Home RegionsSouthwestern Wallowas
Photo: U.S. Forest Service

Southwestern Wallowas

The southwest region of the Wallowa Mountains reside almost entirely in the Eagle Cap Wilderness and offers stunning views of glaciated peaks, high-alpine lakes, and wildlife.

The Southern Wallowas also has a rich mining history, as the Cornucopia community was home to a very large and productive mining area that radiated out towards Fish Lake and East Eagle. Trails in this region provide access into the Eagle Cap Wilderness, a stunning high-valley region full of alpine lakes and glaciated valleys. 

The closest towns to the Southeast Wallowas are Richland and Halfway. The nearest hospital and medical services are 1-2 hrs away, in Baker City.

Anthony Lakes operates in partnership with the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest under a special use permit, and is an equal opportunity provider.

Check out the local businesses that support the trails you ride and hike.

  • Eagle Forks Trailhead Click to learn more about trailhead amenities, trails, and current conditions.

    Trailhead Amenities

    Vault Toilet
    Cell Service
    Water
    Garbage

    Driving Directions

    Directions to Eagle Forks Trailhead

    1. From Baker City travel north on Interstate 84 for about 1.5 miles to the exit for Highway 86 to Hells Canyon, Richland and Halfway
    2. Travel east on Highway 86 for about 40 miles to Richland
    3. Just before going into Richland, continue straight off Highway 86 onto the New Bridge road
    4. Follow the New Bridge road for about 2.5 miles towards New Bridge
    5. Continue past New Bridge and the road becomes the Eagle Creek Road and Forest Road 7735
    6. Continue north on Forest road 7735 for about 7.75miles
    7. Entrance to the campground is on left side. The road is mostly single-lane gravel.

    Martin Bridge Trail #1878

    Trail Description

    The narrow trail weaves in and out along Eagle Creek in the open ponderosa pines and grassy hillsides. The northern part of the trail goes up and around the private lands near Stoddard Reservoir since the Forest Service does not hold a right of way through the private lands.

    Current Conditions

    This trail is generally clear of snow from early July to late September. Expect winter debris (down trees, etc.) in the early season. Trail may not be maintained on a regular basis – obstacles on the trail may be present year-round.

    Report Trail Conditions

    View Conditions

    Reported Trail Conditions

    Martin Bridge Trail #1878

    • September 25, 2021 at 11:16 am

      Upstream end of Martin Bridge trail is impassable – I tried again about 2 weeks ago. I am not making a trail report but interested in contacting person(s) involved in “reviving” this beautiful trail along Eagle creek. FS has abandoned this wonderful trail including removing the bridge over Little Eagle creek at the downstream end (Eagle Forks campground).
      Please advise and thank you
      Jill

  • Buck Creek Trailhead Click to learn more about trailhead amenities, trails, and current conditions.

    Trailhead Amenities

    Vault Toilet
    Cell Service
    Water
    Garbage

    Driving Directions

    Directions to Buck Creek Trailhead

    1. From Baker City, Oregon, travel West on I-84 and take exit 298 to Medical Springs;
    2. Turn right onto OR-203 N/Medical Springs Hwy and continue for about 27 miles;
    3. Turn right on the Catherine Creek Lane (which becomes Forest Road 7785);
    4. Travel on Forest Road 7785 for four miles to Forest Road 7787;
    5. On Forest Road 7787, travel about 4 miles to Forest Road 150;
    6. The campground and trailhead are about 1/4 mile further up Forest Road 150.

    Part of the Forest 7787 road is narrow and steep with a gravel surface.

    Squaw Creek Trail #1613 (wilderness)

    Trail Description

    The unsigned trail starts up the bank north off Road 100, about 75 yards west of the big switchback. The trail zig-zags up the hillside for about 300 yards through a mostly ponderosa pine forest, then begins a long ascent north into the Squaw Creek drainage. For the next mile, the trail is easy to follow, but has an inconsistent grade — sometimes quite steep, then level, then steep again. The trail stays up on the hillside well above the creek, through thick forests of douglas fir and true fir. At intervals, snow avalanche chutes create grassy clearings across the trail, and one has brief views east to China Cap Peak and the ridges above timberline.

