Wallowas Questions

**Stoysluttie1** · 05-15-2005, 12:52 PM

I'll be living out of Ukiah, OR for the summer and was looking for some beta on the snow pack in the area, ie. Blues, Wallowas, etc. I'm sure there isn't much.

Also, on some of my days off I'll be checking out the mtn. biking scene near Boise. More beta later. thanks in advance

**mtbakerskier** · 05-15-2005, 01:40 PM

I was in hte Wallowas a little over a month ago, and htere was not much snow left, so good luck on summer / spring touring. However there is some cool terrain, and maybe a few north facing pockets that will hold snow longer, but I dunno, its been very warm down htere.

**char** · 05-15-2005, 02:36 PM

Not a whole lot of snow up there in the summer. You might be able to find something in the Eagle Cap though. Maybe the Strawberry Wilderness will be holding some snow up high, but I doubt it.

I lived in Unity, OR last year. Boring as hell because I was confined to a one hour recall time for the fire crew I was on. There are definetly hikes to do, fishing, etc I just didn't get to enjoy very much of it. Check out Baker City and Joseph for some "nightlife."

And check out the Eagle Cap even if there isn't snow. A gorgeous area.

What are you doing in Ukiah?

**Stoysluttie1** · 05-15-2005, 04:54 PM

Originally Posted by char

Not a whole lot of snow up there in the summer. You might be able to find something in the Eagle Cap though. Maybe the Strawberry Wilderness will be holding some snow up high, but I doubt it.

I lived in Unity, OR last year. Boring as hell because I was confined to a one hour recall time for the fire crew I was on. There are definetly hikes to do, fishing, etc I just didn't get to enjoy very much of it. Check out Baker City and Joseph for some "nightlife."

And check out the Eagle Cap even if there isn't snow. A gorgeous area.

What are you doing in Ukiah?

Working as the plant geek for a Columbia River Basin riparian project. Backpacking for 8 days identifying and collecting plants.

**Greydon Clark** · 05-15-2005, 05:07 PM

I know shit about OR geography, but is Ukiah a reasonable drive to Shasta/Lassen? I think both of these mountains got snow this year and they are fun to ski.

**Sierra Cement** · 05-15-2005, 05:35 PM

I heard from two sepate sources yesterday that the Wallowas have potential for superb skiing. Very few folks go out there to ski. From Ukiah, I would plan on just heading northwest a ways to Mt. Adams. Even without a big snow year, I've got to imagine those glaciers will still be holding the goods for awhile. Sisters (and Bend) is not too far away either for a plethora of good times.

**Buster Highmen** · 05-15-2005, 09:31 PM

Originally Posted by Stoysluttie1

I'll be living out of Ukiah, OR for the summer and was looking for some beta on the snow pack in the area, ie. Blues, Wallowas, etc. I'm sure there isn't much.

Also, on some of my days off I'll be checking out the mtn. biking scene near Boise. More beta later. thanks in advance

The snowpack this year stinks, but there's always some snow up there if you're willing to hike. There's a cadre of hardcores that ski every month of the year up in Eagle Cap, the largest wilderness in Oregon.

When the tram opens, there's usually a few tongues of snow going down the backside (NE of Mt. Howard) and coming off of East Peak, which is visible from the tram (look S. towards Aneroid). I've skied that stuff in the middle of July on average years. Later into August you have to look high up on Aneroid and some of the basins that are 6+ miles from the traliheads, but it's there.

Not much in the Blues, Strawberrys or Elkhorns for snow, but htere is really worthy hiking and fishing around there. It's an incredible area in general for that stuff.

Here's a link: http://www.wingski.com. Roger Averbeck is a great guy and will tell you what hold snow. He'll know who sent you too, so don't let that impinge on your good character.

(edit) Terrain map: http://www.wingski.com/map2.html

(edit) Tram info: http://www.wallowalaketramway.com

**mtbakerskier** · 05-15-2005, 09:41 PM

I gota put another word in for Roger, the dude knows his shit, and if you meet up with him or give him a call he will give you the low down on the snow pack. Also his tour op has some amazing terrain if hte conditions are right.