Chief Joseph Mountain, Standard Route

Activity Notes

Chief Joseph Mountain (Elevation: 9617 feet) is in the Wallowa mountains  of eastern Oregon,  west of Wallowa lake. Point Joseph, is the northern high point on the high ridge that extends from the Matterhorn and then along the Hurwal Divide. This is part of a two mountain climbing trip (the other peak is Sacajawea).  We will hike in and camp near Thorpe creek meadows for several  nights. The drive is 5-6 hours  from Portland, so you need to leave the day before the start and camp or stay  at a motel. The approach will be via the Thorp Creek Trail. You can scramble up to Hurwal first from Thorp Creek Meadows and then hike the two-mile ridge to Point Joseph. This is a nontechnical climb, but cross country  travel on steep slopes is involved. Chief Joseph Mountain looks over the town of Joseph and its summit, Point Joseph, is the northern high point on the high ridge that extends from the Matterhorn and then along the Hurwal Divide. Our approach is via the Thorp Creek Trail. You can head cross-country from the high point ( 7650 ft) on this trail to the saddle between Chief Joseph Mountain and the Hurwal Divide or scramble up to Hurwal first from Thorp Creek Meadows and then hike the two-mile ridge to Point Joseph.