    Current Conditions

    This trail is generally clear of snow from early July to late September. Expect winter debris (down trees, etc.) in the early season. Trail may not be maintained on a regular basis – obstacles on the trail may be present year-round.

    Trip Types

    Hiking, Camping

    Report Trail Conditions

    Elk Creek Trail #1944 (wilderness)

    Trail Description

    Coming soon.

    Current Conditions

    This trail is generally clear of snow from early July to late September. Expect winter debris (down trees, etc.) in the early season. Trail may not be maintained on a regular basis – obstacles on the trail may be present year-round.

    Trip Types

    Hiking, Backpacking, Fishing, Horseback Riding

    Report Trail Conditions

  • West Eagle Meadows Trailhead Click to learn more about trailhead amenities, trails, and current conditions.

    Trailhead Amenities

    Vault Toilet
    Cell Service
    Water
    Garbage

    Driving Directions

    Directions to West Eagle Meadows Trailhead

    1. From Baker City, Oregon head north on Interstate 84 for 5 miles to exit 298 (State Highway 203);
    2. Turn right off Interstate 84 to State 203 Highway and travel 18 miles to Medical Springs, Oregon;
    3. In Medical Springs turn right on Big Creek Road and go 1.5 miles to Forest Road 67;
    4. Turn left on Forest Road 67 and go about 14 miles to Forest Road 77;
    5. Turn left on Forest Road 77 and go about 5 miles to the campground entrance which is on your right before the West Eagle Creek crossing.

    Advisory: Forest Road 77 is graveled, and the last 4 miles are extremely rough and not recommended for passenger cars or trailers.

    West Eagle Trail

    Trail Description

    The West Eagle trail provides access to Echo, Traverse, Diamond and Tombstone lakes as well as a beautiful trip along the Minam River. You can also access many other destinations in the wilderness from this trail. Fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities abound as you travel through diverse landscapes of meadows, lakes, and mountains.

    Current Conditions

    This trail is generally clear of snow from early July to late September. Expect winter debris (down trees, etc.) in the early season. Trail may not be maintained on a regular basis – obstacles on the trail may be present year-round.

    Trip Types

    Hiking, Backpacking, Horseback Riding

    Report Trail Conditions

    Elk Creek Trail #1944 (wilderness)

    Trail Description

    The Elk Creek trail is about 12 miles long and goes over Burger Pass at 8,000 ft and all the way to the Minam River.

    Current Conditions

    This trail is generally clear of snow from early July to late September. Expect winter debris (down trees, etc.) in the early season. Trail may not be maintained on a regular basis – obstacles on the trail may be present year-round.

    Trip Types

    Hiking, Backpacking, Fishing, Horseback Riding

    Report Trail Conditions

  • East Eagle Trailhead Click to learn more about trailhead amenities, trails, and current conditions.

    Trailhead Amenities

    Vault Toilet
    Cell Service
    Water
    Garbage

    Driving Directions

    Directions to East Eagle Trailhead

    1. From Baker City, Oregon head north on Interstate 84 for about 1 mile to Highway 86 going towards Hells Canyon;
    2. Turn right onto Highway 86 and travel about 23 miles to Sparta Road;
    3. Turn left onto Sparta Road (also known as County Road 852) and go 5 miles and turn left onto E. Eagle Creek Rd (County Road 891) going toward Forshey Meadows;
    4. Go about 5.5 miles (road becomes Forest Road 70) to Forest Road 7015;
    5. Turn right on Forest Road 7015 and go about 5 miles crossing over Eagle Creek at bridge;
    6. After crossing over bridge turn left on Forest Road 77;
    7. On Forest Road 77 go about 2.6 miles to Forest Road 7745 (East Eagle Creek);
    8. Turn right Forest Road 7745 and go 6.2 miles. The East Eagle Trailhead is located at the end of the 7745 road, and has a smaller parking area for cars.

    East Eagle Creek Trail #1910 (wilderness)

    Trail Description

    East Eagle Creek Trail #1910 is a hike through a glaciated valley into the heart of the Eagle Cap Wilderness.

