Admittedly, the trail to Aneroid Lake is long and steep. Granted, the path is dusty from countless boot soles and horse hooves. But if you’re staying at Wallowa Lake State Park, this is the shortest route to one of the Wallowa high country’s famous alpine lakes. The trail’s final miles traverse gorgeous wildflower meadows backed by snowy 9000-foot peaks. If you decide to turn back before the lake, there’s a consolation prize: a stop at a cool, cascading waterfall.

Note that group size is limited to 12. Tents must be at least 100 feet from the lakeshore, horse grazing is banned within 200 feet of the lake, and campfires are strongly discouraged. Firewood cutting from standing trees or snags is banned.

From Interstate 84 . . .

Other Options

If you’ve backpacked into the Aneroid Lake area, you might . . .

This chapter is an excerpt from 100 Hikes: Eastern Oregon