Where on earth
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- Region
- North America
- Country
- USA
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Climbing
- Mountaineering
- Winter Camping
- Skiing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Canoeing
Key takeaways
- Top activity: backpacking
Topic summary
The Eagle Cap's core, offering a challenging loop through alpine lakes and high passes.
Intended uses
backpacking
Verification notes
Last verified September 2, 2026.
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
- Sleep System Temp CalculatorCold nights: check your bag and pad add up to a safe sleep.
- Base Weight CalculatorEvery ounce is carried — total your kit and find your base weight.
- Pack Volume SizerSize the pack for your trip length and season.
- Water Purification MatrixTreat water from streams and lakes on trail.
- Layering CalculatorCold-season miles: layer for climbs and camp.
Plan with verified data
Eagle Cap Wilderness: Lakes Basin Loop trip tools
How to get there
The Eagle Cap Wilderness is located in the Wallowa Mountains of northeastern Oregon. The closest small town with services is Joseph, Oregon, which is a popular summer vacation destination. Access to trailheads is available from the counties of Wallowa, Union, and Baker.
Photo: pfly from Pugetopolis / CC BY-SA 2.0 Wallowa Lake TrailheadFrom I-84, take exit 261 (OR-82) and drive east toward Elgin and Wallowa Lake. In Enterprise, turn right at N. River Street and continue to follow OR-82 for 6.2 more miles to Joseph. At the far end of Joseph’s Main Street, follow OR-82 for 7 additional miles until the road comes to a dead end at the Wallowa Lake Trailhead in Wallowa Lake State Park.
- Two Pan Trailhead
From I-84, take exit 261 (OR-82) and drive east toward Elgin and Wallowa Lake. Follow OR-82 east for 1.3 miles to Island City, then turn left at the traffic light to continue east on OR-82 for 17.9 miles to Elgin. Near the Elgin Opera House, turn right on OR-82 and drive 34 more miles to Lostine. Once in Lostine, turn right onto Lostine River Road and follow the road for 18 miles until it ends at the Two Pan Trailhead. The road transitions from paved, to two-lane gravel, to single-lane dirt with turn-outs.
Photo: Gary Halvorson, Oregon State Archives / CC BY 4.0 Hurricane Creek TrailheadThis trailhead is 13 miles from Joseph. The approach is on a very narrow road with blind corners, requiring slow speeds.
Sources: recreation.gov · Wikipedia · Wikivoyage · Forest Service. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
Popular pursuits at Eagle Cap Wilderness: Lakes Basin Loop
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Climbing
Rock and alpine lines with approach beta.
- Mountaineering
Glacier and high-route objectives with real consequence.
- Winter Camping
Cold-season travel and camp craft; layering matters more than mileage.
- Skiing
Ski-touring access when the road closes for the season.
Animals around Eagle Cap Wilderness: Lakes Basin Loop
Maps, GPS & compass for this trip
Carry a waterproof paper map and a compass you can steer by, and treat the GPS as the backup — not the other way round. Buying links go to Amazon; Wild10 earns a commission at no cost to you.
Waterproof topo maps
- Waterproof topographic map — Eagle Cap Wilderness: Lakes Basin LoopAmazon search for waterproof, tear-resistant topo maps covering this area.
- National Geographic Trails IllustratedThe waterproof Trails Illustrated series — check for a sheet covering this area.
- Waterproof map case & compass lanyardKeep a paper map readable in rain, spray and a swamped boat.
Fishing at Eagle Cap Wilderness: Lakes Basin Loop
Planning to fish Eagle Cap Wilderness: Lakes Basin Loop, North America? Fishing licences, open seasons and catch limits in North America are set by the local wildlife authority and change every year — check the official source before you cast a line.
Do I need a fishing licence at Eagle Cap Wilderness: Lakes Basin Loop?
- A North America fishing licence is normally required for anyone over the local youth age.
- Read the current North America fishing regulations for special waters, barbless-hook or catch-and-release rules.
