Hike the East Eagle Creek Loop: Wallowa-Whitman Nat'l Forest

If mountain summits speak to you, make your way to Oregon's Eagle Cap Wilderness and try out the East Eagle Creek Loop.

This 40-mile round trip takes backpackers and hikers through the Wallowa Mountain Range, a staggeringly beautiful line of mountains with lakes, waterfalls, and hundreds of species of wildflowers. Be prepared to set aside 3-5 days if you plan to make the whole trip, and know that you’ll be scaling granite boulders and rising about 4,000 feet in elevation. The trails are somewhat maintained, but be ready with a map and the advice of an experienced hiker before setting off.

Make it through, and you’ll have seen the following sights: Red Mountain, one of Oregon's highest peaks, the thundering South Fork Imnaha River, peaceful Crater Lake, the lovely meadow of Hawkins Pass, and Glacier Lake, a stunning infinity pool. And that’s just brushing the surface of what this region has to offer.

Follow the directions closely from the Forest Service's website, as older routes may be closed: http://1.usa.gov/1ZOT9pg

No fee for entrance, but all visitors must have a Wilderness Visitor Permit. These are self-issue, and can be obtained at the trailhead.