Wallowa Loop
August 2025
Oregon’s wallowa mountains
– Clockwise from Wallowa Lake Trailhead –
Miles
Days
Co. High Point
Elev Change (Ft)
About the Wallowas & Eagle Cap
The Wallowa Mountains are located in the far northeastern corner of Oregon and affectionately referred to as the “Alps of Oregon.” This 40-mile-long mountain range sits within the 360,000-acre Eagle Cap Wilderness, which is known for its high alpine lakes, mountain goat sightings, and 17 peaks over 9,000 feet. One of the more popular mountains within this range is Eagle Cap, a prominent 9,377′ granite mountain, which towers over Mirror Lake.
This was my first trip to the Walllowas, and it was peak wildflower season, so I used a multi-day backpacking loop to explore many of the trails in the Eagle Cap Wilderness. My adventure began at the Wallowa Lake Trailhead, and I made a clockwise circuit past numerous alpine lakes, over high mountain passes, and up to the summit of Eagle Cap – Union County’s highest peak and the namesake of this wilderness area. My trail journal, itinerary, and gear list are below.
Trail Notes
PLANNING RESOURCES
- Eagle Cap Wilderness (Permits, trail status & fire closures)
- Wallowa Mountains Map (Green Trails Maps)
- Wallowa Lake State Park & Campground (Oregon State Parks)
- 10 Hikes in the Eagle Cap Wilderness (All Trails)
- Climbing Eagle Cap (CoHP report)
