asking, but you will likely get plenty of help.

Nate

jbthehut, been there done that. I hunted the southern end of Ft. Lewis(area 21 and 22) in the Deschutes Unit last December. I had some recent reports last late season that a herd had been seen around the pheasant release sites. I drove those areas and didn't see an elk track. Not saying they aren't in there because the guy I was hunting them with had seen them himself the year before. But I won't waste my time this year hunting ghost elk. Too many other areas around that have elk. Plus you have to deal with dog trials and other traffic in those bird zones. And as bad as it may sound, you are going to have to plan for a haul out for elk. Not many good places that you can drive up to a kill for archery unless you get lucky. Plan for the worst, and hope for the best. Welcome aboard.

Hunt hard, live right, and tell your kids you love 'em!

Slee
I talked with the director on Fort Lewis and he told me that if there were any elk that would be the place, but even he was sceptical if there were any at all. I scouted a bit last year off of Johnson creek rd but it seemed the only open area that was not private was the back entrances to Vail. Do you know of any areas that are open. One other option, do you know the packwood white pass area at all, I was thinking of scouting out an area up there.

By the way someone in the last weekend of modern firearm took a 165lb 5x5 out of training area 22.

Jbthehut, I'm not sure what units you are looking at for late archery, but I don't know of any unit in the packwood/white pass area that is open for late elk on the west side. As far as Johnson Creek area, I usually go in from the Thompson Creek Rd side which is across the river and on the other side of the reservoir. I've seen elk sign in there, but have never got into them. You can also come into the Skookumchuck unit from Hwy 7 south of Alder Lake.

Hunt hard, live right, and tell your kids you love 'em!

Afternoon all, we are back in England, got called back early. Well didn't do to bad, got a 3x4 whitetail, and the I got my first elk, shot a cow opening night, about an hour before sundown. Only thing was couldn't birng any of the meat back with me, but I know my grandparents will be eatng good for a while.

Sounds like you had a great leave Robb - glad you were able to have such great hunts!

http://www.wanwtf.org

Slee

Thanks for the info I'm going to check the area off thompson crk rd in the next couple of days. Another area iv'e been looking at is on the back side of alder lake and the far east end of the skook. I know there's a lot of timber land but you also have the snoqualmie national forest right there as well. The private timber lands are most likely gated but the national forest should be open. I'm going to scout there as well this week so if I find anything good I'll let you know. By the way be very careful in the Bucoda area and around the steam plant it is all closed and they do patrol it. I've heard rumors that you can request access but I have never been able to find out which office to talk to.

Evening all, hope all is well, not much going on here, back at work and working mid shift, oh joy!!! Saw 19 roosters today, they were all within 200 yards of each other, wish I had my shotgun!

Morning all, hope all is well, seems like you guys have been busy with hunting and all, hope everyone is having a great season!!!

Looks like a decent storm is rolling in... hopefully this will pound our neighbors to the north and start pushing down those birds! Ya'all have a good and safe weekend.

http://www.wanwtf.org