Unlike many units in the state, you won’t have to spend hours figuring out where you should be headed when the sun comes up opening morning; the summit of Mount Saint Helens and the lava fields below it are the only suitable goat habitat inside this unit. Expect some long, steep climbs in order to get into a position for a shot, but with very little vegetation covering the area, your time should be spent behind your optics well before you take one step up the mountain. If you come physically prepared and have patience, you could have a chance at a great Billy.

There is no question that you will want to focus all of your efforts on Mount Saint Helens, as there have been many reports of mountain goats in this area.

The dominant terrain feature in this unit is the famous Mount Saint Helens Volcano; being that it has only been 38 years since the last major eruption, the amount of vegetation, once you reach the lava fields, is minimal at best. Expect some grasses and wildflowers scattered sporadically throughout, but overall it is rather barren. Below the lava fields is heavy timber and forest; staying on the established trails will help you navigate these areas quickly and get you into better goat habitat much easier. There is very little water in this unit, so take this into serious consideration when planning your spike camp.

A large array of different vegetation can be found in the Gifford National Forest; you can expect to see many species, including but not limited to vine maple, sword fern, douglas fir, western red cedar, alder, western hemlock, mountain hemlock, and the yellow cedar. Multiple species of grasses, ferns, shrubbery, and wildflowers make up the forest floor. Most of the vegetation, except the wildflowers and some grass, will begin to fade as you gain elevation.

Access is limited to two different roads on the south side of the unit, coming from the east and the west. Lava Canyon Road comes in on the east side of the unit and has multiple trailheads that will take you towards the summit including June Lake trailhead, which is more or less centered up in the unit and will get you above the tree line and into the lava fields in a little over a mile. National Forest Road 81 comes in from the west and again has a number of trailheads heading towards the summit. Trail 238 comes off of this road and will come out of the timber after a couple of miles and into the lava fields. Trail 216 circles the lava fields at the tree line. There is only one established trail, 216H, that makes its way straight up the summit, it is very physical and usually not necessary in order to be successful.

Prepare for spike camping in the backcountry during this hunt, and double check with the National Forest for any closures, restrictions, or permits you may need for your stay. If you are looking for a more established campground for your base camp, Kalama Horse Camp Campground is just outside of the unit, on the southwest corner on National Forest Road 8100. If you are in need of a bed and shower, fuel, and groceries, you will find these things back on Hwy 503 to the south around Yale Lake and Swift Reservoir. Because this unit is so remote, most of your shopping should be done before heading here.