Recommendation for Cleman Mountain

[brandoman84]

Hi all, I've been reading the forum for the past few years but this is my first-time posting. I grew up elk hunting in Montana and since I moved to WA in 2014 I've mostly continued to bowhunt in MT with non-resident tag. However, I'd love to establish some areas in WA so I can hunt more readily (and get one of those huge-bodied Roosevelt elk!).

For now I'm concentrating on late-season archery elk (I love tracking in the snow and assume this time of year will have fewer people). After doing some internet research and speaking to some region 3 DFW staff, I've honed in on Cleman Mountain (district 342) for this weekend and was wondering if anybody had any tips. I'm thinking of trekking up the south face of Cleman from highway 410,  passing through the trees on Sanford Pasture, and then popping over the top to hunt the draws on the north side of Cleman. What do you think about this strategy? Are there forest-service roads that are clear enough that I should consider driving instead of hiking up the face? I don't mind hiking but would love to drive as close as I easily can (particularly to get something out) but concerned about ice/snow depth on mountain roads (yes I have snow tires and chains).

I assume that I get anything I'll have to take it down the face of Sanford. If I get something on the north side I assume I'll have to pack it to the top of the mountain and then come back down the south side face as well. Eager to hear your thoughts, especially those who live nearby and/or who hunt this regularly.

[Mfowl]

You should definintely drive up to the top. It would be one helluva hike up and over from 410. Take the 1701 up and you can access just about anywhere in the 342 from there. The roads in this gmu are about as miserable as any I have driven on anywhere in the state and there are a lot of them. You would definitely stand a chance at finding elk with your strategy you described, just drive up, don't hike it.

[getreal711]

Pm sent

[Naches Sportsman]

I know of two rigs that had considerable damage after going off the road up there just last year alone and they both had chains on at the time.

Best advice is to drive until you hit ice then start walking. Instead of walking from the front side in that case I'd recommend coming in from the wenas side until you hit ice.

[trophyhunt]

Hey guys, does he need a discover pass when he gets towards the top?  I remember a big sign part way up?

[getreal711]

Yes discover pass and wdfw access passes are required in certain parts of that area. Yesterday most roads up there were passable with the exception of upper portions of 1711 and 1712 which were pretty icy. Bald my rd is accessible but icy closer to the top.

[Tinmaniac]

Can't help with where you are looking to hunt except to one thing,you won't find any big body rosies in any unit that starts with a 3.

[Nwgunner]

Unless your in the best of shape i would advise against hiking up the south face of cleman mountain.  If your just trying to get up top and hunt umtanum take 1701.  Roads are not that bad during early seasons but can get nasty once the snow flies.

[jackelope]

Can't help with where you are looking to hunt except to one thing,you won't find any big body rosies in any unit that starts with a 3.

^^^^^^^^
Dude makes a solid point.

[Karl Blanchard]

He clearly said hed love to get a big bodied rosie but for now late season will have to do.  You rosie guys are as bad as the blacktail nazi's!

To the OP, I very much like aspects of your idea, though that hike would be tiresome everyone hammers those roads and surrounding areas.  Lots of pressure.  Think outside the box when it comes to 342 and you will be rewarded.  Drove past one of my spots today for work and there was 50 head just chilling.  Hillside was torn up so they've been there for a while.  Darn near every hunter in the unit just drives right past 

[gasman]

Dont bother hiking up Clemons, stop in the Sanford  Pasture area and hunt..... plenty of elk in there