GMU 642 - Copalis, Washington

Extremely low-elevation coastal unit (0–140 ft elevation). Rolling second- and third-growth conifer forest dominated by Douglas fir, western hemlock, and red alder. Tidal flats and coastal wetlands along the Pacific shore. Dense canopy with regenerating clear-cuts in various stages of regrowth. Northern edge borders Olympic National Forest area; the bulk of the unit is intensively managed industrial timberland moving south toward Grays Harbor. No significant mountain terrain — flat-to-gently-rolling logged lowland with swamps, creek bottoms, and occasional river drainages.

WDFW Access Rating: POOR. Primary landowner is Rayonier, which manages land under three tiers: recreational lease (leaseholders only), seasonal permit (fee permit required), and general permit areas (free permit from Rayonier required). Green Diamond also holds land in GMU 642 — lands are mostly open to non-motorized access with some road openings as fire danger allows. Grays Harbor County and Olympic Resource Management also hold parcels. Public land is approximately 9% of the unit (GoHunt). Most spur roads are gated; only main logging roads may open during general firearm season. Motorized access is highly restricted — mountain bikes behind locked gates are a common and effective hunter tactic. Archery and muzzleloader hunters face additional access restrictions as many companies only open roads for modern firearm season. Contact Rayonier (rayoniertimberlands.com) and Green Diamond before any season. WDFW Region 6 office in Montesano: 360-249-4628.

Second- and third-growth Douglas fir and western hemlock dominate closed-canopy stands. Red alder grows in riparian corridors and disturbed areas. Clear-cuts in the 3–9 year regeneration phase hold the highest deer densities. Salal, elderberry, salmonberry, huckleberry, blackberry, and cascara dominate the understory shrub layer and are key food sources for deer and black bear. Coastal wetlands and tidal marsh occur along the Pacific edge. The industrial forest mosaic shifts frequently with active timber harvest cycles.

Roosevelt elk in GMU 642 belong to the Olympic elk herd (shared with GMUs 618, 638, and 648). Elk concentrate near fresh timber harvests and swamp edges at dawn and dusk but retreat to thick closed-canopy stands and creek bottoms during daylight. Elk do not tend to move far — if sign is found and animals have left, they are typically within 1–2 miles. Black-tailed deer have small home ranges (average 86 acres per WDFW GPS-collar research). Deer densities are highest in 3–9 year regeneration clear-cuts. Buck rut movement peaks the last week of October and first week of November. Black bear follow berry crops in clear-cuts — elderberry, salmonberry, huckleberry, and salal are key fall attractants.

GMU 642 is a lower-production elk unit in District 17 — WDFW directs elk hunters seeking the best opportunity toward GMUs 673, 672, 660, and 681 (Willapa Hills herd). GMU 642 elk are Olympic herd animals with general OTC tags; no limited-entry draw tags are issued specifically for this unit. Elk require a 3-point minimum antler restriction on all seasons. Elk hoof disease (TAHD, treponeme-associated) is present in the Olympic herd — hunters should report limping elk and may participate in the WDFW TAHD Incentive Program for a chance at a special any-bull permit. Cougar are present; GMU 642 is in the 638/642/648 cougar cap group (cap of 8). District 17 deer hunter success is 15–20% district-wide. Private timber access fees are increasing — several companies now charge hundreds of dollars for seasonal permits. Check all access rules posted at gates and verify current regulations before each season.