GETTING THERE

The Eagle Cap Wilderness is located in the Wallowa-Whitman Forest in the northeastern corner of Oregon. It's about a 6-hour drive from Portland (directions) or 7 hours from Seattle (directions).

You'll need a Northwest Forest Pass to park at the trailhead, or you can buy a day pass ($5/day) at the trailhead. Visitors are also required to carry a Wilderness Visitor Permit; it's free and self-issued at the trailhead.

RECOMMENDED ROUTES

With dozens of trails and lakes, there are many ways to enjoy Oregon's largest wilderness area. This was our way:

We started at the Two-Pan Trailhead and took the Lostine Trail #1662 an easy 7 miles to Mirror Lake. From there, we continued to the Glacier Pass Trail to the spectacular Glacier Lake, where we dispersed camped for the night.

The next morning we hiked back down to Mirror Lake to the junction with Ivan Carper Pass Trail. We climbed up the pass and then immediately descended the ridge down to Minam Lake. We originally planned to camp at Minam Lake, but due to weather we decided to keep going back to the trailhead using the West Fork Lostine River Trail #1670.

If I could do it again, I would repeat the first day, but on the second day I would return to Mirror Lake, climb Eagle Cap via Horton Pass, and then camp for a second night at Mirror Lake. I will be doing that next time!

CAMPING

There are several great camping spots on this loop - take your pick! Be sure to mind the Eagle Cap Wilderness regulations and camp at least 200 feet away from lakes.

Food and Water

Given you are hiking around a lake basin, there is a pretty good supply of water on the trails and at camp areas. Just don't forget to bring a water filter system!

When you're done with the trail, get a beer and burger at Terminal Gravity Brewery in Enterprise, Oregon.

Safety

This area is no stranger to thunderstorms and quick weather changes. Study the weather forecast before setting out and continue to assess conditions, especially if you plan to climb Eagle Cap.

Glacier Lake sits at 9000' so even on a warm day it can get quite cold up there. Bring a suitable sleeping bag and warm layers.

If you are going to camp lakeside in July or August, bring insect repellant!

Questions?

As always, I'm happy to help you plan your trip to Eagle Cap! Leave a comment below or email me at yesmomimalive@gmail.com.

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