Elkhorn Crest

VanPatten Peak from Elkhorn Crest Trail

  • Moderate (to Dutch Flat Lake)
  • 8.6 miles round trip
  • 1910 feet elevation gain
  • Open July through October
  • Use: hikers, horses


  • Difficult (to Lost Lake)
  • 12.8 miles round trip
  • 1860 feet elevation gain
  • Difficult (to Summit Lake)
  • 20 miles round trip
  • 2600 feet elevation gain


  • Difficult (to Marble Pass)
  • 22.8 miles one-way
  • 2820 feet elevation gain

One of Oregon’s most beautiful backpacking routes, the 22.8-mile Elkhorn Crest Trail contours from pass to pass along the granite spine of the Elkhorn Range. Views from this timberline path stretch from the Wallowas to the John Day country. The trail itself passes almost no water sources or flat campsites, so plan to detour to Dutch Flat Lake, Lost Lake, Summit Lake, or Twin Lakes along the way.

Start by driving Interstate 84...

This chapter taken from the book 100 Hikes/Travel Guide: Eastern Oregon.