About
The one in the wallowas!
Switchback lovers, get ready. The grueling hike to this Crater Lake (in the Eagle Cap Wilderness, nearly 400 miles east of the national park) has nearly six miles of them. Your reward will be the stately play of rock, pine, and water with the snowy mountain ridgeline as a backdrop.
If six miles of switchbacks isn’t your thing, take the Kettle Creek Trail just to the top of the first set of switchbacks. There are gorgeous panoramic views from the high point, and this is a great place to stop if you don’t want to go all the way to Crater Lake. Be mindful that this is over 1,600 feet of elevation gain in just over 2.5 miles and is relentlessly steep.
ACTIVITIES
Hiking
Hikes into the Eagle Cap Wilderness are difficult and require skills and preparation. Summers can be hot and dry. Research your route to ensure a successful trip.
Details
Getting There
From Baker City, take OR-86 east for 24 miles. Turn left onto the dirt-road Sparta Lane and continue for 5.7 miles. Turn Left onto E Eagle Creek Road and continue for four miles. Bear right onto FR-70 2.5 miles. At the five-way intersection, take the spur second from the right to get on FR-7015. After 4.6 miles, FR-7015 t-junctions into FR-77. Turn left and continue for 2.6 miles. Bear right ad the fork to stay on FR -77 for another 5.4 miles to the trailhead.
Seasons
July through October
Cost of Admission
Self-issued Wilderness Permit at trailhead
NW Forest Pass required