My breath hung in the dewy October morning air of Eastern Oregon’s Wallowa Mountains as I took in the sweeping view before me. Within a mile into Hurricane Creek Trail, my husband and I rounded a corner and saw Hurricane Creek below and the Sacajawea peak filling the horizon.
Since my husband is a meteorologist and I myself work in an ecological field, we always pay special attention to how the weather and foliage change throughout the year. All over the surrounding terrain were bands of yellow, the fall foliage of Oregon’s western larches, a beacon of fall at higher elevations.
With one of the widest geographic ranges of all the conifers, the larch is known for its very peculiar habits: It loses its needles, more like deciduous maple or oak trees than its evergreen counterparts like spruce or pine. Growing on mountain slopes, valleys, and in swampy areas, larches can be found with Douglas fir and ponderosa pine companions in great masses in Eastern Oregon. They are typically a lighter green than other conifers in spring and summer, and in October and November they dot fall landscapes as though a brush of yellow paint had been flicked onto a forest scene.
These trees can be found throughout Oregon, but Eastern Oregon’s quiet, remote trails can cure any case of cabin fever after summer’s long days fade. Check out these hikes of varying intensity to enjoy Oregon’s larches and all that fall hiking has to offer in the eastern part of the state.
Just remember, if you go, check road and weather conditions before you leave, planning for rough roads and limited services. Carry the Ten Essentials on any hike, pack out what you bring in, be mindful of leash laws and clean up after your pet, stay on designated trails, and help avoid human-caused wildfires.
1. Cliffs and Expansive Views at Hurricane Creek
As a point of access into the Eagle Cap Wilderness near Joseph, Hurricane Creek Trail is a relatively popular, moderate, out-and-back trail with views of granite and limestone cliffs, seasonal waterfalls, mountain peaks and, of course, larches. In the early morning, frost may cling to the trail as you ford trickling creeks that can be rushing water in spring.
Hurricane Creek is a choose-your-own-mileage adventure. Pending winter weather in October through May, hikers can backpack in and stay in a dispersed campsite (no reservations needed) or simply day hike. Suggested day hikes are to travel 4.6 miles to the junction with Billy Jones Trail or another 5 miles to the junction with Lakes Basins Trail. The trail climbs steadily but not too steeply before reaching Hurricane Rapids, where you’ll see exposed cliffs and drop-offs.
A fee of $5 per vehicle per day or a Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required. Visitors to the Eagle Cap Wilderness must fill out a free, self-issued Wilderness Visitor Permit before beginning their hike. Dogs are allowed but must be leashed.
2. Subalpine Lakes and Sunsets in the Strawberry Mountains
The Strawberry Mountains boast two relatively accessible subalpine lakes popular for overnight backpacking and day hikes, one of which is Little Strawberry Lake, which is accessed via two moderate trails.
Following Strawberry Basin Trail to Little Strawberry Trail you will see both larch and fall underbrush such as snowberry brightening up the trail with rusty-red hues. Stop for a break 1.2 miles into the trail at Strawberry Lake, nestled at the base of its namesake mountains, and watch the alpine reflections rippling on the water’s surface.
About three-quarters of a mile past the junction with Little Strawberry Trail, the 50-foot-high Strawberry Falls is a worthwhile mid-hike reward.
Shortly after the trail crosses the creek above the falls, take a left at the signed intersection onto the remainder of Little Strawberry Trail. If you’re day hiking, take a moment to appreciate the towering cliffs dwarfing the small subalpine lake below. If backpacking this trail, set up camp at one of the many dispersed campsites in the trees and settle in for a spectacular sunset when the surrounding peaks are set aglow with soft evening light.
Parking is available at the Strawberry Basin Trailhead adjacent to Strawberry Campground, there are no fees required. Dogs are allowed but must be leashed.
