Backpack-in wilderness hunt?

[Hunter mike]

I'm looking for some options (general areas/wildernesses) to check out for a rifle backpack hunt out of state.  Elk would be first choice, but might end up going for mule deer also/instead depending on the situation.  I'm looking for a drive to the trailhead type of backpack hunt.  Possibly solo, so not ridiculously far in (but plenty of off-trail work welcome).  I've spent a bit of time researching the Bob Marshall and some other well-known areas, but they seem to be dominated by horse packers.  I'd be interested in almost any hole-in-a-wall with a decent chance of connecting and sparse crowds.  More about the experience than the result, but at least a chance to see some animals I hope...

Any thoughts?  OTC tags also a plus.  I want to start taking a trip like this every year or at least every 2-3, just want to get started! 

[7mag.]

Check out the Frank Church Wilderness in Idaho.

[huntnnw]

The thing with horse packers is the same mentality u have about them being dominated is true to a point, but they rarely hunt from the trailhead to some areas 10 mi in! I have witnessed this in a wilderness unit and was pretty disappointed when I saw all the rigs and horses and soon realized i was the only guy hunting near the trailhead..the further I walked the more people I saw..there was more pressure 7 mi in than right at my truck

[Bookworm007]

How far are you willing to drive?

[Hunter mike]

Thanks for the input so far!

The Church is on my radar and a plus that it's relatively close.

Thanks for the ideas on hunting closer to the trailhead - I've seen similar things in areas frequently backpack hunted on a smaller scale(everyone is 5+ miles in and 2 miles is deserted).

I'm interested in any western state, but the closer the better.  This will be my first time branching out of WA.