I would not camp at Bearpaw. In fact my family chose to pass it up and continue to nine mile on the return trip a few years ago. Bp is dry, dusty overused camps in the deep woods, no view and no "meadow" at all. Nine mile is also woodsy, but a much nicer spot. Buck Creek is spectacular, has protected sites but with views, rushing water, just below Bearpaw.
i second Steve's advice on starting at Crescent. Easy acclimitization to Hamilton: 1500 feet over 17 miles.
