I haven' t hunted Ruffed Grouse out west since I was kid but I do a fair share here in the NorthEast. Some of the things I look for in good grouse country are...

think undergrowth .. look for clear cut areas that are a few years old
water .. all my best spots have some water source even if it is just a wet spot or 2
south facing slopes in the cold weather
find their food ... grape vines, berry patches .. whatever they eat for your area
off the beaten path

bring a dog if possible .. so much more fun .. if you don' t have 1, walking old skidder trails stopping often .. they usually bolt when you' re stopped. Good luck hitting a grouse on a blind flush .. they are tough enough when you' re expecting it behind a dog!