It may be time to trade er in on a 4x4. That sure can be 4x4 country. I've seen times in the fall when folks drove in for a stay and the weather turned. Then they one heck of a time getting back out. Snow can come fast and hard, as you know. Another example is the hill at Red Bridge, easy down that hill, up at times not so much.
It's not a bad idea to look up. I have read more than one report of little ones in trees. I don't need to tell you that one could spot any number of critters up trees in that neck of the woods. What is it they say out west? "Look up your in Cougar country" Speaking of cougars, you said you have heard them at times up that way. Tell us about that if you would.