A lovely area; check out the basins to the east below Stephen Pk. if you have time. Here's an alternative approach / exit, though it looks pretty gnarly with skis. Might be worth it earlier in the year when the Soleduc Road is closed:
peakbagger.com/peak.aspx?pid=965
Several lost High Divide / Bailey Range hikers over the decades have come out to the Elwha via Cat Creek. I suspect there are strong elk trails higher up, above the lower gorge.
