Eagle Cap Traverse

The top trip in Oregon's Eagle Cap Wilderness takes you in a loop around Eagle Cap, Oregon's 13th tallest peak and through three high mountain passes. East Eagle trailhead has two main parking lots, the first one you come to is a trailer parking lot meant for horse trailers, but make sure you drive past that to the second parking lot for backpackers. From East Eagle trailhead, follow Trail 19...

The Wallowa Mountains are one of Oregon's best-kept secrets, and this overnight backpack into the Eagle Cap Wilderness will deliver you into the heart of the range. Following the East Eagle Creek through a valley filled with meadows and the occasional aspen, you will be surrounded by towering granite peaks on either side. The lake itself offers a tremendous vantage point of the valley and Jacks...

Starting at 6,490' in elevation, you get to experience all the benefits of hiking high up in the Eagle Cap Wilderness without the long, steep ascents typically found in the Wallowa Mountains. The trail starts in a forest that burned in a 1989 fire. You will soon reach your first of many stream crossings, look for a large log that allows you to cross Big Sheep Creek with dry feet. At the next fe...

Mirror Lake, one of the most photogenic and peaceful lakes in the area, is accessible via the Two-Pan Trailhead, off of Upper Lostine Road. The hike follows the river that flows down from the Lakes Basin, so water is plentiful throughout. You will slowly move up the valley, crossing the river a couple of times, so waterproof boots are a must. There is one occasion when wading through the water...

Starting at the end of Wallowa lake, this 18 mile roundtrip hike begins at 4,520' and remains pretty mellow over the first 2.5 miles. Total elevation gain of the hike is about 3380', ending at the Ice Lake which sits at 7,900'. Following the West-Fork Wallowa river trail 1820 for about 2 miles, until you switch to the Ice Lake trail 1808 and very quickly cross the river via log bridge. From her...

This trip begins at the Wallowa Lake Trailhead at the south end of the lake. Permits are free and self-issued at the trailhead. Parking is also free!Follow the West Fork Wallowa Trail (#1820) for 3.1 miles until you reach Ice Lake Trail (#1808). Take a right on 1808 if you want to do the Ice Lake and Matterhorn side trip. If not, continue on 1820 for 3.3 miles until you reach the junction with ...