Unit 16

Major summits including Man Peak, Mount McDougal, Mount Coffin, and Deadman Mountain provide critical glassing and navigation references across the high country. Grayback Ridge and Star Peaks offer ridge-line terrain useful for travel and reconnaissance. Lower drainages are marked by named creeks—Mill Creek, Placer Creek, Skull Creek, and others—that serve as travel corridors.

Multiple meadows including Poison Meadows, Indian Grave Flat, and Roosevelt Meadows offer openings in the forest. Telephone Pass, Pickle Pass, and Box Canyon Pass provide cross-terrain routes. These features help hunters navigate the complex topography.

Terrain rises sharply from lower valley bottoms around 5,600 feet into high-elevation ridges exceeding 11,300 feet. Most of the unit sits between 7,500 and 9,500 feet where dense coniferous forest prevails—primarily lodgepole, subalpine fir, and spruce. Lower elevations support mixed conifer and occasional aspen groves.

Upper ridges transition to sparse timber and alpine meadows. Elevation changes are dramatic across short distances, creating distinct habitat zones. The steep topography limits flat ground and concentrates water in drainages.

Over 580 miles of roads penetrate the unit, but access patterns are selective. Most roads are secondary forest roads that branch off main valleys, meaning vehicle access reaches only partway into the country. The steep terrain itself acts as a pressure regulator—hunters willing to climb and hike find solitude quickly.

Roads cluster in lower drainages near streams and meadows; upper ridges and remote canyons see minimal pressure. Alpine provides a logical staging area. The combination of road access and steep terrain means the unit divides clearly between accessible and remote zones.

Unit 16 encompasses all drainages of the Greys River and Little Greys River, plus drainages south of the Snake River from Alpine east to Bailey Creek. The unit sits in the upper Snake River valley, anchored by the small town of Alpine to the west. Steep mountainous terrain dominates throughout, with the Greys River and its tributaries forming the primary drainage system.

The Snake River forms part of the southern boundary, while ridges and peaks mark northern and eastern limits. This is genuine backcountry—accessible but substantial.

Water is limited but present. The main Greys River and Little Greys River flow year-round through their drainages, offering reliable water along valley bottoms. Numerous named creeks including Murphy Creek, Whiskey Creek, and Squirrel Creek provide seasonal flow.

Springs like Young Spring and Shot Hole Spring exist but require knowledge to locate. High-elevation lakes including Rock Lake, South Three Forks Lakes, Blind Bull Lake, and Crow Creek Lakes offer alpine water sources. Hunting strategy must account for water scarcity in upper drainages during dry periods.

This is black bear country where habitat quality and density depend on elevation and food sources. Dense forest at mid to high elevations provides cover and thermal refuge. Lower drainages with mixed conifer and aspen offer spring green-up forage and berry patches in late summer.

High-elevation meadows and saddles concentrate bears during early season. Water-driven travel through creeks and drainages is critical for locating bears. The steep terrain requires physical fitness and route-finding skills.

Success depends on understanding seasonal movement between drainages and elevation zones rather than relying on roads. Earlier season hunting before high alpine snows provides best access to upper country.