This is a family favorite that's lots of fun with many unique features. Its an easy hike with views of Wallowa Lake, a bridge over the river and a waterfall.
This guide covers just the first part of the trail up to BC Creek Falls and back again with an optional side trip* down to a lookout over Wallowa Lake and the whitewater convergence of the West Fork of the Wallowa River and BC Creek. The whole thing, round-trip, is about 3 miles and is not too difficult - great for a casual hike.
It's also especially fun for kids and they'll feel like Indiana Jones finding treasure if you take note of some of the odd rock features you'll find in the gallery. Good luck on your hunt!
*Just keep a close eye on your kids and leash your doggie as there are steep drop-offs along the optional side-trip portion of the trail that heads down to the convergence/lookout.
Directions:
Take the West Fork trail #1820 at the Wallowa lake Trailhead and continue to the Chief Joseph Trail #1803 junction about 1/4 mile ahead. Go left upriver to the bridge and after a short distance the trail switchbacks to the north where you’ll find views of the lake. At a little over a half-mile you’ll encounter BC Falls. It makes for a great final destination. If you can ford the creek, the trail continues on for another 4 miles to a hill called Joseph Knob at the base of Chief Joseph Mountain at 7533’. An alternate route, while steep, is the typical route that people (of the mountain goat type) take to reach these lofty destinations.
Be on the lookout for Pica, Mountain Goats, Mule Deer and the occasional Elk. Rubber Boa's and Western Toads are often found on the lower trail as well. Please, please, please! - leave wild creatures in their home. Kids especially want to take the Boas and Toads home and we see less and less of them every year.
This is an extraordinary spot with possibilities to explore or summit. Wildflowers abound in mid-June and the alpine setting will have you feeling like you should be singing in a musical. The views are awesome making it very hard to leave.
The gallery has photo captions that guide you on this special hike-
The trail to BC Creek Falls starts with the West Fork Trail (#1820) for about 1/4 mile to a short connecting trail that joins the Chief Joseph Trail (#1803). The short hike to BC Falls has a bridges and some fun rocks along the way.
The trail to BC Creek Falls starts with the West Fork Trail (#1820) for about 1/4 mile to a short connecting trail that joins the Chief Joseph Trail (#1803). The short hike to BC Falls has a bridges and some fun rocks along the way.
At the Wallowa Lake Trailhead, grab a Trail Pass and head right along the side of the hydro station.
At the Wallowa Lake Trailhead, grab a Trail Pass and head right along the side of the hydro station.
The kiosk has plenty of useful information. It's also where you get your free self-issue trail pass. This information could be crucial in a wildfire. It also helps determine maintenance needs.
The kiosk has plenty of useful information. It's also where you get your free self-issue trail pass. This information could be crucial in a wildfire. It also helps determine maintenance needs.
A few yards up confirms you're on the right trail. You'll find that most trails in the Eagle Cap are well-marked, but it's always a good practice to carry a map and compass.
A few yards up confirms you're on the right trail. You'll find that most trails in the Eagle Cap are well-marked, but it's always a good practice to carry a map and compass.
The trail has a variety of features that are fun and beautiful.
Head southwest (upstream) on Chief Joseph Trail #1803.
If you go northeast, opposite the way of the sign (downstream) you'll reach an overlook on Wallowa Lake and the confluence BC Creek and the Wallowa River. WARNING: Now would be a good tiime to leash your pooch and take your little ones hand because of some steep dropoffs.
If you go northeast, opposite the way of the sign (downstream) you'll reach an overlook on Wallowa Lake and the confluence BC Creek and the Wallowa River. WARNING: Now would be a good tiime to leash your pooch and take your little ones hand because of some steep dropoffs.
In about a quarter mile you'll come to the first bridge. This bridge is OK for calm, trained stock.
As you round a corner and head down, BC Falls comes into view.
The origional bridge was stout and stock-capable. A large ice dam broke loose several years ago one spring and washed it out. This footbridge met a similar fate in 2025 when a boulder took it out. Seems mother nature doesn't like a bridge here.
The origional bridge was stout and stock-capable. A large ice dam broke loose several years ago one spring and washed it out. This footbridge met a similar fate in 2025 when a boulder took it out. Seems mother nature doesn't like a bridge here.
Since it's mostly downhill, slow down and take in the beauty all around you.
This dragonfly blends in perfectly. You may see toads, rubber boas, pica and other animals if you keep alert. And please, leave them in their forest home.
This dragonfly blends in perfectly. You may see toads, rubber boas, pica and other animals if you keep alert. And please, leave them in their forest home.
If you want to see the Lake and the confluence of two rivers, head past the intersection of the West Fork Trail going downstream. WARNING: Now would be a good time to leash your pooch and take your little ones hands because on your left are some steep drop-offs (cliffs).
If you want to see the Lake and the confluence of two rivers, head past the intersection of the West Fork Trail going downstream. WARNING: Now would be a good time to leash your pooch and take your little ones hands because on your left are some steep drop-offs (cliffs).