    Current Conditions

    This trail is generally clear of snow from early July to late September. Expect winter debris (down trees, etc.) in the early season. Trail may not be maintained on a regular basis – obstacles on the trail may be present year-round.

    Trip Types

    Hiking, Backpacking, Horseback Riding

    Map

    Report Trail Conditions

  • Summit Point Trailhead Click to learn more about trailhead amenities, trails, and current conditions.

    Trailhead Amenities

    Vault Toilet
    Cell Service
    Water
    Garbage

    Driving Directions

    Directions to Summit Point Trailhead

    1. From Halfway, Oregon head north on the Cornucopia Highway (Main Street) for about 5.7 miles to Carson Lane;
    2. Turn left on Carson Lane (Road becomes Forest Road 7710 at Carson Grade);
    3. Follow Forest Road 7710 for 3.5 miles to Forest Road 77;
    4. Turn right on Forest Road 77 and go 1 mile to McBride Campground;
    5. At McBride Campground turn right on Forest Road 7715;
    6. On Forest Road 7715 go 4.5 miles to trailhead entrance on right side of road.

    Cliff Creek Trail #1885

    Trail Description

    The Cliff Creek trail takes you to beautiful Crater Lake. There are views of spectacular peaks and mountains with meadows filled with wildflowers in early summer. This trail also accesses Cornucopia trail, Pine Lakes trail, and Little Kettle Creek trail for alternate backpack trips.

    Current Conditions

    This trail is generally clear of snow from early July to late September. Expect winter debris (down trees, etc.) in the early season. Trail may not be maintained on a regular basis – obstacles on the trail may be present year-round.

    Trip Types

    Hiking, Backpacking, Horseback Riding

    Map

    Report Trail Conditions

  • Little Kettle Creek Trailhead Click to learn more about trailhead amenities, trails, and current conditions.

    Trailhead Amenities

    Vault Toilet
    Cell Service
    Water
    Garbage

    Driving Directions

    Directions to Little Kettle Creek Trailhead

    1. From Baker City, Oregon head north on Interstate 84 for about 1 mile to Highway 86 going towards Hells Canyon;
    2. Turn right onto Highway 86 and travel about 23 miles to Sparta Road;
    3. Turn left onto Sparta Road (also known as County Road 852) and go 5 miles to County Road 891 going toward Forshey Meadows;
    4. Turn left on County Road 891 and go about 5.5 miles (road becomes Forest Road 70) to Forest Road 7015;
    5. Turn right on Forest Road 7015 and go about 5 miles crossing over Eagle Creek at bridge;
    6. After crossing over bridge turn left on Forest Road 77;
    7. On Forest Road 77 go about 2.6 miles to Forest Road 7745 (East Eagle Creek);
    8. Turn right Forest Road 7745 and go 6.2 miles. The Little Kettle Creek (signed as East Eagle Trailhead) is located off the right side of the 7745 road. It has parking for trucks with trailers and smaller vehicles.

    Kettle Creek Trail #1945

    Trail Description

    This trail begins along East Eagle Creek on the southern end of the Wallowa Mountains. This trail is popular in the summer for day and extended trips into the southern Wallowa Mountains and Eagle Cap Wilderness, and in the fall for big game hunting.

    Current Conditions

    This trail is generally clear of snow from early July to late September. Expect winter debris (down trees, etc.) in the early season. Trail may not be maintained on a regular basis – obstacles on the trail may be present year-round.

    Trip Types

    Hiking, Backpacking, Horseback Riding

    Report Trail Conditions

While you're recreating in this region, please consider fueling up and winding down at our local food and drink establishments. This will not just enhance your vacation, but contribute directly to the great community that is taking care of these trails.

Food & Drink in Halfway

Wild Bills & Co

The Main Place Cafe Grill & Lodge

Rush Hour Pizza

Cornucopia Lodge

Cornucopia Kitchen

Food & Drink in Richland

Shorthorn Tavern & Restaurant

Sarah’s Richland Cafe

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