Maxwell Lake Trailhead

Hiker trailhead in fir trees with informatio board in foreground

The trip to Maxwell Lake makes an excellent day hike; it's relatively short, 4 miles one-way. Stands of larch and fir give shade and relief from the open meadows. Climbing the ridge behind Maxwell Lake affords you spectacular views of North Minam Meadows and some of the lakes and peaks in the Minam and Lostine drainages. Fishing for eastern brook trout is a favorite passtime at Maxwell Lake. Catched Two Lake is also a favorite fishing spot. The lakes are surrounded with granite walls and fine outcroppings of pine trees along the lakeshores. Small side streams cross the trail but may dwindle to a trickle later in the season. Be sure to carry drinking water with you.

Maxwell Lake Trailhead is a small trailhead split into two parts near Shady Campground. The parking area is located on the east side of Lostine River Road across from Shady Campground. The trail takes off from the northwest corner of the campground.

Set in the cool pine and fir trees along the Wild and Scenic Lostine River the trailhead is popular during the summer for local and regional campers visiting the Lostine Canyon and Eagle Cap Wilderness.

Printable information sheet with a map of trail 1674 to Maxwell Lake (PDF File)

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	Current Conditions
Reservations:	This site is not reservable.
Area Amenities:	Interpretive Site, Picnic tables, Parking
Fees:	$5/vehicle/day or Northwest Forest Pass, or any form of the America the Beautiful National Pass
Permit Info:	All visitors to the Eagle Cap Wilderness must obtain a Wilderness Visitor Permit before entering the area. Only one permit is required per group and there is no fee for the permits. Registration and Permit boxes are located at each trailhead near the information board. The permits are self-issued.
Open Season:	June
Usage:	Heavy
Restrictions:	General rules of use and restrictions apply for this developed recreation site. Wilderness Regulations apply within Eagle Cap Wilderness. Motorized vehicles, bicycles, carts, hang gliders and other mechanical equipment are prohibited in the wilderness area.
Closest Towns:	Lostine, Oregon (18 miles), and Enterprise, Oregon (27 miles)
Water:	No
Restroom:	No
Passes:	Recreation Passes may be used as a form of fee payment. You will need to display a valid day pass (or annual pass) for each day your vehicle is at a recreation site where a fee is required.
Operated By:	Forest Service
Information Center:	Wallowa Mountains Office

General Information

Directions:

From Enterprise, Oregon travel west on Highway 82 for 10 miles to Lostine, Oregon; In Lostine turn left at Lostine River Road and go 7 miles; The Lostine River Road turns into Forest Road 8210 at Forest Boundary; Continue 10.5 miles on Forest Road 8210; The main trailhead parking and site is on left side of road, howvere a small parking area near the beginning of the trail is by Shady Campground.