Moss Springs Trailhead

Area Status: Open
Large gravel trailhead parking area with trucks and horse trailers

Moss Springs Trailhead is located near the Moss Springs Campground on the edge of the Eagle Cap Wilderness. provides access to Trail #1673, Trail #1919, Trail #1918, and Trail #1942.

The trailhead is popular with stock users as it offers a large stock vehicle parking area, loading ramp, feed bunks and holding facilities. Although the graveled forest road is a steep and narrow, many visitors enjoy the site to gain quick access to the Minam River Country.

From Moss Springs Trailhead you will travel through dense forested land, following the winding Little Minam and Minam Rivers. Dispersed camping sites are plentiful. You will find some good fishing spots along the way and observe the historic Horse Ranch along this route.

Printable information sheet and map about nearby trails (PDF File)

At a Glance

Reservations: This site is not reservable.
Area Amenities: Toilets, Parking
Fees: $5/vehicle/day, or Northwest Forest Pass, or any form of the America the Beautiful National Pass. (Moss Springs Campground is a separate fee site.)
Permit Info: All wilderness visitors to the Eagle Cap Wilderness must obtain a Wilderness Visitor Permit before entering the area. Permits are free and self-issued at trailheads. 
Open Season: June
Usage: Heavy
Restrictions: General rules of use and restrictions apply for this developed recreation site. Wilderness Regulations apply  within Eagle Cap Wildernes.
  • Motorized vehicles, bicycles, carts, hang glider and other mechanical equipment is prohibited in the Wilderness area.
Closest Towns: La Grande, Oregon (34 miles), Union, Oregon (15 miles)
Water: No
Restroom: Vault Toilet
Passes: Recreation Passes may be used as a form of fee payment.
Operated By: Forest Service
Information Center: For trailhead or facilities info contact the La Grande Ranger District. For trail info contact the Wallowa Mountains Office.

General Information

Directions:

From La Grande, Oregon travel northeast on State Highway 82 for about 2 miles to Island City; In Island City continue straight onto State Highway 237 (Cove Highway) and go 13 miles to Cove, Oregon; In Cove turn right on the Union Cove highway and go 1/2 block; Turn left on Hill Street and follow it to 2nd Street; Continue on 2nd Street which turns into Mill Creek Road; Follow Mill Creek Road which turns into Forest Road 6220; Follow Forest Road 6220 for about 8 miles to the campground and trailhead.

Advisory - the last six miles of Forest Road 6220 is a steep, gravel surface narrow road.


Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Day Hiking

Backpacking

Horse Riding

The site has a large stock vehicle parking area, loading ramp, feed bunks and holding facilities.

Amenities

Parking: Large truck and trailer parking area
Toilets: Vault toilet

Related Information

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Latitude : 
45.274644

  Longitude : 
-117.677856

  Elevation : 
5510