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Hiking & Mountian Biking
Whether it's an aerobic workout you're looking for, or a
peaceful walk photographing wildlife and wildflowers, the lodge offers it all. Numerous
private trails, and unlimited mountain climbing opportunities are available literally at
your doorstep. For mountain bikers, the surrounding countryside provides a choice of
every level of difficulty.
- Hiking Trails in the Wallowa Mountains and Eagle Cap Wilderness Areas
The Wallowa Mountains, most of which are comprised by the 580 square miles of the Eagle Cap
Wilderness has miles of Hiking Trails to choose from. The Eagle Cap Wilderness has 17 peaks over 9,000 feet high, including 9,838
Sacajawea Peak, sixth highest in Oregon. Although this part of Oregon has a fairly dry climate,
the mountains receive significant snowfall in winter and some hiking trails do not open until July.
Expect to see evidence of a complex geological history, and four life zones with vegetation
ranging from dry sage to alpine tundra. Wildlife includes plentiful elk, mule deer,
white-tailed deer, black bear, cougars, bighorn (Dall) sheep and mountain sheep.
- Hiking Trails in The Hells Canyon Recreational Area
Welcome to the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, where over 650,000 acres straddle
the Snake River in Oregon and Idaho. Over 75 percent of the Recreation Area is roadless, and
almost 900 miles of hiking trails are offered. Here it is possible to hike from the highest peak,
He Devil, at 9,393 feet down through alpine meadows and lakes, then follow a drainage to the
banks of the mighty Snake River where elevations of 1,000 feet and a desert-like environment
await travelers. Measuring 6,000 feet deep and 10 miles wide from rim to rim at places, Hells
Canyon forms the deepest river canyon in North America.
Special opportunities exist for hikers in the Hells Canyon. Abrupt changes in elevation
have given rise to open benches and timbered draws, which offer excellent wildlife habitat.
Elk, bear, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and many other species of birds and animals can be
seen in their natural surroundings. These varied environments also offer a wide diversity in
flora. Wildflowers bloom from early spring to fall, depending on the elevation.
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