Lots of elk in Saddle Mountain unit, but is only 25% public land as I think you realize since you mention the gates. So unless you are going to buy access pass, perhaps focus on the Clatsop state forest on the east side of the unit (that Jewel Meadows wildlife area on the east side of the unit is where they feed the elk in the winter). But since it's an OTC archery tag you can drop down to one of the other coastal units that has more public lands as well as the tag is good for all open OTC units.
Saddle Mountain is 3pt minimum for archery elk season. If just looking to fill the freezer, there are "any elk" units on the OTC archery tag in Oregon to consider. Or even most other coastal units for an "any bull" option (Wilson and Trask to the south have more public land and still hold elk).
If you're set on Saddle Mountain and want to go to the private lands, keep your eye on the Weyco permits. I think the Weyco drive-in permits go on sale in June....I think it's typically a few days after the controlled draw results are out and they usually sell out in less than 10 minutes. I hear the walk-in permits have also gone pretty fast the past few years. But please don't quote me on that as it's been awhile, just go to Weyco's website and keep tabs on the permit dates. The benefit of the private land permits is they limit how many are sold, so you get less people in there compared to the public lands areas.
It's the coast, so it's thick/brushy in most places. But it's archery so that is fine as it's all close shots anyway, as long as you are in shape and fine with brush busting alot.
Lots of discussions on this unit over on iFish, just use the search function on that site and you'll get some decent info. Make sure and get a good map of the unit to make sure you know where all the gates and roads are if you choose to get a drive or walk in permit.