3. Wildlife and Marsh Habitat on Tenderfoot Trail
With underbrush foliage donned in red and orange, golden larch trees, and a small stand of quaking aspens, the moderate Tenderfoot Trail to Lower Bonny Lake satisfies any craving for fall in the mountains.
As an access point into the Eagle Cap Wilderness, Tenderfoot Wagon Trail is popular among hikers and riders with a parking lot large enough for cars and horse trailers. Riders and hikers do share the trail, so be mindful, announce your presence, and slow down or step off to the side of the trail to let horses pass.
From Tenderfoot Trail, you will shortly cross Big Sheep Creek on a newly replaced bridge before steeply climbing into the mixed conifer forest. After about 1.1 miles, the trail will cross the North Fork of Big Sheep Creek and come to a signed trail junction. Staying on the main trail leading west for just over a mile, you will cross multiple side creeks and have a secondary crossing of Big Sheep Creek. The final trail junction after this crossing will bear signage for East Fork Wallowa River. Follow this trail to the right of the main trail for about 4 miles to reach lower Bonny Lake, which opens up an expansive view of the peaks beyond.
If you have the lake to yourself, you might be lucky enough to witness wildlife such as deer, elk and coyotes taking advantage of the easily accessible water. Among the larches seen throughout the trail, look for whitebark pines on the lakeshore and surrounding hillsides.
Parking is free but visitors must obtain a Wilderness Permit before beginning their hike; dogs are allowed but must be leashed.
4. Waterfalls and Sweeping Views at Wallowa Lake
Just a short distance up the road from Wallowa Lake State Park, Wallowa Lake Trailhead is a gateway into the Eagle Cap Wilderness. However, you can still enjoy the striking beauty of the Wallowas and the crisp fall air on a short loop hike connecting West Fork Wallowa Trail to Wallowa Falls and the East Fork Wallowa Trail, commonly called the Lower Falls and West Fork Wallowa Spur Loop.
Not only will golden larches speckle the landscape but aspens, serviceberries and maples will add to the fall splendor. The loop is just under 2 miles in length with an elevation gain of roughly 500 feet. If hiking the loop west, begin at the West Fork Wallowa Trail. Take a peaceful break 0.4 miles from the trailhead to enjoy Wallowa Falls before hiking up the Wallowa River on the West Fork trail until you see a fork heading east for the East Fork Wallowa Trail.
Continue on the main East Fork Wallowa Trail to loop back down to the trailhead. Don’t take any of the spur trails that lead to Aneroid Lake or Tenderfoot Pass. Take a moment to stop at one of the many overlooks of Wallowa Lake, Chief Joseph and Mt. Howard.
For an added 2 miles round-trip and a bonus waterfall, take a short detour on the Chief Joseph Mountain Trail 0.6 miles into the West Fork Wallowa Trail. Follow the out-and-back Chief Joseph Mountain Trail to BC Creek and the cascading BC Creek Falls. Due to damage to the BC Creek bridge in 2025, it is not easy to cross the creek at this time and would require extreme caution.
This short hike is the perfect fall-morning activity to be followed by a warm drink and a stroll through downtown Joseph afterward. There are no parking fees, but visitors must fill out the provided, free self-issue Wilderness Visitor Permits at the trailhead before beginning their hike. Dogs are allowed but must be leashed.
5. Peaceful Shoreline Hiking at Bull Prairie Lake
Bull Prairie Lake, a 28-acre oasis surrounded by the Blue Mountains northeast of Spray, is a popular destination for fishing and camping. Bull Prairie Campground, adjacent to the lake, makes for a perfect overnight stop to enjoy the larches in fall.
Take the easy 1.2-mile, paved, lake loop hike on Bull Prairie Lake Trail and watch for herds of deer grazing in the forest surrounding the trail. Or just chill out at one of four accessible fishing docks and observe trout cutting through the water’s rippling surface.
Parking is available near the boat ramp, and if you are camping, the trailhead is easily accessible from the camping area. Dogs are allowed but must be leashed.
