North Minam River | Eagle Cap Wilderness, Oregon

The Fall Campout!
It's the crown jewel of my backpacking season. This year we planned on being out longer than we ever have before, and of course, hiking trails we've never hiked before.
Come with us as we hike along and around the North Minam River!
Thanks for watching!
00:23 - Bowman - Francis Trailhead
02:21 - Brownie Basin
04:06 - Day 2
06:48 - Wilson Pass
08:55 - Wilson Basin
09:23 - Mine
10:32 - John Henry Lake
12:05 - Day 3
16:16 - North Minam River
17:19 - Views!
17:48 - Green Lake
19:02 - Day 4
21:42 - Day 5
24:39 - North Minam Meadow
27:08 - Steamboat Lake
28:57 - Sunset
29:47 - Day 6
34:06 - Swamp Lake
35:38 - Long Lake
37:42 - Day 7
40:18 - Swamp Lake
42:55 - Matterhorn
43:01 - Eagle Cap
44:13 - Copper Creek
45:25 - Day 8
46:27 - Lostine River

[@sierrashere8197]

Absolutely Love love the instrumental song beginning at 40:45 . . . Priceless , tops the backpacking trip off !! thank you,again . God bless !

[@mountainwanderer]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@blackoakpropertymaintenanc6981]

@@mountainwanderer A true signature sound for the Mountain Wanderers Band...!

[@mountainwanderer]

I do use that song a lot...

[@Nighthawk268]

My hometown mountains... never gets old. Thank you so much for sharing this.

[@mountainwanderer]

It's only my second trip into these mountains, but I am in love!

[@Nighthawk268]

@@mountainwanderer Awesome!! I'm so glad you found them! Trail 1934 to Echo/Traverse Lakes is also a very beautiful area. Quite a few switchbacks, but definitely worth it! The Elkhorn Mountains here provide great hikes as well. Keep up the fantastic work. I've definitely been enjoying your vids!

[@mountainwanderer]

Thanks for the tips! I'll definitely be looking at some more routes in this range!

[@Nighthawk268]

@@mountainwanderer Anytime, looking forward to the future videos!

[@adventureswithsammy7154]

Nighthawk84, Do care share some spots? I based out of Union County, weekly MERA, (Seasonly) monthly doing Crawfish Loop at Anthony, Aug/Sep do random trails in Eagle Cap. Mostly Dayhikes, as just cant get away as I would like, But no fear 20 plus miles is fine. 99% is just solo with the dog. Look forward to sharing some ideas.

[@Illiardys]

I wish I could meet people like y'all to experience nature with. This is the most peaceful video I've ever watched and I can't even explain how happy I am that I stumbled upon this.

[@mountainwanderer]

I'm so glad to hear that! Thanks for checking it out!

[@garrymccoy4053]

I grew up in this area, Wallowa, loved hiking there. my son does a annual camping trip there also, loved the video, brings back the spectacular views of the area

[@mountainwanderer]

What a great range to grow up next to! I've only been there a couple times but it is absolutely one of my favorites now!

[@5wheels521]

Beautiful, Beautiful, Beautiful ...... Now all your future videos have to be this long, 😄👍😎💕 I love cows!! 🐄🐄🐄🐄

[@mountainwanderer]

haha! I wish every trip could be 8 days long, then all of the videos would be this long!

[@adventureswithsammy7154]

Man ol man. The sunset/sunrise and feeling the blessings of being alive among friends. Thank you for sharing.

[@mountainwanderer]

Well put! Thanks for watching!

[@sierrashere8197]

1st comment ?? Jumped on watching this awesome backpacking adventure !!! Thank you !!

[@mountainwanderer]

You're the early bird!

[@reneepowell8541]

Excellent video Travis, you sure go to some simply magnificent places on your trips!

[@mountainwanderer]

The Eagle Caps are quickly becoming one of my favorite place to go!

[@Mr7laws]

Great video! Loving the hike,

[@mountainwanderer]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@bert3566]

That’s dope!! Thanks for the long vid, these take a lot of time to edit

[@mountainwanderer]

You're not kidding! This took a while... whether it shows it or not!😃

[@pdxraves]

Some people are just good at making videos. You did a great job.

[@mountainwanderer]

Thank you! I really appreciate that!

[@vs123]

Awesome views very beautiful

[@mountainwanderer]

This trip was packed full of views for sure!

[@bobparsons77]

What a great video to start my day. Timber is good form.

[@mountainwanderer]

Glad we're there to help!

