Bear Lake | Backpacking in Oregon

Bear Lake

This is a difficult 6.4 mile trip to Bear Lake in the Eagle Cap Wilderness on the Southwest side. The last 1.5 miles is the most difficult because of the elevation gain. But worth it for the views.

Author:	valsetz
Date:	26 Oct 2008 3:28:42 AM
Activity:	Backpacking ActivitySearchBackpacking
State:	Oregon (OR)
Distance:	6.58 mi (Change units)
Average Speed:	1.2 mph 0:50:09/mi
Duration:	5:30:00
Elevation:	Total Gain: 3923 ft Total Loss: 1658 ft Net Change: 2264 ft
Difficulty:	7 / 10
USGS Topo Map:	Wallowa Mts
Tags:	Eagle Cap Wilderness, Union, Oregon
Rating:	Unrated Rate it

This hike for the whole length you are surrounded by granite mountains on both sides of you. In the winter there are massive avalanches in the area. Last winter in this area, it was especially hit by heavy snow and there is evidence of the damage to all the trees. There was evidence of lots of wildlife in the area, I saw bear, deer, and elk scat. Did not see one person for the 3 days on the weekend we were there.

TO TRAILHEAD: Take exit 298 off of I-84, this is near Baker City. Drive 19 miles on Hwy 203 to Medical Springs. At Medical Springs turn east onto Eagle Creek Drive and then follow the signs to Boulder Park.

Position Format:	Datum:

Tracks

BEAR LAK

Dist: 6.59 mi	Points: 485	Calories: none
Time: none	Speed: 0.0 mph	Pace: 0:00 / mi

Points of Interest

Trialhead.jpg

Location: 45.068217°, -117.406683°
Trailhead

1st Bridge.JPG

Location: 45.072854°, -117.399591°
This is the first bridge you will come to, you cross the eagle river.

Meadow.JPG

Location: 45.102244°, -117.357760°
Eagle Creek Meadow

Bear Lake1.JPG

Location: 45.100730°, -117.345657°

Bear Lake2

Location: 45.100548°, -117.345486°

Bear Lake3.JPG

Location: 45.100548°, -117.344799°

Bear Lake4.JPG

Location: 45.100548°, -117.344627°

Bear Lake5.JPG

Location: 45.100427°, -117.344456°

Bear Lake6.JPG

Location: 45.100184°, -117.344284°

Bear Lake7.JPG

Location: 45.100306°, -117.344112°

Bear Lake8.JPG

Location: 45.099942°, -117.344284°

Tamarack.JPG

Location: 45.102244°, -117.359562°
A view of the Tamarack trees that loose their needles in the winter.

Copper.JPG

Location: 45.093398°, -117.384110°
Here are the Copper Creek Falls. You can't tell but the falls are 60 feet tall. When I was here in June there was about 3 to 4 feet of snow on the ground and these falls were very full of water.