- Clean, drain and dry boats and gear between waters to stop invasive species.
- Eagle Cap Wilderness: Lakes Basin Loop may add its own fishing rules on top of North America law — check the managing agency too.
We don't have a verified licensing link on file for North America yet — contact the park or land manager listed on this page for current hunting and fishing rules.
Hunting near Eagle Cap Wilderness: Lakes Basin Loop
Thinking about hunting Eagle Cap Wilderness: Lakes Basin Loop, North America? Hunting seasons, tags and draws in North America are set by the wildlife authority each year. Confirm the rules for your species and unit before you go.
Is hunting allowed at Eagle Cap Wilderness: Lakes Basin Loop?
- Hunting is prohibited or heavily restricted in many national parks, wilderness and protected areas — confirm with the Eagle Cap Wilderness: Lakes Basin Loop land manager before planning a hunt, and look to surrounding public land.
What do I need to hunt in North America?
- A North America hunting licence — most jurisdictions also require hunter education certification.
- Species tags or draw results for big game such as deer, elk, moose or bear where they occur.
- Knowledge of firearm and bow transport rules, which differ by land type and border crossing.
We don't have a verified licensing link on file for North America yet — contact the park or land manager listed on this page for current hunting and fishing rules.
Inyo National Forest Wilderness Overview
The Inyo National Forest encompasses vast wilderness areas including John Muir, Ansel Adams, Golden Trout, and Hoover Wilderness, along with parts of Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite National Parks. These areas are characterized by diverse natural conditions, from high-altitude lakes like Duck Lake in the John Muir Wilderness to the dramatic vistas of the North Palisade and Mt. Sill. Landscapes also feature fall colors along Big Pine Creek and scenic spots like Moonlight Falls in the Sabrina Lake Basin. The forest is home to various wildlife, including pikas. Visitors should be prepared for varying conditions, from strenuous trails such as Rush Creek to popular and sometimes crowded areas like the Onion Valley trailhead.
Wilderness Permit Requirements
Overnight trips into the John Muir, Ansel Adams, Golden Trout, and Hoover Wilderness areas, as well as designated portions of Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite National Parks, require a wilderness permit year-round. The permit system aims to manage use and protect the natural environment and opportunities for solitude. Permits are issued based on quotas for specific entry trailheads and dates during the quota season. Each trail has a different daily quota. The group leader is responsible for ensuring all members understand and follow the permit conditions, and the signed permit must be carried at all times. Groups cannot exceed 15 people and must start on the specified entry date and location. Permits are valid for one continuous wilderness trip.
Permit Reservation System
Reservations for wilderness permits open online daily at 7 AM PST. During the quota season (typically May 1 to November 1), 60% of the quota is released six months in advance of the entry date. The remaining 40% is released two weeks in advance, on the same day of the week as the entry date. For instance, a permit for a Tuesday entry date would become available two weeks prior on a Tuesday. During the non-quota season (typically November 2 to April 30), the number of people per day is unlimited, and permits can be booked up to two weeks in advance. Trailhead access during the non-quota season may be affected by seasonal road closures. The system uses entry trailhead and date-specific quotas.
Route options
- Rush Creek TrailHard
This trail is described as pretty hard, with an interesting downhill shortcut through Spooky Meadow and Clark Lake.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
November 2 - April 30
This is the non-quota season where the number of people per day is unlimited. However, trailhead access may be affected by seasonal road closures. Weather and road closures should be checked before planning a trip.
Summer
May 1 - November 1
This is the quota season when the number of people per day is limited. Permits should be booked well in advance. Road construction projects, such as the Reds Meadow Road reconstruction, can impact access during this period, especially for trails in that area.
Fall
May 1 - November 1
This is the quota season when the number of people per day is limited. Permits should be booked well in advance. Fall colors can be seen along Big Pine Creek. Road construction projects can impact access. The season extends until November 1, with conditions potentially shifting towards colder weather and possible early snow.
