Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Elk Hunting => Topic started by: Dadbear on July 29, 2008, 06:48:47 PM

Title: St. Helens Pumice Plains Tag -- Access?
Post by: Dadbear on July 29, 2008, 06:48:47 PM: 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.
Title: Re: St. Helens Pumice Plains Tag -- Access?
Post by: BENCHLEG on July 29, 2008, 07:19:04 PM: 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
Title: Re: St. Helens Pumice Plains Tag -- Access?
Post by: Dadbear on July 29, 2008, 09:42:21 PM: Thanks for the help, BENCHLEG.
Title: Re: St. Helens Pumice Plains Tag -- Access?
Post by: huntnphool on July 29, 2008, 09:53:26 PM: dadbear, PM sent
Title: Re: St. Helens Pumice Plains Tag -- Access?
Post by: jadeball1 on July 30, 2008, 06:47:34 AM: 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!
Title: Re: St. Helens Pumice Plains Tag -- Access?
Post by: TheHunt on July 30, 2008, 10:31:28 AM: Yep, lots of pictures....
Title: Re: St. Helens Pumice Plains Tag -- Access?
Post by: EastWaViking on July 30, 2008, 10:59:49 AM: Dad Bear.... PM sent.
Title: Re: St. Helens Pumice Plains Tag -- Access?
Post by: Dadbear on July 30, 2008, 11:59:23 AM: You guys are all really helpful...this info is giving me lots of options.
Title: Re: St. Helens Pumice Plains Tag -- Access?
Post by: Alchase on July 30, 2008, 01:45:19 PM: Here you go to Gifford Pinchot

http://www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/
Title: Re: St. Helens Pumice Plains Tag -- Access?
Post by: Fullabull on July 30, 2008, 01:45:47 PM: Try this site,,,you can find all the trails you want.

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

fulla
Title: Re: St. Helens Pumice Plains Tag -- Access?
Post by: Shawn Ryan on July 31, 2008, 04:18:01 PM: 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.
Title: Re: St. Helens Pumice Plains Tag -- Access?
Post by: Dadbear on July 31, 2008, 11:25:23 PM: Shawn...thanks a bunch! Like I've said already, it's great to get to get help from so many fellow hunters.