UPDATE: Just got back to civilization
We slayed the big bucks! Didn't seem to matter what the elevation was. It was all about the feedin and the breedin! Find the soft, thin grass, find the does, find the 3 and 4 point bucks.
My dad killed a 108" green score monster.

Mine is smaller than that, but a nice 4x3 non-typical with lots of character. I got him at 1000' elevation. Worth the hike for certain.

All in all, we killed four 4 points and four 3 points and a red fox amongst 6 hunters. It was a great trip but I am happy to be headed back home. Every stitch of clothing I brought with me is soaked, including two sets of dry-plus gear. That rain/sleet/snow was unrelenting.
Thanks to everyone for your advice. We saw two brown bear walking the beach (from the boat, safest way to see them!) No bear trouble at all.