Eagle Cap Wilderness

Even though I've lived in Oregon all my life, for some reason I've never been to the far northeastern corner of the state as an adult, aside from passing through the Blue Mountains on I-84. After having to postpone in 2021 due to smoke I finally made it in July 2022. Starting from well known Wallawa Lake I backpacked a roughly 30 mile loop, spending a night at Glacier Lake and a second night at Mirror Lake, directly under the highest peaks in the area -- Eagle Cap and Glacier Peak, both about 9,500ft. This small and remote range of mountains is known as the Alps of Oregon, and for good reason. The scenery here is absolutely stunning, with icy mountains, green hills, and endless wildflowers. Truly a hidden treasure and one of the most beautiful places I've ever visited in my home state. What I didn't know is that during my first night backpacking, a huge new fire exploded in Northern California, sending a huge wave of smoke straight toward me. Thankfully it didn't arrive until just before sunset my second night so I was able to get all the photos I'd hoped to...and the arriving smoke made for some crazy colors in the sky.