Minam Lake

A moderate backpack through the beautiful West Lostine River Valley in Oregon's Eagle Cap Wilderness. It ascends to Minam Lake through forests, lush meadows filled with wildflowers and butterflies, along meandering and cascading stream, and below the craggy Wallowa Mountains. It's 11.6 miles round trip with 1,800 feet of elevation gain.

Getting there

From OR-82 at Lostine, drive south 14.0 miles on Lostine River Road (become Forest Road 8210) to the Bowman/Frances Lake Trailhead (5,200 ft). Continue the final 3.3 miles to the  Two Pan Trailhead (5,600 ft).

on the trail

Hike to Copper Creek junction base camp (2.8 miles, 840 feet of elevation gain) and then to Minam Lake (3.8 miles, 850 feet of elevation gain) or Minam Lake camp (5.8 miles, 1,800 feet of elevation gain). With three or more days, options are endless for loop routes or extending travel further into Lakes Basin, traversing high passes to more lakes and alpine wildflower meadows, and savoring the Eagle Cap Wilderness's scenic treasures.

notes

Recommended guidebooks in addition to our 100 Classic Hikes in Oregon:

  • 100 Hikes/Travel Guide Eastern Oregon 3rd ed by  William L. Sullivan (Navillus Press 2015).
  • Hiking Oregon's Eagle Cap Wilderness 3rd ed by Fred Barstad (Falcon Guides 2014).
  • Suitable Activities: Backpacking, Day Hiking
  • Seasons: July, August, September, October
  • Weather: View weather forecast
  • Length: 11.6 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 1,800 ft
  • 7,380 ft
Map
  • Green Trails Wallowa Mountains No. 475SX
  • Imus Geographics Wallowa Mountains
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