Frances Lake

Frances Lake

Frances Lake

  • Difficult
  • 17.8 miles round trip
  • 4235 feet elevation gain
  • Open late July through October
  • Use: hikers, horses


Frances is the largest, highest, and most beautiful lake in the Wallowas that most hikers have never seen. That’s because the trail here just won’t quit. Sure, it’s well graded, and it’s not particularly difficult mile for mile, but there are simply so many miles and so many switchbacks that the trip becomes an athletic challenge.

From Interstate 84, take …

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