Matterhorn (Oregon)

Overview

Matterhorn was once considered the highest point in the Wallowa Mountains at 9,845 feet, but it has subsequently been remeasured at 9,826 feet, 12 feet lower than Sacajawea Peak. Viewed from the Hurricane Creek drainage, Matterhorn's white limestone stands out in contrast to the other rock in the valley. Its west face stands about 4,000 feet above the Hurricane Creek valley floor. The best approach to Matterhorn is from Ice Lake on the east, to which there is a trail. A mountaineer's track leads most of the way to the summit from the lake.

Getting There

Drive I-84 east from Pendleton or west from Idaho to LaGrande. Take the Highway 82 exit and drive eastbound toward Elgin and Enterprise. Drive through Enterprise to 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

Optimal conditions for climbing Matterhorn occur from July 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 information about road and trail conditions.

Additions and CorrectionsPost an Addition or Correction

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Bob Bolton - Oct 26, 2003 1:17 am - Hasn't voted

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If anyone can point me to the documentation of the 9832-foot elevation for Matterhorn, I'll be happy to change it again. It seems that there are quite a few different measurements floating around for both Matterhorn and Sacajawea, but at least it seems that it is now established which one is higher.

darinchadwick - Mar 29, 2002 3:35 am - Voted 10/10

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A fun winter trip is to climb Sacagawea by one of several couliors, then traverse over to Matterhorn. Watch for small karst caves on the ridge between the two summits.

Popoff - Sep 30, 2002 7:25 am - Voted 10/10

Untitled Comment

The Matterhorn is the second highest peak in the Wallowa Mountains. Nearby Sacagawea Peak (about 2 miles to the north of the Matterhorn) is the highest nonvolcanic peak in the Pacific Northwest and the Wallowas. The Matterhorn is 9832 feet above sea level, while Sacagawea is seven feet higher (9839 feet). The Matterhorn is the second-highest peak in the Wallowas.

Bob Bolton - Oct 26, 2003 1:17 am - Hasn't voted

Untitled Comment

If anyone can point me to the documentation of the 9832-foot elevation for Matterhorn, I'll be happy to change it again. It seems that there are quite a few different measurements floating around for both Matterhorn and Sacajawea, but at least it seems that it is now established which one is higher.

Viewing: 1-4 of 4