Eagle Cap Backpack

Activity Notes

A lollipop loop taking in the many alpine lakes below Eagle Cap and the summit of Eagle Cap itself. Normally an A-level climb, Eagle Cap is offered as a Q-level alpine hike when free of snow. The peak is reached by the Eagle Cap Summit Trail. Participants should plan to bring a small summit pack with them for summit day, leaving larger packs behind at camp. Expect to negotiate easy scrambling terrain up to YDS class 3 and spend multiple days in alpine terrain. Note that in contrast to climbs, Q-level hikes may not employ technical equipment (ropes, axes, crampons, helmets). If conditions are unsafe with out them, we will turn around.

The Wallowas are often compared to the Enchantments, and its expansive granite peaks have been used to stand in for the Sierras in movies. With a little luck, we’ll enjoy some golden larches.

We will hike this loop as a three-day backpack. Participants may wish to book a night at the Wallowa Lake campground after the trip to separate the long day from the final (long) hike out. Total stats are 32.7 miles and 6860' of gain. Day by day breakdowns are available in the prospectus linked below.

Note that this time of year is more prone to storms moving through the mountains. I have prepared a backup prospectus for the Golden Lakes Loop in the Lake Chelan Wilderness. Applicants to this activity should be committed to potentially pivoting to this alternative.

This activity is only open to Mazamas members.

Prospectus