[@Fizzyfuzzybignbuzzy]

Your cowpoke story narration had me sold on your channel from the first sentence. That shit is gold dude I wish I had that

[@mountainwanderer]

Thank you! I'm glad you found us! When I read the word cowpoke, it brought a smile to my face!

[@Fizzyfuzzybignbuzzy]

@@mountainwanderer I’m in the process of trying to start a channel my self. I am curious if you ever divulge your camera equipment you use in any videos? Appreciate it man I love your videos!

[@mountainwanderer]

We don't have any secrets over here. Everything is usually filmed on cell phones. On this trip we have 3 different people filming with 3 different kinds of iPhones and 2 kinds of Go Pros. When I'm not in a wilderness area, I also like to use a drone. DJI Mavic Air 2

[@Fizzyfuzzybignbuzzy]

@@mountainwanderer you’re the man thank you! We’ll see you out on trail hopefully someday and exchange campfire stories

[@mountainwanderer]

that would be awesome!

[@jillyelston6145]

Wow, that has to be one of the most beautiful videos I have ever watched! The scenery was just breathtaking, and the beauty of it was continuous right back to the Trailhead. Well done Travis, your photography, as always, was fantastic! Thank you!

[@mountainwanderer]

Wow! That is high praise! Thank you so much!

[@albertharrison9885]

I sure do miss those mountains. Looks like a great time. Thanks for sharing, Travis. We really enjoy the videos.

[@mountainwanderer]

The Wallowas are incredible! This is only my 2nd trip in there and I'm definitely looking forward to another one!

[@relaxingvideosnorthwest3646]

Great hike! Thank you for sharing.

[@mountainwanderer]

Thank you for watching!

[@joelhuesby]

Been up there many times with family and friends! Can't wait for the next trip up to the back country this year!

[@mountainwanderer]

The Wallowa Mountains are incredible! I'm hoping to get back up there this year too!

[@robertwagner7867]

Another great video and thanks for sharing. There's something about Oregon that I find very appealing. More so than Montana IMHO. Again, I really like your map illustration!

[@mountainwanderer]

I've only hiked a little bit of Oregon so far. I would love to get over and do some of the Oregon Cascades. I've been wanting to do those animations for a while and I'm finally getting the hang of it.

[@joshsmith3650]

What an epic adventure. We’re going to do a 4-5 day hike up here this summer.

[@mountainwanderer]

I'm jealous!! This is an amazing area and the hiking is great! You're going to love it!

[@joshsmith3650]

@@mountainwanderer I live on the foothills of Mt. Hood, surrounded by amazing hikes. I didn’t get into the multi day lightweight backpacking until last year but we’re excited planning this years trips. My first trip last year was 20 miles in for 5 days deer hunting. Made our own trail and disappeared in nature.

[@mountainwanderer]

Sounds like you live in a great place! I hope to do the trail around Mt Hood at some point.

[@joshsmith3650]

@@mountainwanderer I didn’t know about it until a few months ago. It’s 1 of 100 on my growing list lol

[@mountainwanderer]

I have the same kind of list....

[@elizabethwhite6364]

What a wonderful trip! Great group of friends! This country was beautiful! Looked like everyone enjoyed! Pups too! Thanks for sharing!

[@mountainwanderer]

That area is really wonderful! I can't wait until I get the chance to go back and hike some more of the trails in there!

[@hyoh-wu]

Awesome video....didn't want it to end. Like what your doing with that map effect.

[@mountainwanderer]

It was one hell of a trip!

[@PumpkinVillage]

Another great adventure in the books. Everyone looked great and seemed to have a great time. Dogs looked good too. Take care, Al

[@mountainwanderer]

This was a trip to remember for sure!

[@cjjt66]

Really great video. I'm happy to see other parts of Eagle Cap Wilderness. Great commentary, use of captions, and maps. Music was a little loud. Keep up the good work!

[@mountainwanderer]

Thank you! The eagles caps are really amazing, I cannot wait to get back there and explore some more! I've been told that my music was too loud my whole life! 🤘🤘 (I appreciate the feedback)

[@rutbuster88]

My wife and I plus our two dogs did this same trip, minus Long Lake, back in the mid 90’s. Beautiful country and your video brought back some great memories.

[@mountainwanderer]

I wish it hadn't taken me so long to get there! The Wallowas are now one of my favorite ranges!

[@brianfairweather7298]

Ive done this route. Its an excellent loop. Love the Wallowas.

[@mountainwanderer]

That range is quickly becoming one of my favorites!

