Recreation access to timberland in 506

[simpleperson]

Hi,

I posted recently about my first deer expedition with my brother, and am now getting pumped to go in search of elk. Being completely new to this, I'm having trouble determining whether or not there is public access to timberland in 506.

I'm using On x maps to figure out public/private land. I know companies like Wayerhouser require a permit, but I can't find anything on some of the areas in 506. I'm seeing companies like TC&I,  manulife, longview timberlands, etc., all of which have no information (that I can find) from googling. Since this is pretty far from me (Seattle), I'd like to do my best to have some kind of game plan before we head down there. Do these companies have public access? And what kind of access do you get?

Also, I'm heading that way because our tags are west-side tags. Given that this is all new to us, we're trying to go somewhere with higher success rates, and it does seem like south olympic and St. Helens are the areas to go for west side tags. If I'm missing something, I'd be more than happy to find a place closer to home.

Thanks!

[Mudman]

Welcome to our world!  Spend more time trying to not be a criminal than hunting.  Its a mess.  I do a lot of research trying to figure it out as well.  Only advise is if you aren't sure than don't risk it.  This state and private permit has turned it into an unenjoyable process.  Gov. land seems the safest route.  Try the County assessor site for more info..

[Elkcollector82]

Well let's see if I can help you out. Weyco aka as Weyerhaeuser owns a big chunk in that area. Longview timber land was bought out by weyco. So you would have to buy the southwest Colombia land permit from weyco. Believe it's $250. Not sure. You would have to go to google weyco permit to get their area map. Rayonier timber land owns the vast majority that is left. You would have to go on rayonier timberland site choose recreational permit. Then choose Washington state. I do know rayonier sells there land in chunk. Vast majority of there general permit area is up in the northwest corner Clearwater/Forks area. There is a chunk's of state land. It's surrounded by weyco and rayonier ground. Hancock and Sierra pacific own land in that area also. So not sure how updated your onX map is. But they changed hands pretty often. Also rayonier sold a chunk of land to another companies here recently. You would have to google that search to. Sierra pacific allows walk in on there land. But like said in previous post. If your not sure don't go.

[mazama]

Hancock timber has an office on hiway 4,they give out free maps of their property,they are located in cathlament,there is not much public land down there,i hunt private land backed up to timber company land.

[olesmokey]

GMU 506 Williams hills is mostly owned by private timber lands.  The only two in the area that charge for access is Weyerhauser and rayonier. 
Two very useful sites are
Cowlitz county assessor parcel search
Pacific county assessor parcel search
Unfortunately wahkiakum county has none
These are up to date.
TCI,sierra,hancock,.....all allow access on a walk in basis.

[olesmokey]

Willapa hills 506.  Spell check....I hate it.

[simpleperson]

Thanks a ton. This is very helpful. I'll check out those sites. hancock allows public access? Hmm, I thought I had seen a need for a permit. Thanks again.

[Elkcollector82]

To my knowledge (correct me if I'm wrong) only land that Hancock charges for is up by GMU 654 and couple surrounding units. I did hear though that they will be charging for all land access next year though. But again that is just hear say and I haven't read or herd it from a Hancock resource.

[scoutdog346]

I've goten the permit for "Rainier Timber Company" and "wearhouser" a few times in gmu 506 just in case u want to know aything about that permit.