St. Helens Pumice Plains Tag -- Access?

[Dadbear]

Hi There,
I'm new to the website, and it seems like everyone is really helpful. I live in West/WA. Archery and some modern firearm. I really enjoy archery for blacktails. No bait or guides.

I drew a Pumice Plains "A" tag for this year's upcoming modern firearm elk hunt. This elk unit is in the Loowit and the unit boundary is the trail system just north of the crater. I'm looking forward to it because it will be a walk in only hunt in some really cool terrain (also only 14 tags were issued). My question is, does anyone have any suggestions on how to access the trail system? I'm thinking the 3000 line near Castle Lake, but this of course depends on what Weyerhauser does due to weather, etc. Possibly from Windy Ridge or the 26 Road.  The hunt date is Oct 18. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks for your time.

[BENCHLEG]

i read in fridays paper that the 99 is closed at bear meadows. so check with the forest service. it was in the columbian.friday july 25 th. good luck J

[Dadbear]

Thanks for the help, BENCHLEG.

[huntnphool]

dadbear, PM sent

[jadeball1]

Go to the gifford pinchoet website. It shows access to all areas around the crater, attractions, and trails. It tells you where you need to get your permit and road closures and updates.  Good luck, pictures would be nice!

[TheHunt]

Yep, lots of pictures....

[EastWaViking]

Dad Bear.... PM sent.

[Dadbear]

You guys are all really helpful...this info is giving me lots of options.

[Alchase]

Here you go to Gifford Pinchot


http://www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/

[Fullabull]

Try this site,,,you can find all the trails you want.

http://www.populartrails.net/giffordNF.html

fulla

[Shawn Ryan]

In 2004 we drew Toutle tags and hunted the Toutle unit's far east end where the 216G trail comes in.  We hiked the 216G several times in scouting and even when accessing part of the area during the hunt. The trail is an easy walk.  There were often herds right below the 216G and plenty between where the 216G meets the DNR road (don't recall the number, but its the mainline) and the remainder of the 216 trail system.  I left my bow on the trail one day and sneaked down to a herd just above Castle Lake to snap the attached photo of a nice 5x5.  Good luck on your hunt.

[Dadbear]

Shawn...thanks a bunch! Like I've said already, it's great to get to get help from so many fellow hunters.