The reference to Boyd Iverson is a good start. His book is a great way to figure out how to work the woods on any animal. I haven't found any western WA books on hunting elk as they all seem to be putting out info on the elk of the Rockies (or at least east of the Cascades) more than anything. Most good western Wa elk country is thick and brushy. I get most of my elk in the timber or the timber edges in the morning. My favorite saying for elk is 'steep and deep' as they have a tendency to bed down on little benches in the timber on side hills above a drainage. The big bulls like to lay up against stumps or downed trees with their backs uphill watching the downhill escape routes. The even bigger bulls will crawl into the nastiest stuff they can find and stay there during daylight; only moving around at night.
When you get close they may try to sneak out but on several occasions I've had them bust out on a run as close as 15 yds away so be ready at all times. The elk I got this year was still asleep in his bed when I got him but I always have my rifle ready in the timber. I also carry a cow call around my neck so I can try to stop them if I don't get an initial shot when they head out. I've literally chased them through the woods letting out a cow call now and then to get them to stop for a split second. Sometimes it's the only shot you've got..
If there are elk in the area you'll see the sign; large rubs, tracks everywhere, and game trails that look like someone put them in with a rototiller. If it looks 'elky' it usually is. Always keep the wind in your face or quartering to you as elk will not stick around if they catch any scent of you. They can see you and hear you and maybe hang around for a shot but if they scent you they will be gone before you even know they are there.
Keep the wind in your face and 'steep and deep' and you'll run into elk eventually. Good luck.
