This year we travel to NE Oregon to begin our annual 5-day backpacking trip. This year I have 4 other men joining me, and we will be hiking in the Eagle Cap Wilderness through the Wallowa Mountains. The trip is based on a loop but incorporates a few days for side loops.

The wilderness beauty was beyond what I expected. All five of us started from Two Pan Trailhead, heading up the Minam Lake Trail, spending 2 nights at Minam Lake with a day trip over to Blue Lake. Minam Lake provided swimming, fishing, and serious relaxation. We were even treated to a sunset on the second evening.

Minam Lake

Three of us continued over over the 8548′ Carper pass on the Ivan Carper Trail #1661 into the Lakes Basin. The climb is challenging and mostly exposed. You come over the pass to view the Basin Lakes area.

We passed by Mirror Lake and ended up camping at Moccasin Lake planning on a few nights with days hikes and more fishing. We hiked the Basin Lakes loop over by Douglas Lake and back.

My buddies were tired but I felt like I needed to see Glacier Lake up above in front of Eagle Cap. This solo climb to Glacier Lake was the ultimate highlight for me. Here is a glimpse.

You could incorporate a loop up past Glacier Lake down to the Frazier Lakes and back around to the Lakes Basin area.

We ended this awesome trip by hiking out along the East Fork of Lostine Trail #1662.