Minam River Via Rock Springs

• Difficult
• 8.4 miles round trip
• 2500 feet elevation loss
• Open mid-June through October
• Use: hikers, horses

The Minam River gathers its forces high in the Wallowa Mountains and barrels down a 2500-foot-deep rimrock canyon for 40 miles. There are no easy paths to this mighty torrent in the heart of the Eagle Cap Wilderness, but the trail down from Rock Springs is the least difficult. There’s plenty of room for camping, too, beside a meadow with the explorable ruins of an old lodge. Just be sure to save some energy for the hike back up to your car on the canyon rim.