Eagle Cap Wilderness
Oregon wilderness area with glacier valleys, granite peaks, and alpine lakes
The Eagle Cap Wilderness is the largest wilderness area in Oregon, covering nearly 360,000 acres of the Wallowa Mountains in northeastern Oregon. It is known for glacier-carved valleys, granite peaks, high alpine lakes and more than 500 miles of trails for hiking, backpacking and horseback riding. The area is part of the ancestral homeland of the Nez Perce.
Popular destinations include Ice Lake, a bowl of clear water beneath the limestone and marble summit of the Matterhorn, which rises to 9,826 feet. Eagle Cap itself is a granite summit at the heart of the range, and several trails converge in the central lakes basin.
Most trailheads are reached from Joseph, Enterprise and the Wallowa Lake area, and the Wallowa Lake Tramway offers a shortcut to a high overlook. The hiking season is short, with high passes holding snow into July. A free wilderness permit is required at trailheads, and visitors should be prepared for rapidly changing mountain weather.
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Hours & Fees
Hours
Open year-round; high-elevation trails are usually snow-free only from July to early October.
Admission
Free; a self-issued wilderness permit is required
Nearby Attractions
Other places to visit in Joseph
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Facts
Best Time to Visit
June through September offers warm, comfortable weather ideal for outdoor exploration.