Out of the options listed the 357 is the Best choice...By all means bring the pistol. You can have the pistol on you at all times......
Never know when a shot opportunitee may present itself. I can't tell you how many times a hunter has leaned his rifle agaisnt a tree, walked a few yards and pulled his pant down...elk, and even ducks, just seem to be called by this one simple act, cause they always seem to run right up on top of you when you have your pants around your ankles.
357mag to the ribs at close range will easily kill elk....even with you pants around your ankles
The bears you speak of have learned that gunfire means food during hunting season. So the pistol is very comforting when you lean your rifle against a tree to gut an animal you just havested.
And besides you can never have too much amorment