The crowds struggling up the steep, dusty trail from Wallowa Lake to the gorgeous alpine country above Aneroid Lake obviously don’t know about this easier, much quieter route.  If you …  …  you can trim a mile and nearly 2000 feet of elevation gain from the hike to dramatic Dollar Lake.  Along the way you’ll climb through wildflower fields at the Bonny Lakes, a good goal in itself.  And because the trail really is less steep, you may have enough energy to continue on a grand loop around the Imnaha Divide.

Group size is limited to 12. Campsites must be at least 100 feet from lakeshores, tethered horses must be at least 200 feet from lakes, and campfires are strongly discouraged. The use of snags for firewood is banned.

From the gas station in . . .

This chapter is an excerpt from 100 Hikes: Eastern Oregon