About Bear Creek Trailhead
This trailhead provides access to Bear Creek Trail #1653, Washboard Trail #1680, Stanley Ridge Trail #1677, and Dobbin Creek Trail #1654 within Eagle Cap Wilderness.Bear Creek runs along the entire trail, with many places to fish. The scenery is beautiful in this glacially formed drainage. The first three or four miles are open terrain. Views along the trail gradually change from flower filled meadows to scattered pines and a dense forest canopy.The trail along Bear Creek is gentle with no major streams to cross. Campsites can be found at Boundary Campground which offers picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, but no developed drinking water. Due to the open nature of the basin, there are many opportunities for dispersed camping along the trail. Historical sites may be observed along the way. You will ride or hike along mountain ridges, viewing spectacular scenery. This route transgresses into meadows, mountain peaks, forested scenery and rocky hillsides.Water is available on trail #1653, but be prepared when traveling over trail #1680 to have your own drinking water. Horse users should be experienced if traveling over trail #1680.View a printable information sheet on Bear Creek Trails 1653, 1680, 1677, and 1654 with map. (PDF File)
How to Get There
From Enterprise, Oregon travel northwest on State Highway 82 for 18 miles to Wallowa, Oregon; In Wallowa look for Boundary Campground signs and turn left on First Street and go 0.4 miles; Turn left on North Bear Creek Road and go 1.2 miles (road make several turns); Turn left onto Forest Raod 8250 and go 6 miles; Turn right onto Forest Road 040 and go 0.8 miles to trailhead which is past Boundary Campground. The last 7 miles are gravel.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Bear Creek Trailhead
Heading to Bear Creek Trailhead? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Bear Creek Trailhead?
No central reservation system listed for Bear Creek Trailhead. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/237713) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Bear Creek Trailhead?
From Enterprise, Oregon travel northwest on State Highway 82 for 18 miles to Wallowa, Oregon; In Wallowa look for Boundary Campground signs and turn left on First Street and go 0.4 miles; Turn left on North Bear Creek Road and go 1.2 miles (road make several turns); Turn left onto Forest Raod 8250 and go 6 miles; Turn right onto Forest Road 040 and go 0.8 miles to trailhead which is past Boundary …
References & Official Resources
