I archery deer hunted it in 2016. It's good hike into there. You'll need to be in pretty deep before you get into the elk but there are elk in there. I saw plenty about 2 miles in. I parked at the area just south of Toponas and walked in. I've kinda always wanted to head back in but have found plenty of elk closer to home. There was a bit of competition during archery season. I bet the rifle seasons are going to be worse. That said, doesn't matter where you are in this state, get a mile and a half off the road and the competition goes WAY down. About the trails,... elk do not live in areas where the travel conditions are easy with maintained trails. Get a bear tag if you can afford it.
Good luck,
Todd
