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Summer Hiking
Let Western Hiker be your guide each summer into Eagle Cap Wilderness in Oregon's incredible Wallowa Mountains.
The 1800 square mile Wallowa Mountain range is located in the northeast corner of Oregon and boasts alpine peaks, steep-walled valleys, and five designated wild and scenic rivers. At the heart of the range lies the 540 square mile Eagle Cap Wilderness, Oregon's largest.
From the Grande Rhonde Valley in the west to Hells Canyon country in the east, you'll have plenty of room to roam along hundreds of miles of trails without crossing your own path.
You'll find classic alpine meadows, the highest natural lake in Oregon, four officially designated wild and scenic rivers, snowfields, glaciers, rock faces, warm sun, the bluest of blue sky, and no traffic, television, phones, email, or worry.
For climbers, the range has seventeen summits over 9000 feet in elevation with the tallest named after the Sacajawea, the famed guide for the Lewis and Clark expedition. Sacajawea, Matterhorn, and many other 9000+ summits offer some of the best technical and nontechnical climbing in Oregon.
-- Barry Greer
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Twelve Wilderness Essentials
Even if you hike with a friends, which is always advisable, it is a good idea to be self-reliant. Even if you carry no more than a small pack for a day-hike away from the main camp, always carry the gear listed below so you are self-reliant if, for whatever reason, you have to stay out on your own overnight.
- map and compass
- sun protection
- extra clothing
- flashlight/headlamp
- First-aid kit
- fire starter
- universal tool
- emergency food bars
- two-three liters of water
- survival blanket
- plastic whistle
- common sense
This list will vary depending on who you talk to and on your own experience, and the list may differ from person to person, place to place. For instance, mosquito dope is really essential in wilderness travel. We will contact you before you arrive to discuss current conditions and your specific gear needs.
You may also want to read one or two good how-to books on hiking before any extended wilderness trips. A classic remains Colin Fletcher's The Complete Walker IV (2002), sometimes called the backpacker's bible.
You can also use info@westernhiker.com to ask questions specific to travel in Eagle Cap Wilderness and Hells Canyon.
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