Top 9 Lakes in Wallowa County

For families, Wallowa Lake State Recreation Area is ideal, offering mini-golf, go-karts, horseback riding, and various water sports like paddle boating, swimming, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Thief Valley Reservoir also provides a boat launch, campsites, and picnic spots, making it suitable for family outings.

The Eagle Cap Wilderness is home to premier hiking and backpacking destinations. Ice Lake is a popular choice, known for its challenging 15.5-mile round trip trail and serving as an excellent base camp for exploring nearby peaks. Mirror Lake (Eagle Cap Wilderness) is another favorite for hiking and camping, often accessed via the East Fork Lostine River Trail. You can find more hiking options in the region by checking out the Hiking in Wallowa County guide.

Wallowa Lake is a renowned fishing spot, holding world records for Kokanee salmon and state records for trout and Mackinaw. Ice Lake and Aneroid Lake are excellent for trout fishing, particularly brook trout. Maxwell Lake is also known as a good place to fish, but always check local regulations before casting.

Wallowa Lake is a prime location for swimming and various water sports. The Wallowa Lake State Recreation Area has a designated swim beach, and visitors can enjoy paddle boating, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Thief Valley Reservoir is also popular for boating and windsurfing.

The best time to visit the lakes in Wallowa County is generally during the late spring, summer, and early fall (May to October) when the weather is mild, and trails are clear of snow. For popular spots like Ice Lake, visiting during early spring or fall can offer more solitude away from peak season crowds.

Wallowa Lake offers breathtaking scenic vistas, often compared to Switzerland, with its deep blue water set against 9,000-foot mountains. The Wallowa Lake Tramway provides panoramic views of Wallowa Lake, the Eagle Cap Wilderness, and the Seven Devils Mountains. Ice Lake is famous for its crystal-clear water reflecting towering peaks like the Matterhorn and Sacajawea Peak, especially at sunrise.

Wallowa County is characterized by its glacial formations, creating deep, clear ribbon lakes like Wallowa Lake and numerous pristine alpine lakes within the Eagle Cap Wilderness. Ice Lake, for instance, is the deepest lake in the Eagle Cap Wilderness, known for its exceptionally clear water and surrounding towering peaks. The region's low light pollution also makes it an excellent location for stargazing.

While popular lakes like Ice Lake and Mirror Lake can get busy, Maxwell Lake is often quieter as its trail doesn't intersect with other major routes. For Mirror Lake (Eagle Cap Wilderness), exploring further along its shores or hiking to nearby Upper Lake can provide more solitude for camping.

Wallowa Lake State Park, located at the southern tip of Wallowa Lake, offers extensive campgrounds. Ice Lake and Aneroid Lake are popular for backpacking and offer campsites around their shores. Mirror Lake (Eagle Cap Wilderness) also has many suitable tent pitching spots, though campfires are generally not allowed. Fish Lake features a campground set in an old-growth forest.

Near the lakes, you can find various routes for outdoor activities. For hiking, consider the Ice Lake Trail to Matterhorn Peak or the Lakes Basin Loop. There are also several waterfall hikes, such as Echo Lake via Hurricane Creek Trail. These routes offer diverse experiences from moderate to difficult.

Lakes within the Eagle Cap Wilderness, such as Ice Lake and Mirror Lake (Eagle Cap Wilderness), typically require wilderness permits for overnight stays. It's advisable to check with the U.S. Forest Service or local ranger stations for the most current permit regulations before your trip, especially during peak seasons.