Starting near the heart of the southwest Wallowas at Boulder Park, this trail head steadily up Eagle Creek with some side trail options. After Cached Lake there is an epic mars-like stretch and very inspiring views up to and over the pass. This is one of the best sections of trail in the Wallowas. This trail can be looped back to the trailhead via Bench Canyon Trail or taken all the way down to the Minam River for a big commitment!
The initial stretches of the trail are largely uneventful and brushy, with occasional opportunity to look at a rushing cascade on Eagle Creek. At mile 4 it starts to get much better as you break out into Eagle Meadows with good camping and a side trail options for Looking Glass and Bear Lake. Later there is an opportunity for Eagle Lake and then Pop Lake. At this point you are entering a zone that not so many people venture, but it is awesome.
Notes
0.0mi Start at Main Eagle Trailhead just past Boulder Park Campground.
0.6 Bridge across Eagle Creek
2.3 Sketchy single-log bridge across Eagle Creek
2.8 Bench Canyon Trail intersection. There is a waterfall near this intersection, you'll be able to hear it.
4.1 Eagle Meadows and intersection for Looking Glass 1921 Trail
6.0 Intersection for Eagle Lake Trail which is 1 mile up to the lake.
6.9 Cached Lake
7.0 Pop Lake Trail intersection (unmarked or maybe a rock cairn)
8.6 Top of the pass, high point of the trail at 8,200'
10.5 Intersection with Bench Canyon Trail which can be taken to make a loop back to Main Eagle.
(too be continued...)
