Boise, ID: Lookingglass Lake
Climb to a pristine alpine lake in the Eagle Cap Wilderness on this 14-mile out-and-back.
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
Eagle Cap Wilderness, a remote land of granite peaks, glacial valleys, and alpine meadows in northeastern Oregon’s Wallowa Mountains, comes alive with colorful Indian paintbrush, asters, and alpine forget-me-nots in the early summer. Take a stroll through the blooms on this moderate 14-mile out-and-back to a high backcountry lake. From the trailhead, take the Main Eagle Creek Trail (#1922) through a mixed-conifer forest and across the creek to enter the wilderness at 1.5 miles. Hike on, passing 15-foot Copper Creek Falls, then veer right at the junction at mile 2.8 to enter an open, boulder-strewn glacial valley where you might spot elk, black bear, or bald eagles. Stay right again at mile 4.3, then climb a steep grade for another mile. Take a right on unmarked Trail #1921 and press on to Lookingglass Lake—the deep pool is too frigid for all but the hardiest swimmers, but anglers can cast for brook and cutthroat trout. Camp at the lake in the shadow of Needlepoint Mountain, then retrace your steps the next day.Hike provided by Donna Ikenberry, author of Hiking Oregon (Falcon)
Waypoints
LKG001
Location: 45.0955085754394, -117.387367248535
