Overview
Photo by Tom Snuffin - click on it for a chance to vote.
Eagle Cap is the centerpiece of the Eagle Cap Wilderness in the Wallowa Mountains of northeastern Oregon. It is not the range's highest peak, but none of the higher peaks reaches 10,000 feet. Eagle Cap stands closely above Lake Basin, one of the favorite destinations within the Wallowas. The basin contains many alpine and sub-alpine lakes, many quite large. The peak is the highpoint of Union County.
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 LinksImages
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Wallowa Mountains
