2008 Trek Schedule
Trek dates include arrival to and departure from lodging provided before and after the trek.
#1 Hells Canyon Adventure -- June 15 - 20~ #2 Wilderness Wildflowers -- June 29-July 3
#3 Brownie Basin Base Camp -- July 13-18~ #4 Hurricane-Wallowa Loop -- Aug. 10-16
Despite it's forbidding name, Hells Canyon is truly a hiker's paradise, and a uniquely wild area. Exploring Oregon's edge, we camp midway between the Snake River and the canyon's rim. In mid-June at this elevation (4500') we'll enjoy abundant wildflowers, diverse wildlife, and expansive vistas across North America's deepest gorge.
This trip was the feature article in Northwest Travel magazine, in the 2006, March/April, issue.
Hike the gentle trail along Hurricane Creek, beneath rugged marble peaks towering to nearly 10,000 feet, and discover a multitude of summer delights. Our layover day provides time for energetic hikes venturing high above the valley, and casual rambles exploring the area's abundance of flowers. This shorter format trip is a great introduction to the joys of llama trekking for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels.
This trek will take us to magical Brownie Basin where we'll set up camp and then explore a selection of lovely alpine lakes on our layover days. This is a great trip for campers of all ages and experience levels. There will be plenty of time to fish, swim, enjoy summer flowers, and relax along the gentle stream next to camp.
Our most popular trek takes us up Hurricane Creek canyon, hiking beneath rugged marble peaks towering to nearly 10,000 feet. We'll spend our layover day exploring the enchanting Lakes Basin where we can fish, swim and perhaps walk up Eagle Cap peak, 9572'. On our last day we'll travel down the West Fork of the Wallowa River, ending our journey at Wallowa Lake.
Trek dates include arrival to and departure from lodging provided before and after the trek.
The scheduled trek price includes all meals from the first evening's gathering through the last night's dinner, two nights lodging (based on double occupancy - single rates may be requested and are subject to availability), and round trip trailhead transportation as well as tents and sleeping pads.
Accompanied children ages 6-18 receive a 20% discount.
Trip ratings: Leisure trips-daily hikes from 4-5 miles. Moderate trips-daily hikes from 5-10 miles. A plus (+) indicates an elevation gain of at least 1500 ft. on one or more days of the trip.
Trip #1 - Hells Canyon Adventure · June 15-20
This
early summer trek will take us to a wild, rugged and unique area on the
edge of Oregon -- Hells Canyon of the Snake River. The canyon is North America's
deepest gorge, rising nearly 8,000 vertical feet from the river to the tops
of the Seven Devils Mountains in Idaho. Our outing will take us to the rolling
benches midway between the river and the rim. Here elk herds are prominent,
bird life rich and varied, and wildflowers abound.
After leaving its headwaters in Yellowstone National Park, the Snake River flows south and west through Idaho, then turns due north as it runs through Hells Canyon, forming the boundary between Oregon and Idaho. While the Snake's rapids draw white water enthusiasts to Hells Canyon in the heat of summer, few people hike the area or venture away from the river's sandy bars. In early summer, the canyon's black basaltic cliffs are softened by bunch grass which drapes the forbidding rock in green velvet. The canyon is rich in cultural and natural history. Miners, homesteaders, and ranchers each left their mark. The Nez Perce wintered here away from the mountain snows, as did unnamed peoples before them.
ITINERARY:
Sunday, June 15~ Arrive in Joseph -Early evening light meal & group orientation.
Monday ~ Depart for trailhead after breakfast, hike into base camp
Tuesday & Wednesday ~ Two full layover days to hike and explore the area
Thursday ~ Hike back to trailhead and return to Joseph-Dinner and official farewells
Friday, June 20 ~ Depart Joseph at your leisure
TRIP DIFFICULTY:This trip is rated "moderate" and will appeal to enthusiastic hikers in good physical condition. We'll hike between four and five miles downhill into our base camp the first day. From this location midway between the river and the rim we'll have two full days to explore the area. Wildflowers are truly spectacular at this elevation in mid-June, and on past trips we've enjoyed seeing mountain goats, Rocky Mountain elk, and other wildlife as we hike along the bench trails to several expansive knolls. Hiking elevations range from 4400 to 7000 feet.
TRIP COST: $825.00 per adult/ $670.00 per accompanied child age 6-18 ~ This price includes two nights lodging (double occupancy), meals from light supper the first evening through our celebration dinner the last night, and trailhead transportation, as well as packing services, tents & pads. Price does not include transportation to Joseph, tips to trekking staff, trip insurance, or other items of a personal nature.
Trip #2 - Wilderness Wildflowers · Ju
ne 29 - July 3
Escape
for a long weekend and enjoy three days amid the stunning natural beauty
of the Eagle Cap Wilderness. We'll camp under the shadow of the highest
peaks in the area, in a grassy meadow next to the crystal clear waters of
Hurricane Creek. We'll have a chance to hike, fish and enjoy the summer's
wildflowers as well as relax in a lovely natural setting.
In geological diversity, as well as in its animal and plant life, the Wallowa Mountains have more in common with the Rocky Mountains than with the Cascades of the Pacific Northwest. As we follow Hurricane Creek, we pass beneath marble and granite cliffs, through forests of pine, spruce and fir. During the trip we'll have a chance to glimpse Rocky Mountain elk, mule deer, mountain goats and bighorn sheep. Swainsons thrush, goshawks, and Clark's nutcrackers inhabit the forests, while great horned owls, white-crowned sparrows and occasional falcons are seen in the higher elevations.
