Wallowa-Whitman National Forest

Recreation

MAJESTIC EAGLE CAP WILDERNESS

• Introduction to The Eagle Cap Wilderness
• Regulations for the Eagle Cap Wilderness
• Majestic Eagle Cap Wilderness
• Lakes Basin Management Area
• List of Trails
• Trailhead Locations
• Elevations in Eagle Cap Wilderness
• Current Information, Trail Conditions, Maps
• Current Issues
• Volunteer Projects
• Wild and Scenic Rivers: Lostine, Eagle Creek, Imnaha, Minam

In 1930, a large area of the Wallowa Mountains was initially established as a Forest Service Primitive area by the Secretary of Agriculture. The area was subsequently redesignated a wilderness by the Secretary of Agriculture in 1940. In 1964, the Wilderness Act (Public Law 88-577) gave Congressional designation to the area, formally establishing the Eagle Cap Wilderness as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. In 1972, Congress enacted further legislation (Public Law 92-521) enlarging the Eagle Cap Wilderness by an additional 72,420 acres. In 1984 Congress enacted Public Law 98-328, adding 66,500 acres. Land aquisitions have brought the total acreage to the present size of 358,541. The Eagle Cap Wilderness is the largest wilderness in Oregon.

Wilderness is defined as an area that "generally appears to have been affected primarily by the forces of nature, with the imprint of man's work substantially unnoticeable."

The Eagle Cap Wilderness is characterized by high alpine lakes and meadows, bare granite peaks and ridges, and U-shaped glaciated valleys. Plant communities range from low elevation grasslands and ponderosa pine forest to alpine meadows. Engelman spruce, western larch, mountain hemlock, sub-alpine fir, and whitebark pine can be found in the higher elevations. Elevations range from 5,000 feet in lower valleys to near 10,000 feet on the highest of the majestic peaks.

Summer temperatures vary with highs in the 90s and lows in the 40s. Higher temperatures cause insect problems: mosquitos around wet areas and horseflies elsewhere. An effective repellent is a necessity. Visitors should be prepared for sudden changes in the weather and late afternoon thunderstorms.

Most large streams contain anadromous fish habitat. Many high lakes have been stocked with rainbow, eastern brook and golden trout. Bighorn sheep were reintroduced in the 1950s along with mountain goats. Area wildlife species presently classified as endangered, threatened or sensitive include the peregrine falcon, bald eagle, ferruginous hawk, Swainson's hawk, and the western spotted frog.

Pets are allowed in the Eagle Cap Wilderness, but should be under physical or voice control at all times. Loose and noisy pets can chase wildlife and disturb the solitude of other visitors. In addition, domestic pets unaccustomed to the backcountry can become lost or injured in the rugged and unfamiliar terrain.

Obtaining potable drinking water is a common problem for backcountry users. A variety of organisms which cause illness in humans may exist in lakes and streams. The most well known of these is Giardia. In order to protect yourself, it is recommended that you take water from natural springs and clear sources where possible, using a filter suitable for Giardia and other micro-organisms, or boiling your drinking water for at least five minutes. To help prevent the spread of Giardia and other contaminants, bury human waste and tether or confine stock at least 200 feet from all water sources.

There are 47 trailheads providing access into the Eagle Cap Wilderness and approximately 500 miles of system trails. In most areas the majority of the Eagle Cap Wilderness trails are snow free by the 4th of July. Trails that traverse passes often carry snowdrifts until August. The area is then normally open until late October. The country is very rugged and all trails have some steep pitches.

Trailhead access is via several main routes; the most heavily used is State Highway 82 to Wallowa Lake. Other main trailheads are reached from Hurricane Creek Road, Lostine River Road, and Boulder Park on the Main Eagle Road. Developed campsites for picnicking and overnight camping are located along these roads.

In 1996, Congress authorized the Recreational Fee Demonstration Program for a three year trial period. The Pacific Northwest Region's Trail Park Project is part of that program. Trail Park Passes will be required to park at specific trailheads on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, beginning in 1997. For specific information on the Trail Park Program, and a list of trailheads where they will be required on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, please refer to the information sheet posted at the trailheads, or phone the Wallowa Mountains Visitor Center at (541) 426-5546.

Wilderness permits are required. A mandatory but free, unlimited permit system will be in place to collect accurate visitor use data. The permits are available at the trailhead. Maximum group size limit is 12 people and 18 head of stock per group for entering all areas of the wilderness. This applies to both day use and overnight groups. In the Lakes Basin Management Area, the group size limit for camping is 6 people and 9 head of stock. Once inside the Wilderness, motorized vehicles and equipment (including bicycles, wagons, and carts) are prohibited. Camping, and campfires within 100 feet of any lakeshore is prohibited. Grazing of horses or other saddle or pack animals within 200 feet of any lakeshore is prohibited. This closure is in effect to protect the fragile vegetation around the heavily used lakes.

To help protect the wild character of the Eagle Cap Wilderness, visitors are asked to leave no trace of their stay. This means leaving no permanent structures; keeping campfires small and scattering the campfire ring; camping at least 100 feet from lakes; and packing out all unburnable materials.