September 17 – Blue Mountains TrailNE Oregon
The Wallowas
I woke up on this penultimate morning wondering if I had simply dreamed of wolves howling last night. But no, they were real. It seemed to be another beautiful day and today I was finally heading to Wallowas. After that front passed, a couple of days ago the nights were getting cold and my tent was very wet from dew, so I took my time drying off before hitting the trail.
A good view of the twins of Twin Lakes.
I thought it was funny that the Eagle Cap Wilderness and Wallowas are such a destination in Oregon, but on the BMT I would only be there for one night. And I understand it. Eagle Cap is becoming too loved. I would witness this on my way out tomorrow.
After getting going, I quickly pulled off the road and onto the trail. There was another short section of logging road that would be the last of my hike, and I headed down the trail that begins at Russell Mountain Lookout. The hike to and around Sugarloaf Mountain was beautiful and I didn’t see a single soul. A human soul, that is. I had the company of my favorite bovines. The trail was in good condition and easy to follow. There are a lot of side trails out there, so I periodically checked to see if I was on the right path. And there was a lot of water.
Imnaha of the South Fork
I had lunch on the saddle above Blue Creek, then started down to Blue Creek and then further down to the South Fork Imnaha River. It was great to see Imnaha again. He had crossed it a week ago near its end in the Snake River, and was now crossing it again near the head of its South Fork. I took one last bath.
The trails were well marked around here.
After fording South Fork Imnaha, I turned left and headed up the South Fork valley. It felt great to be back in the Eagle Cap Wilderness, especially on this south side where I had it to myself.
Looking down the South Fork Imnaha Valley.
The South Fork Imnaha River.
The shadows came early to the steep valley. When it started getting cooler, I started looking for a good place to camp. I found one and installed it. It was quickly turning from cool to cold, so I bundled up in all my clothes, including my rain gear. This was my last camp of the hike, and I was trying to stay in the moment even though I was so excited to finish tomorrow.
Elevation Tracker
Day 33: 3,009′
Total: 102,197′
Ah, the Wallowas!
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