South Fork Imnaha River Trail
Hike a challenging 36+ miles with nearely 6,000 feet of elevation gain in Oregon's Wallowa Mountains and Eagle Cap Wilderness. Visit the "blue hole" and travel over Hawkins Pass to Frazier Lake with mountains rising up on both sides of the trail. The trailhead at 4,580 ft is accessible earlier than much of the Wallowa area.
Getting There
From Joseph, drive SR-350 south 8 miles and turn right onto Forest Road 39 (Wallowa Mountain Loop Road). Drive 40 miles, turn right onto Forest Road 3960, and drive 10 miles to Indian Crossing Campground and the trailhead (4,580 ft).
On the Trail
Hike two miles to Blue Hole, deep pool running through sheer rock walls. Continue along the river through pine forest gradually climbing but staying below 6,000 ft for the first 11 miles, traveling through a valley with mountains on both sides of the trail. Then gain 2,300 feet in the next 5 miles to Hawkins Pass and panoramic views. Hike down the switchbacks, 1,200 feet in two miles, to Frazier Lake.
- Suitable Activities: Backpacking
- Seasons: June, July, August, September, October
- Weather: View weather forecast
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Length: 34.6 mi
- Elevation Gain: 5,826 ft
- 8,330 ft
-
Land Manager:
Wallowa-Whitman National Forest
Eagle Cap Wilderness, Wallowa Valley Ranger District (WWNF)
- Parking Permit Required: Northwest Forest Pass
- Recommended Party Size: 6
- Maximum Party Size: 6
- Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 6
- Green Trails Wallowa Mountains No. 475SX
- Imus Geographics Wallowa Mountains
- USGS Cornucopia, OR
- USGS Krag Peak, OR
- USGS Eagle Cap, OR
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