I drew cow about 4 or so years back. The weather was hands down the biggest factor. When it was wet and foggy there was nothing happening unless you got into the backend but it is a slog. If it is not fogged in, there is beautiful land and great visibility for spotting elk within the first few miles. As it was said elsewhere, there are some really steep areas you will want to watch, especially if wet or foggy. Pick your shots, an elk may run 15 yds right and be 300 yds or more straight downhill.
Happy to talk about the hunt if you shoot a pm.