Mount Ireland

  • Difficult (to Mt. Ireland)
  • 6.6 miles round trip
  • 2320 feet elevation gain
  • Open July through October
  • Use: hikers, horses, bicycles


  • Difficult (to Downie Lake)
  • 7 miles round trip
  • 2350 feet elevation gain

The lookout tower atop 8321-foot Mt. Ireland not only has a terrific view of Baldy Lake and the Blue Mountains, but the tower is actually staffed each summer. A spur of the Mt. Ireland trail descends through the forest to silent Downie Lake. These are beautiful destinations, and just remote enough that the only person you’re likely to meet is the lonely lookout staffer.

From downtown Baker City, drive …

From the trailhead sign walk up …

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