Contact Info
88401 Hwy. 82
Enterprise, OR 97828
- Phone:
- 541-426-4978
Basics
- Length:
- 22.7 miles round trip
- Difficulty:
- Intermediate,
Difficult - Time:
- Multi-Day
- Trailhead Elevation:
- 4646 feet
- Elevation Range:
- 4646 feet to 8850 feet
- Elevation Change:
- 4204 feet
- Usage:
- Moderate to Heavy in summer
- Season:
- Summer to Fall
Description
You will be traveling through several different types of terrain on this route; meadows that are filled with wild flowers, U-shaped valleys carved by glaciers, timbered areas, and many rock faces. Each landscape provides a unique view of the wilderness. Some of the most beautiful flowers may be seen during the spring such as Monkey Flower, Gentian or Elephant Head. This trail provides you with excellent views of East Peak, Aneroid Mountain, Pete's Point, Eagle Cap and Sentinel Peak. This route will also take you over two beautiful and incredible passes, Tenderfoot and Polaris Pass. Polaris Pass can be hazardous if there have been washouts in the spring. Fishing possibilities occur in most lakes and the west fork of the Wallowa River for rainbow trout. Among the wildlife you can expect to see are mountain goats, bighorn sheep, deer, elk, and other smaller mammals. Photo opportunities are unlimited.
NW Forest Passes are not required at Wallowa Lake Trailheads.
The trail is well maintained. It is signed at the trailhead and at all main junctions. Mosquitoes can be thick around Roger and Aneroid Lakes in June and July, so be sure to take your insect repellent. Polaris Pass can be dangerous for stock if there have been spring washouts.
There are no campsites at the trailhead, but many opporutnities for dispersed camping farther up the trail. Wallowa Lake State Park is near the trailhead. Reservations are required at this campground during summer.
Details
Length:
Difficulty:
Difficult
Time:
Trailhead Elevation:
Elevation Range:
Elevation Change:
Usage:
Season:
Map + Directions
Basic Directions
From Enterprise, OR, take State Highway No. 82 through Joseph and past Wallowa Lake. The trailhead is at the end of the road, approximately one mile past the lake. Parking is available at the trailhead along with a loading ramp and hitch rails for stock.
