Wallowa Mountains
Overview
Photo by Tom Snuffin - click on it for a chance to vote.
 |  |  |  |  |
Getting There
There are two primary approaches to Eagle Cap, the East Fork Lostine River trail and the West Fork Wallowa River trail. Drive I-84 east from Pendleton or west from Idaho to LaGrande. Take the Highway 82 exit and drive eastbound toward Elgin and Enterprise. After passing the town of Wallowa but before reaching Enterprise, you will find the town of Lostine. To access the East Fork Lostine trail, turn right on the Lostine River Road and drive to the end of the road. For the West Fork Wallowa trail, continue to Enterprise and Joseph on Highway 82, and keep going to the end of the highway at the south end of Wallowa Lake. The Wallowa Lake trailhead is at the very end of the road, elevation 4,600 feet. Take the West Fork Wallowa River trail.
 |  |  |  |  |
Red Tape
All trails and some picnic areas and campsites in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest require a regional pass costing $5/day or $30/year. Golden Age and Golden Access Passport holders may purchase the pass at a 50% discount. The Golden Eagle Passport does not apply to the Regional Northwest Forest Pass. Click here to find where one can be obtained.
When To Climb
The best time of year to climb Eagle Cap is from June through October.
 |  |
Camping
Camping is permitted in the Eagle Cap Wilderness, but is prohibited within 200 feet of streams.
 |  |  |
Mountain Conditions
Click here to learn how to obtain complete information about road and trail conditions and other information.
 |
External Links
Additions and Corrections
[ Post an Addition or Correction ]
|
| Bob Bolton | Untitled Comment | |
Hasn't voted | I reviewed the maps and surmise that you must be talking about the East and West Lostine trails instead of the East and West Wallowa trails. On the USGS topo map there is no label for the west fork Lostine River, but there is for the east fork. The western drainage does indeed lead to Minam Lake, so that must be the trail you're talking about. The West Fork Wallowa trail leaves from near Wallowa Lake, as does the East Fork Wallowa trail. The West Fork leads to Lake Basin and Frazier Lake, while the East Fork leads to Anaroid Lake. | |
| Posted Nov 22, 2005 5:31 pm | ||
| mtncorg | Untitled Comment | |
Hasn't voted | Note that the West Wallowa trail goes off to the right shortly up from the roadend - there was no sign up in '05. The way up this trail take one to Minam Lake, crossing a couple of fords that are bridgeless. From the south end of Minam Lake you have to ascend a connecting trail which takes you over to Mirror Lake. From the pass between the West and East Fork drainages, you have a glorious view to the Eagle Cap. If your interest is simply in paekbagging, then you need to concentrate on the East Fork trail which takes you direct. I would put the West Fork in the same category as the approach up via the Lakes Basin from Wallowa Lake. All three trails are fairly busy - early morning start is best to avoid the horses and crowds. This is one of the most fascinating areas Oregon has to offer. The view from the top demonstrates the pinwheel nature of the valleys, glacially created, as they come off the Cap, lying at the fulcrum of the Wallowas. | |
| Posted Nov 22, 2005 3:28 pm | ||
| Bob Bolton | Untitled Comment | |
Hasn't voted | I reviewed the maps and surmise that you must be talking about the East and West Lostine trails instead of the East and West Wallowa trails. On the USGS topo map there is no label for the west fork Lostine River, but there is for the east fork. The western drainage does indeed lead to Minam Lake, so that must be the trail you're talking about. The West Fork Wallowa trail leaves from near Wallowa Lake, as does the East Fork Wallowa trail. The West Fork leads to Lake Basin and Frazier Lake, while the East Fork leads to Anaroid Lake. | |
| Posted Nov 22, 2005 5:31 pm | ||
|
