Eagle Cap Wilderness
The Eagle Cap Wilderness, at 361,446 acres (556 sq miles) is Oregon's largest. Within these white salt-and-pepper granite mountains you'll find approximately 534 miles of developed trails and over 50 lakes to explore, including Legore at an elevation of 8,880 feet- Oregon's highest.
Prior to the coming of the white man, this was all part of the homeland of the Niimipu (Nez Perce). They used this area primarily in the summer months for grazing their horses, hunting, fishing and the gathering of huckleberries and other plants. Most of the trails in use today were long established by the Nez Perce, although the Forest Service made some switchbacks in certain places to deal with the steepness.
The ecosystems vary from cool, mixed fir & pine forests, to high alpine meadows. Almost everywhere you travel you'll plenty of cold, clear water. Classic glacial cirque lakes are common with many that have both stocked and natural populations of Eastern Brook and Rainbow Trout. Elevations range from about 3,000 feet to 9845 feet (Sacajawea Peak) and there are 31 other summits exceeding 8,000 feet. The most popular area within the Eagle Cap is the Lakes Basin Management Area which caries some additional restrictions due to its popularity.
Trails are easy to difficult and most are rocky. Horses should be freshly shod and a temporary boot/shoe should always be part of your gear.
Wildlife includes Mule Deer, Elk, Mountain Goat, Bighorn Sheep, Pine Squirrel, Pica, Pine Martin, Mink, Beaver and River Otter. There are also Black Bear, Cougar, Coyotes, Red Fox and Wolves- though the chances of an encounter are rare and there is no record of any attacks in this area from any of the top predators.
While many are content to admire the beauty of these mountains from the outside, entering the core opens up an experience that totally upends the notion that 'beauty is only skin-deep.' Your appreciation of this National Treasure increases exponentially with every effort you make to explore farther into it.
See the USDA Forest Service, Eagle Cap page for more detailed information or visit our hiking page for trail information.
This steep trail accesses the main destinations of Aneroid Lake and Tenderfoot Pass. Its popularity is somewhat limited because of its arduous nature, making it the perfect trail for the fit and those who enjoy a little extra tranquility.
If you’re planning on hiking the Eagle Cap but haven’t quite got your hiking legs on, a little known shortcut into the mountains is the Tenderfoot Trailhead. Right from the start, you’re almost 2000’ higher (at 6500’) than any of the other local trailheads and it’s just 3.6 miles to Bonny Lakes, a beautiful destination. From there you have you have opportunities to explore other features that are close by, making this a great option for day hikers or for overnight campers looking for an easier way into wilderness.
Another great trailhead into the Eagle Cap is found just a short drive away. It offers two possibilities (actually three). One is to take the fairly gradual trail into the beautiful McCully Basin, about 5 miles and gaining 1900’. The other is to follow the tram service road up the back side of Mt. Howard for 3.5 miles up to the top tramway station, gaining 3000’ in the hike.
The second most popular trailhead (after the Wallowa Lake Trailhead) is located just a short country drive away.
You don’t have to go far to find something spectacular around Joseph. Start at the Wallowa Lake Trailhead and head up the West Fork Trail (#1820) on the right. Go about ¼ mile to where the trail forks and go right at that fork. In just a few feet you’ll see that the main trail follows left in about the same direction (upstream) that you were going at the fork, but if you want to see the falls, you’ll need to follow the less-used trail to the right (downstream, in the opposite direction of the main Chief Joseph Trail).
The Wallowa Lake Trailhead is at the end of Hwy 82, just 7 miles south of Joseph, Oregon. This is where you'll find the main local trailhead into Oregon's Largest Wilderness, The Eagle Cap. If you thought this area was beautiful from the outside, entering the wilderness will simply blow you away!
The stunning landscape around Joseph Oregon is characterized by extremes of elevation. While most rightly associate the Joseph area with the mountains, a large area is actually made up of canyons.
This excursion allows one to experience the many environs of the area and will also give you a look into the regions past. Joseph Canyon was a wintering ground for the Wallowa Band of the Nez Perce. The failed town of Flora was once a thriving pioneer town. Troy was settled by early Mormons in the 1890's. The area remains an active spot for river recreation. Each of these locations has something unique to offer and will give the explorer a greater appreciation of the area.
Buckhorn Lookout presents one of the most vast and beautiful canyon views anywhere, even if you've visited The Grand Canyon. The beautiful drive travels through Oregon’s largest natural intact grassland: The Zumwalt Prairie. In June there are wildflowers galore and the emerald green fields of grass when they’re moving in a breeze are a sight to behold. If you come in late July to August be sure to check the forested areas for Huckleberries- they’re a scrumptious treat!
The Hells Canyon overlook presents a perfect opportunity to travel the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway, a favorite for those into 'touring', whether by bicycle, motorcycle, car or RV. This is also a great route to see the upper Imnaha River region and some of the most beautiful old-growth Ponderosa Pine forests in the lower 48.
This tour includes two major canyons that are distinctly unique and beautiful in their own way. Hells Canyon is the deepest gorge in North America and the Imnaha Canyon is Northeastern Oregon’s second largest; together they form the heart of the Hells Canyon Recreation area. Standing on the ridge across from the Seven Devils Mountains is a sight like no other, truly a natural wonder. The journey offers several pull-outs with incredible views plus an opportunity to stop in Imnaha for food or refreshments.
