I would go as big as possible. There are grizzlies in these mountains. Year before last I saw one up in unit 1 about 50 yards while I was bow hunting. All I had was my bow. He stood up and looked at me and I was thinking I shouldn't be here. I think he just couldn't figure out what I was. Finally he got wind of me and took off. I hiked back top the truck. Ihas nothingbut the bow and figured I need something with a little power in case I ever had to have it. I purched a 500 S&W. Its big, its heavy but It gives me a little piece of mind. Im not saying you ned a 500 but I wouldnt go and less than a 44 mag. Black Sheep has a descent selection of handguns most of the time. Go down and make one of the guys let you handle a few and see what you think you like. Tell them you want something that will put a bear on the ground.

As for concealing, make sure you have a concealed weapons permit

I have run into some strange charactors in unit 4 up on Bunko rd. That would also be a good reason to have something on the hip.