Washboard Ridge and Bear Creek Loop
A difficult four-day backpacking trip in the Wallowa Mountains of Northeast Oregon of about 40 miles in length and 6800 feet of gain. It runs along the spectacular Washboard Ridge (considered the finest ridge walk in Oregon) and returns along Bear Creek. From the ridge, one gets views of the Minam River canyon to the west, Hurricane Divide to the east, and Granite Butte, Sturgill Peak, and Glacier Mountain to the south.
Suggested Itinerary: Start at Boundary trailhead, and hike about 5.6 miles to the Dobbin Creek trail. Take the Dobbin Creek trail to the historic Standley Cabin. Suggested camping in the meadow near Standley Cabin. The next day, hike along the Washboard Ridge and camp in the meadow near Sturgill Saddle. On the third day, continue traversing the Washboard Ridge to its end, then take a side trail to Bear Lake. From Bear Lake, follow the Bear Creek trail to the Middle Bear Camp. On the final day, continue descending on the Bear Creek trail all the way to the cars at the trailhead.
- Suitable Activities: Backpacking
- Seasons: July, August, September
- Weather: View weather forecast
- Difficulty: strenuous
- Length: 40.0 mi
- Elevation Gain: 6,800 ft
- 8,000 ft
- Land Manager: Wallowa-Whitman National Forest
- Parking Permit Required: Northwest Forest Pass
- Recommended Party Size: 12
- Maximum Party Size: 12
- Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
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