Multisport Backpacking Trip to Lakes Basin and Eagle Cap, Wallowa Mountains

A beautiful alpine wilderness tucked quietly out in northeastern Oregon, this is a world-class multisport adventure destination.

From Lostine, Oregon, take the "Lostine River Road" southbound for approximately 16 miles to the parking lot at "Two Pan Trailhead." Prepare your gear and set off on a nearly 8 mile hike through the beautiful Lostine Valley on "East Lostine River Trail #1662." This hike gains about 4000ft in elevation, most of which is between mile 2 and 4. Do not let this portion discourage you! The views from the upper valley floor are spectacular enough to lift any blue spirit, or tired legs.

Upon arriving at the Lakes Basin you will come upon a cairn - take a left (east) and you will quickly arrive at Mirror Lake (about 7500ft), a stellar spot to pitch basecamp. The lake is stocked with a variety of fish by the Forest Service each summer, making it an angler's paradise.

Take a right at the cairn (west) and you will be led up a much steeper trail, about 3 miles long, toward the summit of Eagle Cap (9572ft), the crowning centerpiece of the Wallowa Mountains. From it's summit, expect delightful 360 degree views of the surrounding alpine terrain, an area teeming with deep blue lakes, bare granite peaks, and long colorful valleys, all begging to be explored.

For those who can't seem to ever leave their rock shoes and chalk bag at home, the Lakes Basin in teeming with granite bits large and small, of every, and any difficulty. Take day hikes, short or long to the surrounding vistas, and explore all of Oregon's "Little Alps."