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Backpacking among Oregon’s Glacial Lakes and Wild and Scenic Rivers, Eagle Cap Wilderness, OR (Backpacking Trip)

August 16, 2025 @ 5:00 pm - August 23, 2025 @ 8:00 am

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Backpacking among Oregon’s Glacial Lakes and Wild and Scenic Rivers!

Join this popular backcountry backpacking project in the stunning Eagle Cap Wilderness!

The Eagle Cap Wilderness lies in the heart of the Wallowa Mountains in northeastern Oregon on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest.

Volunteers on the 2025 Eagle Cap Wilderness Volunteer Vacation will perform trail maintenance on the West Fork Wallowa trail. This is a heavily-used access trail to the Lakes Basin Management Area which includes destinations such as Ice Lake, Mirror Lake, and Glacier Lake. Work may include: clearing brush from the trail using loppers and pruning saws, clearing fallen trees using hand saws and/or crosscut saws, and maintaining or installing drainage structures using shovels, picks, Pulaskis, and other hand tools.

We highly recommend prior backpacking experience to participate on this trip.

There is no trail experience needed to join a Volunteer Vacation! Your expert hosts will provide detailed instruction, tool demonstrations, and project oversight throughout the week. All you need is a willing attitude and to be in good physical condition to participate in moderate physical activity for approximately 6-8 hours a day with plenty of breaks, at your own pace. Find out more about what it’s like to join a Volunteer Vacation and other frequently asked questions here.

Register

Host

Private: Wallowa-Whitman National Forest

Accommodations

Primitive Tent Sites

Hiking/Access

Volunteers will backpack into basecamp which is approximately 5 miles from the trailhead with about 1500 feet of elevation gain.

Project Rating

Strenuous

Minimum Volunteer Age

18

Maximum Group Size

10

Area and Attractions

The spectacular Eagle Cap Wilderness takes in most of the high country in the remote Wallowa Mountains of Northeast Oregon. The largest wilderness area in the state. The Eagle Cap encompasses over 350,000 acres of breathtaking mountain scenery. There are 52 glacial lakes, 4 wild and scenic rivers, and over 500 miles of trail in this rugged area. Volunteers will have plenty of time to relax, soak in the views and explore the surrounding area on this backcountry trip!

Accommodations Description

The base camp for this project will be in a backcountry setting. Volunteers will carry all personal camping gear, while group gear and food will be transported via pack stock. Volunteers should be prepared for a backpacking-like experience with a few extra amenities in the camp kitchen such as coolers, roll-up tables, and a four-burner propane stove. Volunteers will practice "Leave No Trace" camping skills by using cat holes or a temporary latrine to dispose of human waste. The Forest Service will provide water filters to collect potable water for cooking and drinking. Volunteers need to bring their own tent and personal camping gear; sheets, bedding or sleeping bag; and personal cup, bowl, mug, and eating utensils.

Travel

Lewiston Nez Perce County Airport in Lewiston, ID is the closest airport. Airport pickup is not provided but carpooling can be arranged upon confirmation of the trip.

Location

Eagle Cap Wilderness
88401 Highway 82, Enterprise, OR 97828 United States + Google Map