Buy a Mt. St. Helens Tree Farm map. Call the Weyco access line (866-636-6531) for updates on what roads are open for scouting. Load a mountain bike, come down in September, and find your elk and at least two backup bands. When opening day rolls around, the gates will either be closed or open, but you *should* be able to at least walk or bike in. If the woods are closed for fire danger, respect the closure and STAY OUT.
Scout, scout, scout. You can hunt without scouting, but your chances suffer. Cow tags are hardly guarantees.