Monte Cristo range lies to the west, Yakama Nation Reservation to the north, Columbia River on the short southern border, and large expanses of arid scab land across the Klickitat River on the eastern boundary. The bulk of the unit is private land with a few large tracts owned by various timber companies in the north, along with agricultural land of many sizes, commonly cattle, hay and dryland grains. The bulk of private land, however, is broken into very small pieces of single family ranchettes, rural properties and summer homes popping up throughout the unit which will continue to affect big game behavior and hunting opportunities. Hunters willing to put in a little work scouting can find places to hunt as there are numbers small tracts of state ground and BLM chunks.

Conboy Lake Wildlife Refuge is closed to elk and deer hunting.

The area has a broken forest east of the Monte Cristo Range with large areas of light forests to wide open rangeland. The unit has relatively easy terrain and it progressively gets easier the further east and south you go with large tracts clearcut for rangeland, ranching and dryland crops. With the exception of the far northern portion, this unit has all been touched by the hand of man to one extent or another and largely consists of very small private land chunks. The area becomes significantly more open and arid the further east you go to the Klickitat River.

This unit is predominantly private with state ground mixed in. Bring a GPS to know exactly where you stand as far as boundaries are concerned. The largest continuous chunk of public is located along the northern border.

The 2015 Cougar Creek fire burned the northern corner along the Yakama Nation Reservation. This is within the largest chunk of state ground and the most heavily forested. The bulk of the unit has been timbered to some degree. Farmlands hold hay, grains and cattle. Native and non-native grasses comprise the rangeland.

Primitive camping in the National Forest is allowed for the majority of the year, but various fire bans and forest road closures may happen, so double check any restrictions or permits necessary prior to your trip. Camping is not allowed at Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge. If you are more interested in a bed and a shower and staying closer to gas stations, restaurants, and a grocery store, your best option is White Salmon.