Van Patten Lake

After unsuccessfully attempting to run 100 miles at IMTUF in Idaho, I had some time to kill before I had to be home and energy in my legs to burn.  The Eastern part of Oregon has been on my list of places to run since I moved to the state a few years ago.  One route popped into my mind and I had to do it. The Elkhorn Crest is a point to point trail in the Blue Mountains just outside of Baker Ci...

The Elkhorn Crest Trail runs along the Elkhorn Ridge of the Blue Mountains in Eastern Oregon. From this ridge you can scramble of multiple peaks, including the highest in the ridge: Rock Creek Butte (9,106 ft) and Elkhorn Peak (8,931 ft). For the peakbaggers out there, the Elkhorns contain 13 of the Top 100 highest peaks in Oregon (minimum 500 feet prominence). The Elkhorns are just east of the...

Oregon Trail Interpretive Center Loop is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Baker City, Oregon.

The Wallowa Mountains are one of Oregon's best-kept secrets, and this overnight backpack into the Eagle Cap Wilderness will deliver you into the heart of the range. Following the East Eagle Creek through a valley filled with meadows and the occasional aspen, you will be surrounded by towering granite peaks on either side. The lake itself offers a tremendous vantage point of the valley and Jacks...

The top trip in Oregon's Eagle Cap Wilderness takes you in a loop around Eagle Cap, Oregon's 13th tallest peak and through three high mountain passes. East Eagle trailhead has two main parking lots, the first one you come to is a trailer parking lot meant for horse trailers, but make sure you drive past that to the second parking lot for backpackers. From East Eagle trailhead, follow Trail 19...

Mirror Lake, one of the most photogenic and peaceful lakes in the area, is accessible via the Two-Pan Trailhead, off of Upper Lostine Road. The hike follows the river that flows down from the Lakes Basin, so water is plentiful throughout. You will slowly move up the valley, crossing the river a couple of times, so waterproof boots are a must. There is one occasion when wading through the water...