Eagle Cap Wilderness

“Anybody check out westernhiker.com and base camp backpacking in Eagle Cap Wilderness?

Anybody been to Eagle Cap recently? Is the snowpack as low as it is in the Cascades in Oregon? Should be an early hiking season this year with so little snow.”

“hurwal, i haven't been to the Eagle Cap yet, this year, but i hear the snow pack is lower than usual. I discovered that fall, right before (rifle) hunting season starts, is a great time to go in there. Incredible place!”

“I love the Eagle Cap Wilderness! I was there in September. I agree, that's a great time to be there.. Hardly any crowds, good fishing!

Speaking of low snowpack, maybe we can get on the Timberline Trail around Mt Hood earlier this year too.”

“The water in the Eagle Cap is nice and cold, also. Great for drinking (i use my Katahdyn) and also for a nice chilly dip!”

“Are there any predictions or resources for looking at trail conditions in the Eagle Cap area of the Wallowa mountains? I am planning a trip there the 3rd week of July. Don't want to have to pack crampons or snowshoes.”

“I'll bet a ranger station in the area would be able to tell you.”

“When I called the ranger station to ask about conditions in the Eagle Cap the person who answered was completely useless. She really didn't seem to care that I was trying to get some information and dismissed me as a waste of her time. I'll have to find another source for info on the Wallowa's.”

“You could take a look at the Oregon Snotel site. For Aneroid Lake, it looks like there's still 55.6" of snow on the ground. Not sure what part of the Wallowas you're thinking of going to, but snowshoes won't be necessary even this time of year because the snow has consolidated enough to support your weight.


As far as accumulated precip over the years on June 6, this is what it looks like:

2008 - 43.6"
2007 - 32.9"
2006 - 45.0"
2005 - 34.8"
2004 - 37.0"
2003 - 38.2"
2002 - 38.6"
2001 - 24.2"
2000 - 35.6"”

“Thanks Kleetn - You're more useful than a bottle opener at basecamp!”

“Are y'all planning a trip to the Eagle Cap Wilderness? I spent 4 days backpacking there waaaayyyy back in the early 90's. I fell in love with it! It's a beautiful place.”