Winter
November 2 - April 30
This is the non-quota season with unlimited people per day, but trailhead access may be affected by seasonal road closures. Checking weather and road closures is critical. Winter conditions will include snow and ice at higher elevations.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | November 2 - April 30 | This is the non-quota season where the number of people per day is unlimited. However, trailhead access may be affected by seasonal road closures. Weather and road closures should be checked before planning a trip. |
| Summer | May 1 - November 1 | This is the quota season when the number of people per day is limited. Permits should be booked well in advance. Road construction projects, such as the Reds Meadow Road reconstruction, can impact access during this period, especially for trails in that area. |
| Fall | May 1 - November 1 | This is the quota season when the number of people per day is limited. Permits should be booked well in advance. Fall colors can be seen along Big Pine Creek. Road construction projects can impact access. The season extends until November 1, with conditions potentially shifting towards colder weather and possible early snow. |
| Winter | November 2 - April 30 | This is the non-quota season with unlimited people per day, but trailhead access may be affected by seasonal road closures. Checking weather and road closures is critical. Winter conditions will include snow and ice at higher elevations. |
Permits, fees & closures
Wilderness permits are required year-round for overnight trips into John Muir, Ansel Adams, Golden Trout, and Hoover Wilderness, and Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite National Parks. Permits are obtained online via Recreation.gov. The group leader or alternate specified in the reservation must pick up or use the permit. A signed permit must be in the group leader’s possession. The group must start on the entry date and location on the permit, and it is valid for one continuous wilderness trip. Group size is limited to 15 people. For trips ending at Mt. Whitney (Whitney Portal), the permit must specify "Mt Whitney (Trail Crest Exit)". For cross-country trips, a permit for the nearest trail to the entry point is still required. All ages count toward group size and quotas.
Reservations: Reservations open daily ONLINE at 7 AM PST. During the quota season (May 1 - November 1), 60% of the quota is released 6 months in advance (e.g., July 4 entry opens January 4), and 40% is released 2 weeks in advance on the same day of the week. During the non-quota season (November 2 - April 30), permits can be booked up to two weeks in advance. If part of a group has a different travel plan, they need their own separate permit.
Official source: Wilderness Permits, Inyo National Forest - Recreation.gov · Verified September 16, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Road closures impacting trailhead access, particularly in winter and spring and due to construction projects.
- Strenuous trails, such as Rush Creek, can be challenging.
- Crowded trailheads, like Onion Valley, may lead to parking difficulties.
- Potential for major mobile issues or no service across all major carriers (Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, Sprint).
What to pack for Eagle Cap Wilderness: Lakes Basin Loop
- Signed wilderness permit
- Map
- Weather appropriate gear
Wildlife you may see
- Pika
Eagle Cap Wilderness: Lakes Basin Loop FAQ
- Are wilderness permits required year-round?
- Yes, wilderness permits are required year-round for overnight trips into John Muir, Ansel Adams, Golden Trout, and Hoover Wilderness, and Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite National Parks.
- How far in advance can I book a permit?
- During the quota season (May 1 - November 1), 60% of permits are released 6 months in advance, and 40% are released 2 weeks in advance. During the non-quota season (November 2 - April 30), permits can be booked up to two weeks in advance.
- What is the maximum group size for a wilderness permit?
- Groups cannot combine to exceed 15 people. All ages count for group size and quotas.
- What are the rules for permit holders?
- The group leader or alternate specified in the reservation must pick up or use the permit. A signed permit must be in the group leader’s possession. The group must start on the entry date and location on the permit. The permit is only valid for one continuous wilderness trip.
- Should I check road conditions before my trip?
- Yes, check weather and road closures before choosing a trip, especially in winter or spring, and monitor updates for road construction schedules if planning to access areas like Reds Meadow Road.
- Is cell service available in the wilderness?
- Mobile coverage is generally poor, with major issues or no service reported for Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and Sprint.