Build A 60 Runs through it…

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Story starts on page 122.
Minam River Lodge has been completely restored by the new owner. Only access is via plane, hiking or horeseback.

 

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Historic Red’s Horse Ranch.

 

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Time to chill at the Minam River and have a break before our climb back out of this wilderness paradise. The heat and ice cold Minam River brings a shock to your system but boy does it make you feel alive!

An amazing place!

 

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The hike out in 90F heat and a never ending uphill trudge.

My buddy James had all the deets on his phone. The elevation gain from the Lodge to Trailhead. Didn’t account for our decent that morning.

Got huckleberry shakes in Cove, Oregon. And saw this sad but true sign.

 

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Tuesday evening I left camp, my wife was not interacting and cold shouldering me. I’d had enough so left into the unknown…
Headed east on Highway 82 toward Wallowa County, and the Eagle Cap Wilderness, largest wilderness in Oregon. Ended up driving up the Lostine River Canyon.

 

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Wednesday morning left for Hat Point Lookout, highest point of the Oregon side of Hell’s Canyon. Stopped at Lostine Guard Station and filled up my water bottles.My left ratchet binding on RTT seemed like it was about to break. Stopped at ACE Hardware in Enterprise, Oregon and bought a bolt and lock nut just in case the binding broke. I’d already repaired the right binding. Sure enough on the road to Imnaha, Oregon my RTT started thumping. Pulled over and saw the binding broke. Thankfully I brought my Milwaukie power tools and tool chest to make a repair.

Imnaha, Oregon and Imnaha River.

 

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After a quick stop in Imnaha it was time to make the climb from Imnaha elev. 1800’ to Hat Point elevation 7090’.

 

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Hat Point Lookout Tower. Hell’s Canyon

 

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Drove 6 miles back to a small 6 site campground. Site #3 what a spectacular view of Hell’s Canyon and the Seven Devil Mountains in Idaho. Over a vertical mile below is the mighty Snake River.

 

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Thursday I relaxed all day. Then after 4 decided to hike 6 miles to Hat Point Lookout and back.

The location of where I hiked from camp.

The location of Hat Point Lookout Tower

 

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Almost 40 miles of hiking… but a beautiful sunset.

Left this morning down the long grade to Imnaha.

 

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Friday after leaving Joseph, Oregon I headed back up the Lostine River Canyon. Eager to catch some trout in the Lostine River. Caught some Bull Trout, AKA- Dolly Varden.

 

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Saturday got up at 5:00. My destination was an out and back to summit Eagle Cap 9,592’. The trailhead elevation 5,590’. In this journey I’ve been pushing myself to the max, physically and spiritually but I’m struggling emotionally. Set off at 5:40 AM. 10 miles ahead and 4,000’ of elevation gain.

Finally… my first view of Eagle Cap.

East fork Lostine River Meadows.

 

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7 miles with about 2,000 feet of elevation gain. Final push… 3 miles ahead with another 2,000 feet.
Upper Lake

Blue Lake

 

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Summited Eagle Cap!!! Just under 4 hours.

 

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Had summit all to myself for about an hour.

Trail not for those with fear of heights.

The Matterhorn . 9,826’

Summited Matterhorn from Ice Lake in 2013

Mirror Lake

 

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Eagle Cap 9,592’

Scouted Mirror Lake for fly fishing. The stream that drained from the lake was the only spot I could see fish rising. Caught a half dozen Brookies.

Fools gold

Mirror Lake

 

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While fly fishing I’d been eaten alive by the abundant Horse flies.

This is the Lake Basin. Decided to hike to the next lake below, Moccasin Lake and check it out.

Found this spot and could see large Brook Trout cruising the shore. Some 8 inches and even some larger.

Moccasin Lake

Moccasin is a rich lake in comparison to Blue Lake providing better fish habitat.

 

[k91]

This looks very similar to the enchantments up in Washington, no easy hikes there and you have to be drawn in a lottery to get a pass, but well worth it! Highly recommend