There’s no place like the Pacific Northwest for hiking enthusiasts and there’s no shortage of hikes to write about. Just 3.5 hours from the Tri-Cities is the Eagle Cap Wilderness that boasts many accessible hikes to enjoy. When the pavement hits the trailhead in Wallowa Lake State Park, there are several hikes with varying degrees of length, elevation gain, and backpacking opportunities.

Ice Lake

One of the most rewarding hikes in this Wallowa-Whitman National Forest region is the trail to Ice Lake. AllTrails.com lists this hike as “hard”. The elevation gain is approximately 3500 ft over an eight-mile stretch. It starts with a pine-needle cushioned, evergreen-shaded trail that may make you think it’s going to be a stroll in the woods. There are meadows of wildflowers and windswept shrubs galore. After crossing a river, the trails become much more difficult and as you actually near the goal, the trail is extremely steep and rocky, with switchback after switchback. You are above the tree line and if the sun is shining, the granite boulders reflect the light and heat. If you’re seeking a crystalline blue alpine lake, this is the hike. You come over a small ridge of rock and there it is!

Day-Hike or Camp-Out?

While most people hike in and out in one day, some choose to camp. Making the round trip in one day is demanding and a dinner and hot shower in the nearby town of Joseph might be in order if this is the plan. If you have the equipment to camp, the lake has trout for the angler to procure dinner. Since fire-building is restricted within a quarter mile of the lake, it’s important to bring your own cooking stove. The air temperatures are frigid at night, but with a warm sleeping bag and a mattress to protect you from the rocky ground surface, the night stars and the sunrise the next morning are more than worth packing your gear. 

Matterhorn

The trail around the lake is about two miles and has a few spots to scramble across rock, but the angles of the natural beauty of Ice Lake are unparalleled. Many hikers aspire to reach the Matterhorn once they’ve achieved the nestling lake. Named for Switzerland’s iconic peak, Oregon’s Matterhorn boasts a height above 9800 ft. It was once thought to be the highest peak in the Wallowas, but when remeasured it was found to be about 10 feet shorter than Sacajawea Peak. Hikers will be exposed to the sunlight throughout the ascent from Ice Lake to the Matterhorn, so sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and protective clothing are a must. The trail to the Matterhorn is even steeper than the last part of the trail into Ice Lake…but standing anywhere near the top of the Matterhorn on a clear day is a treasure. The views of the Eagle Cap Wilderness are simply spectacular.

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