[Backpacker Joe]

I'm in phoenix. Ill be driving home through north eastern Oregon. I was looking at the map and thought I might stop by the wallowas as I drive by on highway 84. Can someone give directions from 84 to the popular hiking spots in the wallowas please. My laptop died and I'm writing this on my kindle fire.

[David¹]

Wallowa Lake Trailhead Take exit 261 for OR-82 toward La Grande City Center 0.4 mi Turn right onto OR-82 E/Island Ave Continue to follow OR-82 E 1.4 mi Turn left onto OR-82 E/B St/N McAlister Rd Continue to follow OR-82 E 17.7 mi Turn right onto OR-82 E/Albany St/Wallowa Lake Hwy Continue to follow R-82 E/Wallowa Lake Hwy 26.6 mi Keep right at the fork Continue to follow OR-82 E 17.7 mi Turn right onto OR-82 E/N River St Continue to follow OR-82 E 6.3 mi (Joseph) From Joseph, follow the Wallowa Lake Highway to the south end of Wallowa lake, avoiding the right hand fork which goes to Wallowa Lake State Park. The trail head is at the end of the parking lot.

[David¹]

Two Pan Trailhead (East Fork Lostine) Take exit 261 for OR-82 toward La Grande City Center 0.4 mi Turn right onto OR-82 E/Island Ave Continue to follow OR-82 E 1.4 mi Turn left onto OR-82 E/B St/N McAlister Rd Continue to follow OR-82 E 17.7 mi Turn right onto OR-82 E/Albany St/Wallowa Lake Hwy Continue to follow R-82 E/Wallowa Lake Hwy 26.6 mi Keep right at the fork Continue to follow OR-82 E/Wallowa Lake Hwy 7.8mi (Lostine) From Lostine, Oregon (located on Highway 82 west of Enterprise), turn south onto Lostine River Road (Forest Service Road 8210). Drive this road for about 18 miles until reaching its end and the Two Pan Trailhead.

[mike]

BPJ, coming from the south and not wanting to take the "normal" route all the way around the north side: Go up to Halfway (hwy86) and take FS-39 road to Joseph. I think it is called the Wallowa Mtn Rd. and it is paved for part. It connects to the Imnaha Rd into Joseph. Left to Joseph, right to Hat Pt. Take the very short side trip to the Snake R, Canyon Overlook. edit: don't know how much time you have but the Snake R. road from Huntington is a decent and scenic road and cuts off some miles. It connects with hwy 86 just before Halfway. These are good, well maintained FS roads. (removed inaccuracies)

[Backpacker Joe]

Thank you David. Would you prefer one over the other? Mike will that road be snow free mid June?

[mike]

[Backpacker Joe]

Since ill coming up from Boise I think that cut off road would be nice. Since ill be leaving my rig full of stuff is there a theft concern at the Wallowa lake parking area?

[mike]

[mbtigger]

Going up the Wallowa road might shave off some distance, but I think it is likely to take longer. I have not driven that way myself, but google mapping shows it taking more time. It may be that it is a much prettier drive, and worth taking. Enjoy the area, and if you are feeling lazy, the gondola ride is easy way to get some nice views...

[Redwic]

BPJ- Having driven in eastern Oregon a couple of times last year, I have the following suggestion: Don't rely on maps that imply decent-sized cities/towns, for finding gas stations. There are many decent-sized towns in eastern Oregon (and even western Oregon) that do not have any gas stations. There are also many cities/towns in eastern Oregon that imply being much bigger than they actually are. There will likely not be any "last gas until..." signs, so if you see a gas station and you are in eastern Oregon you should fill-up when the opportunity presents itself. Otherwise, you might be driving 100-200 miles to the next station. It is a freak of human nature, of sorts... probably because they do not know how to pump their own fuel down there. In example, "Burns Junction" does not have gas. It really does not even qualify as a town. On many maps Canyon City looks bigger than John Day, but there are many more people in John Day than Canyon City. Gas can be safely found in John Day, Baker, La Grande, and Pendleton. ------------ Just have a great time! That is a great region!

[mike]

[Trail Angel]

Imnaha is most likely clear, but other trails are still under snow over here. I just recently made it to the trail head above my house~ 5500' in elevation. There were snow patches still. Call the Wallowa- Whitman Forest Service in Baker or Enterprise. If you can't get a hold of them, try La Grande FS.