11.2 hr
Overview
The south side of the Wallowas sees far fewer visitors than the northern access routes from Lostine and Joseph. Yet there are similar raw granite slopes, bright displays of wildflowers, rushing creeks, alpine lakes and meadows, and 9,000 foot peaks to explore. This lollipop route up the Main Eagle Trail takes you past a broad meadow to high cirques with mountain lakes and then an 8,000-foot pass that delivers you into the Minam River drainage with more spectacular views. You’ll descend back to Eagle Creek via the “unmaintained” Bench Canyon Trail, rough but easy to follow, passing a couple more secluded mountain lakes. Wildlife is present, but you’re most likely to see golden-mantled ground squirrels, chipmunks, red squirrels, and lots of Columbian ground squirrels in the meadows. Mule deer and elk are also common in the valleys. Up high, you’ll be lucky to see mountain goats, which generally stay away from trails.
Trail Stats
28.0 km
1445 m
2490 m
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Photos
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