MILL CREEK WATER SHED ACCESS

[MuleyAddict]

I have a tag for the watershed this year. I think I have decided to hunt up around the green peak area. I went up today to see where I could get access to the watershed trail off Lewis Peak Rd. I found two different gates stating private property on them at both places I was expecting to find access points. I ran into another guy on the way out who said he had hunted the watershed twice, and that those gates were blocking state land and were put up by some renegade homeowners up on top of Lewis Peak. I plan on contacting WDFW to get to the bottom of it. I was just curious if anyone on here had any more information about the gates at the end of Lewis Peak Rd.

[BobD]

I have a tag for the shed also and was up on Blacksnake Ridge and Biscuit Ridge roads with no problem.  The people that own cabins up there are sick of people coming up there and ripping off everything in sight!  If they cant steal it they will bust it up. 
  I spent 12 days camped in a 24ft trailer just inside of the gate at the end of Blacksnake.  The landowners were too freindly(got too drunk) when they found out who I was and that I had a shed tag.  The rut was weird to say the least.  The bulls would start somedays at sunrise and other days nothing!  Then the bugling would start about two hours before sunset and other eves nothing.  It seems like the middle of Sept. they should be bugling hot and heavy.  Met severls archery guys and found out that so far all of the bulls were taken opening day and then quit.  Or has gotten very slow!  But there is so much terrain and cover that you could hid a 747 in there.  I am looking for someone with horses or mules to ride in with me.  If anyone can help PLEASE let me know ASAP.  Anyway I would find out who lives on Lewis Rd. and go meet them.  Once they know who you are it will probably be fine.

[jackelope]

you can't ride in with anyone.

[high country]

lewis peak is 100% private on top. I spent the weekend on green, deadman and everything within 5 miles, bottom line is the hunt is a TOUGH one and the extra few miles of hiking the intake trail is the least of your worries. jack is right, in and out on your own every day. I suggest running stair laps everyday for 5 years before you even consider this hunt. not to be a downer, just keeping it real.

you could spike it, but switchback is the only water up o the trail for miles and it is a hump from green.

good luck.

[HUNT]

you can't ride in with anyone.

You are allowed to take one person with you.

[Hoythunter]

I thought you are only allowed to take one person in with you AFTER you killed your elk?  At least that was the rule when I drew the tag back in 2006; I hope that game department has or willl change that rule due to the terrain being so dangerous to hunt solo.  Great unit, incredibly tough county.

Good luck to you, tag a BIG one.  I'd be happy to share my access points / experience of the Watershed with you if you'd like to send me a PM.

[high country]

you can take one non gun toting, non guiding friend.......but they have to stay within sight, as was relayed to me......so a guy hangin' with the stock won't fly.

[Scott]

The most access you will find is probably on buscuit ridge road.  But there is a couple spots on klicker before the wire gate to access the shed and to camp. 

[carpsniperg2]

welcome scott, very good info for your fist post. there is a intro area under the general area. that you could post and tell us about yourself as well. welcome aboard

[gramps]

Many yrs ago I went in from the Oregon side and then out Paradise ridge...not easy either.  You can also go up from the bottom..never done that so don't know how it is.  Good Luck

[HUNT]

There is no EASY access to the shed. 

[firecrotch]

The most access you will find is probably on buscuit ridge road.  But there is a couple spots on klicker before the wire gate to access the shed and to camp. 

yes there is, but you might want to be carefull in that area, some cabin/property owners may be a little frustrated with you usuing their property as an access point. like what was said above there has been lots of break in's and people abusing the land up there. i know of many ppl that have been very successful around green there is always alot of elk in there.  the watershed is huge and has many places to dump off into. wdfw would be a great start. good luck

nick

[BobD]

OK the letter that I received for the 2010 watershed tag says one person may go in with me two hours before sunrise and must be out two hours after sunset.  Then after my successful harvest  three people can assist in a prompt removal.  Also must have way too much paperwork!
 After talking to many locals from Walla Walla i.e. Les Schwab employees, cabin owners, several Klickers, people from county Sheriff and Fire Dept. members  and several past "shed" hunters.  Abel Garcia (dont go behind the signs at all) and even the VERY FREINDLY LARRY SHERRY. I am totally and completely 100% concerned of the reality of my hunt.  I know I can spot a bull for opening day.  I already did it.  But if I take a shot the first legal second of opening morning then my "hunt" is over.   Do I really want that?  What about the quality of the hunt?  Do I use a week or ten days before the hunt gaining access and using optics to do the walking  or  Do my spotting then make entry or No spotting and walk the intake trail or enter in Ore. or hike 2.5 miles to start hunting the bottom and come out    or   or   or 
 The watershed has been closed to human entry starting in 1917 and I don’t think many people wanted to go in there before that.  To me it is a ecological wonder. I am sure that it is still touched by man, but as close to clean as this earth gets.
A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU TO KEVIN Mc, L.B. and G.G. on Blacksnakeridge rd.

[jimkirk]

this is public land still. take the first decent legal elk. first hour if you see it. even if you score on the first day, you'll spend two more packing it out.  you'll cherish and remember every step up hill.

[youngchristof]

good luck. really.  but like the one guy said, start pounding the stairs and cardio excersize!! she is a steep one  

[tshoote30]

good luck. really.  but like the one guy said, start pounding the stairs and cardio excersize!! she is a steep one  

Boy Howdy is it steep I can only imagine, our first year up there we hunted across the way just east of the Shed and just north of the Oregon border. only did that hike Once. never went back, i like a little challenge but that was a bit much right out of the box that is for sure.  on our part.

Good luck getting in and bagging a monster.....

[jackelope]

It sounds as if maybe the rules for access have changed?

[BobD]

The rules changed ether this year or last.  Everytime that I tell someone about it I am always told.  No you can not take anyone one until its down ...

It is a once in a life time hunt for me (long story) and I hope to make the very best I can.  Started as soon as I learned of the draw.  Drove Mill Creek to Kendal S Skyline rd. and had to turn around just past Table Rock due to snow drifts still 10 ft. deep across the road in areas that are rock wall on one side and almost straight down the other.  This means you DO NOT GO OFF THE F#$KING ROAD!  I was born in Spokane and have hunted every corner of the state except for the blues.  I really had no need. 
The one thing that has really impressed me is the friendliness of the people.  If a local finds out that you have a tag for the shed they or a friend of theirs will help you drag / carry a bull out for you.      

Don't forget to call back Nick

[BobD]

Will anyone be going over this coming weekend?

[BENCHLEG]

bobD , do not tell people about the rule change that will keep the odds of drawin better for the rest of us. good luck go down from table rock and hike back up with a bull it will only hurt for the night. the memorys will last forever.

[BobD]

I want to make the best of it so I think that I will start on top.  Work my way into the thick.  Smack a bigun.  And RIDE IT TO THE TOP!!!

[BLUEBULLS]

bobD , do not tell people about the rule change that will keep the odds of drawin better for the rest of us. good luck go down from table rock and hike back up with a bull it will only hurt for the night. the memorys will last forever.

you mean, it will hurt for the night... and the next night.... and the...

sure would make good memories, the tough ones are always the best!!