ITINERARY:
Sunday, June 29~ Arrive in Joseph -Early evening light meal & group orientation.
Monday ~ Depart for the trailhead after breakfast, hike into base camp, approximately 5 miles, 1000 ft. elevation gain
Tuesday ~ A full layover day to relax, fish and hike
Wednesday ~ Hike back to trailhead and return to Joseph- Dinner and official farewells
Thursday, July 3~ Depart Joseph at your leisure
TRIP DIFFICULTY: This trip is rated "leisure" and will appeal to hikers of all ages in good physical condition. We'll hike approximately five miles to our base camp, all on a gradual, uphill trail. Our pace will be the gentle amble of our llama companions, and there will be plenty of opportunities to stop for a photo and to enjoy the view. Our campsite elevation will be approximately 6000 feet.
TRIP COST:: $640.00 per adult/ $520.00 per accompanied child age 6-18 ~ This price includes two nights lodging (double occupancy), meals from light supper the first evening through our celebration dinner the last night in Joseph, and trailhead transportation, as well as packing services, tents & pads. Price does not include transportation to Joseph, tips to trekking staff, trip insurance, or other items of a personal nature.
Trip #3 - Brownie Basin Base Camp · July 13-18
This
four-day trek visits lovely Brownie Basin and a string of nearby alpine
lakes. Our base camp alongside Bowman Creek allows us plenty of time to
fish and photograph throughout the area on a leisurely schedule. John Henry
Lake and the historic John Henry mine is a popular day hike. On another
trail Laverty, Chimney, and Hobo Lakes are all accessible. The basin itself
is a wonderful place to relax and soak up the mountain airs.
We'll enjoy summer wildflowers, and our hikes lead us to crystal clear lakes that tempt us to brave their icy waters. Bring your camera, your swim suit and your fishing pole in order to enjoy the best of the best the Eagle Cap Wilderness has to offer.
ITINERARY:
Sunday, July 13- Arrive in Joseph -Early evening light meal & group orientation.
Monday - Depart for the trailhead after breakfast, then hike into base camp-- 4 1/2 miles.
Tuesday & Wednesday - Two full layover days to relax, fish and hike
Thursday - Hike back to trailhead and return to Joseph - Dinner and official farewells.
Friday, July 18 - Depart Joseph at your leisure.
TRIP DIFFICULTY: This trip is rated "leisure+" and will appeal to hikers of all ages in good physical condition. We'll hike 4 1/2 miles to our base camp on a steady, but gently-graded uphill trail, climbing approximately 2000 feet. Our camp is at 7300 feet elevation. Our layover days will allow for easy or challenging day hikes as you choose.
TRIP COST: $825.00 for adults, $670.00 for accompanied children 6-18 years. ~ This price includes two nights lodging (double occupancy), meals from light supper the first day through breakfast the last day, trailhead transportation as well as packing services, tents and pads. Price does not include transportation to Joseph, tips to trekking staff, trip insurance, or other items of a personal nature.
10-16
In
geological diversity, as well as in its animal and plant life, the Wallowa
Mountains have more in common with the Rocky Mountains than with other ranges
found in the Pacific Northwest. As we follow the crystal clear waters of
Hurricane Creek, we'll pass beneath marble mountains, through forests of
pine, spruce and fir to an idyllic mountain meadow rimmed by granite crags.
Mountain goats and bighorn sheep find homes on the ridge tops while elk
and mule deer inhabit the forests.
When we cross the pass at the upper end of Hurricane Canyon, we'll have a chance to explore the enchanting Lakes Basin, fish for tasty brook and rainbow trout, and enjoy the peak of summer's wildflowers. Especially hearty hikers may scramble up the Eagle Cap, at 9,572 feet it offers panoramic views of the entire wilderness area. Finally, we drop down to the West Fork of the Wallowa River and follow it's rushing waters to trail's end near beautiful Wallowa Lake.
ITINERARY:
Sunday, August 10 ~ Arrive in Joseph - early evening light meal & group orientation.
Monday & Tuesday ~ Hike up Hurricane Creek to edge of Lakes Basin- total of 10 miles
Wednesday ~ Layover day to relax, fish or hike
Thursday ~ Hike through basin into West Fork of Wallowa drainage - 7 miles
Friday ~ Hike back to trailhead -7 miles- and return to Joseph - Dinner and official farewells
Saturdday, August 16 ~ Depart Joseph at your leisure
TRIP DIFFICULTY:This trip is rated "moderate" and will appeal to anyone in good physical condition who enjoys hiking three to five hours a day. In five days we'll hike a total of 26 miles on moderately-graded trails. Ambitious hikers have the opportunity to explore even further. For two days we'll hike along Hurricane Creek to an expansive meadow at the head of the canyon where we'll camp for two nights. On our layover day we can fish the stream next to camp, hike over a low pass to a group of alpine lakes to fish and swim, or scale the Eagle Cap. Our last two days' hikes are mostly downhill, across the northern end of the Lakes Basin and down into the forested West Fork of the Wallowa drainage.
TRIP COST: $945.00 for adults - $765.00 for accompanied children ages 6-18 ~ This price includes two nights lodging (double occupancy), meals from light supper the first evening through our celebration dinner the last night in Joseph, trailhead transportation, as well as packing services, tents and pads. Price does not include transportation to Joseph, tips to trekking staff, trip insurance, or other items of a personal nature.
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