GlassMountains Trip Reports

Exploring the backcountry and wilderness of the Western USA.

Trip Reports

Elkhorn Peak, Wallowa Mountains, Oregon, September 2017

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On September 16 Caleb and I climbed Elkhorn Peak in the Eagle Cap Wilderness and Wallowa Mountains of Northeast Oregon. Caleb and I met through our shared interest in exploring the highest and most prominent peaks of Oregon. He is generous in sharing his knowledge and experience with others. I enjoy sharing a climb with him when we can.

The South Gully of Elkhorn Peak from the Copper Creek Trail
The South Gully of Elkhorn Peak from the Copper Creek Trail

I am aware of three Elkhorn Peaks in Oregon, one each in the Cascade, Elkhorn, and Wallowa Mountains. This Elkhorn Peak is the highest and most prominent of the three. It is the 21st highest peak in Oregon with 9233 feet of elevation and 1860 feet of prominence. It is located far up the Lostine Valley south of the town of Lostine. Its summit provides great views of the Wallowa Mountains.

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Southern Wallowa Peaks, Oregon, October 2014

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In early October I spent three days hiking and climbing Southern Wallowa peaks in the Eagle Cap Wilderness of Northeast Oregon. After some unsettled weather the first day the skies were clear for the rest of my trip. The scenery was beautiful – it seems we have a piece of the Colorado Rockies in NE Oregon. I saw no other person on the trails or peaks, and I had time to pause and absorb the feeling of the mountain wilderness during my long hikes.

Echo Lake Northwest Peak
Echo Lake Northwest Peak

On September 30 I drove the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest Road #77 to the West Eagle Trailhead and Campground. I claimed my campsite and settled in. I would be camping there the next three nights. As it turned out, I had the entire campground to myself each evening and night.

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Wallowa Mountains, Oregon, August 2013

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After a lapse of 24 years, I returned in August to hike peaks in the Wallowa Mountains and the Eagle Cap Wilderness of Northeast Oregon. Linda was riding the Oregon Bicycle Ride, which passed to the north of the Wallowa Mountains. While Linda rode the tour I spent the week hiking and camping in those mountains. I did visit her camp in Joseph for two nights.

China Cap and Granite Butte

On Saturday, August 3, I drove through Union into the forest along Catherine Creek Lane and other forest roads. I arrived at the Buck Creek Forest Camp and Trailhead and camped there for the night.

Granite Butte and Mule Peak from China Cap
Granite Butte and Mule Peak from China Cap

The next morning, Sunday August 4, I hiked over Burger and Sand Passes and reached the summit of Granite Butte. The view from Granite Butte was very impressive with deep and long valleys and sharp ridgelines decorated with rocky peaks.

China Cap from Granite Butte
China Cap from Granite Butte

I retraced my route to Burger Pass, admired the fields of lupine, then gained the west ridge of China Cap. After traversing the south face of China Cap I climbed a breach in the summit cliffs. I gained the summit and enjoyed another view of the Southern Wallowa Mountains.

I returned to my car, then drove through Enterprise to a campsite along Hurricane Creek for the evening.

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