Without being too specific, I've been to some of the places you've mentioned. I saw a pair of bucks and never got a shot. Others we saw had seen bear but couldn't get a shot. High country is always tough, but it does seem a little easier if you can locate areas with good visibility. Thick and high country is tough to find stuff. Try to find areas to target where you might be able to look across at openings or open areas that you can do a spot and stalk.
The deer are there, the bears are there, its worth a shot. Still, I'd probably go to the east side having done both. An hour long drive for more opportunity isnt too bad in my book.
The rest is up to you, but hopefully this gets you started.