The Joseph area has access to literally hundreds of miles of trails for hikers and horseman to discover and explore. In the Eagle Cap Wilderness you’ll find that most trails are rocky and moderately difficult. Casual hikers can find many miles of trails that offer exceptional scenic experiences as well. The stunning mix of varied landscapes and visual surprises is hard to completely cover in a lifetime.
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 Eagle Cap is a true National Treasure, one that still affords unparalleled peace and quiet; a rare quality in today's world.
If you ask locals to name their favorite places in Wallowa County, chances are this geologic wonder will be high on their list. Its unique shape and those large boulders that line the ridge very much set it apart from other landforms. In spring a mass bloom of large yellow daisy-like flowers (Arrowleaf Balsamroot) heralds in the season of warmer weather and calls for closer examination. Seeing it from below, you can’t help but wonder; what’s it like up there? If you do spend any time on top you'll come to agree with the Nez Perce - this is sacred land.
The second most popular trailhead (after the Wallowa Lake Trailhead) is located just a short country drive away.
The trailhead at Hurricane Creek offers a fairly gradual way into the Eagle Cap and has majestic mountain views within the first mile that only get better the farther you go. It follows along the creek to open meadows where Mountain Goats are often spotted along the ridges above (bring your binoculars).
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.
