I use a 270 short mag wityh 130 grain bullet I have killed a bear with it a few yrs back. I have heard out towards brooklyn is good just find a logging road? I think there is a davis creek out that way and I have heard there are lots of bears out that way but I dont know the area. I appreciate the info, skate creek huh? did you hunt for bear hard up there did you see lots? I live in Centralia so I might make it up there a time or two, Brooklyn is a little closer so I am definantly going to check it out.