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Eagle Cap Wilderness

August 3, 2019 - August 11, 2019

Trip Navigation

We’ll kick our trip off with a brief project overview at the Forest Service Barn in Enterprise, followed by dinner at a local brew pub. There are several lodging options in town, or you can pitch a tent at the Forest Service compound. Our base camp will be located on Huckleberry Mountain; work sites will include locations on those parts of trails 1667, 1689 and 1665 that primarily access McCubbin Basin and the headwaters of Goat Creek. Our goal for the week will be to improve trail access and reduce sedimentation in streams. Specific projects will vary throughout the week and will include building and maintaining erosion control structures, trail clearing (with crosscut saws), and brushing. Expect to use a variety of primitive tools, ranging from bow saws & crosscuts for log-out to shovels and pulaskis for tread maintenance and restoration. Note that this is an arduous project in a spectacular backcountry setting—be prepared to earn your meals!

Host

Forest Service

Accommodations

Primitive Tent Sites

Hiking/Access

Backpacking 4 miles to basecamp (Day hiking up to 1 miles each day)

Project Rating

Very Strenuous

Minimum Volunteer Age

18

Maximum Group Size

10

Area and Attractions

Located immediately south of scenic Joseph, Oregon, the Eagle Cap Wilderness is the state's largest wilderness and one of the crown jewels of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Encircling the Wallowa Mountains, the area rises from valley elevations of 3000' to almost 10,000' at the highest points, calling to adventurers seeking classic alpine majesty. Huckleberry Mountain is located in the rugged and remote northwest corner of the Wallowas. Once the domain of sheepherders, the area is rarely visited nowadays. We'll enjoy scenic vistas of the Wallowa Valley and surrounding mountains, as well as some of the most complex geology in the Western U.S. If we're lucky, we may hear the howl of a wolf during our week long stay! Day hikes to Little Storm Lake, McCubbin Basin and the site of the old Huckleberry Mountain fire lookout are all good options for hikes on your free day. All of these locations offer spectacular vistas of the Wallowa Mountains. Forest Service wilderness rangers will be available to guide trips to 2 locations.

Accommodations Description

We'll kick our trip off with introductions at the Forest Service Barn in Enterprise, followed by dinner out on the town. There are several lodging options in town, or you can pitch a tent at the Forest Service compound. Plan to book early if staying in motels; local events at this time of year are popular and rooms fill quickly. Showers will be available at the compound both before and after the trip. Our base camp for the week will be located near a small creek atop Goat Mountain, 4 miles from the nearest trailhead. We will use pack horses and mules to bring the group cook gear and project tools to camp. Showers will be available at the end of the week. Volunteers should bring and be prepared to carry their own tent, sleeping bag/pad, cup/bowl/mug/eating utensils, and personal items.

Travel

Airport pickup provided from Lewiston-Nez Perce County Airport. Airport pickup and dropoff times will be sent to registrants when the trip is confirmed.

Location

Eagle Cap Wilderness
88401 Highway 82, Enterprise, OR 97828 United States
Register