Northeast Oregon
Mirror Lake and Eagle Cap (Hike 113)
Northeast Oregon is a land of extremes. Here you have Oregon’s highest concentration of tall peaks and two of Oregon’s deepest canyons. The Eagle Cap Wilderness is the largest wilderness area in the state, while Hells Canyon is the deepest river gorge in North America; both are worlds unto themselves. Further to the west, the North Fork John Day Wilderness and the Elkhorn Crest are the land of abandoned cabins, mines quiet mountain lakes, and deep forest that are attractive to explore in any season.
The largest caveat to exploring northeast Oregon is that this is an area best explored on extended backpacking trips. Nearly every hike in this section connects to larger trail networks that beckon you deeper into the vast wilderness areas where they are located. This is a guidebook for day hikes, but with a good map, you can use this book to help you create extended adventures of your own. With the Wallowas and Hells Canyon, your itinerary should be limited only by your fitness, preparation, and imagination. Every hike in this section can neverthelsess be completed in one day, and there are even a handful of easy hikes for those days when you don’t feel like hiking deep into the wilderness. Many of these hikes also have wonderful short options.
Before you go anywhere, make sure you are as prepared as possible. This is especially important before you visit Hells Canyon, one of the most remote and unforgiving places in Oregon. Always make sure your gas tank is full and that your tires are fully inflated. For more tips to help you prepare for your adventures, see the introduction to this book.
103. North Fork John Day Wilderness
104. Anthony Lake and the Elkhorn Crest
105. Twin Lakes and Rock Creek Butte
106. Zumwalt Prairie
107. Buckhorn Lookout and Eureka Wagon Trail
108. Hat Point
109. Summit Ridge via Freezeout Saddle
110. BC Falls
112. Hurricane Creek
113. Mirror Lake
114. Bonny Lakes and Dollar Pass
115. Imnaha Divide
116. Summit Point and Pine Lakes Pass