[@desertflinger11]

Nice trip! I love the Eagle Caps. We usually hike that about every other year in September also. And good job on the editing. The music was not over bearing! First thing we usually do is get a beer and a burger also.!!! Thanks.

[@mountainwanderer]

I'm trying to get on that schedule myself! I would love to come back every couple years... it's an amazing place!

[@brhino1017]

Great vid Travis! What a beautiful place. What a great way to wrap up the 2021 hiking season.

[@mountainwanderer]

Thank you! This was my big trip of the year, but not my last... :)

[@jenb.6440]

I watched this video again because we're heading back to the Eagle Cap wilderness next week ... this is a phenomenal video, great information, beautiful footage, as usual your timing of shots is perfect, I love how you captured the feeling of the trip with moments with the dogs, nature, playing games etc ... Really beautiful video; thank you for sharing!

[@mountainwanderer]

This was one of my favorite trips! I'm very jealous, because I would really like to get back there!

[@MrWilkerson2009]

Loved your video! Thanks for sharing the story. From the B-roll to the narrative and the beautiful landscape I enjoyed watching the whole thing. I haven’t backpacked any of the Eagle Cap yet but I have plans for next year. Your story helps set the stage for my future adventures. Thanks again and God bless

[@mountainwanderer]

The Eagle Caps (Wallowas) are quickly becoming one of my favorite ranges! I hope to get in there next year too!

[@josephchristmas590]

Fantastic. I did 4 days in Eagle Cap a few weeks back. Now I want to do 8. I hope you soaked it all in. Thanks for sharing.

[@mountainwanderer]

I can't get enough time in the Eagle Caps either! I cannot wait to get back there!

[@wade2361]

Don't have time to watch now, but looking forward to it. The Wallowas are our closest and favorite spot for hiking, backpacking, and snowshoeing!

[@mountainwanderer]

You're lucky! I would love it if that was my home range!

[@wade2361]

@@mountainwanderer I'm going to have multiple comments. I just started and see the "welcome to Oregon" sign going up Bufford grade. I ride motorcycles and bicycles. I love both Rattlesnake and Bufford grades on both. One is a bit easier on the uphill, but I've done them on both. And I hope you stopped at Terminal Gravity for post hike burger and beer. My favorite.

[@mountainwanderer]

I hate driving those grades, I can see how they would be fun on a bike though!

[@barbaracole4314]

My 3 older brothers used to go hunting near Minami, they came across a cabin where a family lived there off grid, visited with them a bit said they were quite Interesting ppl.

[@mountainwanderer]

I bet they had some stories to tell!

[@ChristianPaulPhotography]

Eight days in the Eagle Cap! Awesome trip! Especially liked that last ridge hike with those views!

[@mountainwanderer]

The last ridge was my favorite, for sure! And sadly... the video does not come close to capturing the beauty!

[@blackoakpropertymaintenanc6981]

Great video, Travis. Thanks for showing us around Eagle Cap area. Beautiful.

[@mountainwanderer]

My pleasure! Hopefully I'll get to do it again next year!

[@loganmcguire8317]

I was in this same area last summer! Came in through bear creek, hiked to lookout mountain, and exited thru the trailhead you guys came in on

[@mountainwanderer]

I had to look up your route, but that looks like a great way to go!

[@loganmcguire8317]

@@mountainwanderer honestly i would not use the bear creek trailhead again, the trail is rough and sparsely used, and i spent two days hiking uphill along the river before getting to the nice area near John Henry. Lookout mountain was excellent tho, true to it's name the views were amazing

[@mountainwanderer]

Good to know! I'll definitely be going back to that area!

[@jonvenden4284]

Outside of Andrew I think this one of the best video's of Eagle Cap. This is the only video of this grade on that side with this much time covering it. I have spent 40 days of backpacking in this area since 2018 and I will let his pass. You didn't get off the freeway and show the real gems. If you think this is cool well it gets worse. Don't go to the other locations because they are my secrets. Eagle Cap is like wow I mean really wow. It never fails to reward.

[@mountainwanderer]

It's special for sure! I'm going to keep going back and my goal os always to hike trails and/or routes I haven't hiked before. I may stumble on one of your secrets some day.

[@pilowespo]

Outstanding! You basically did the same route I did in 2018 in reverse with a few more stops. Love the colors in September. Great video! Hike On!

[@mountainwanderer]

It is a great route! Seemed like we ran into quite a few people who were doing it the direction you did. This was one of about 5 routes I had in the area, I cannot wait to get back and do another one!

[@BryanDeLay]

Great trip and great video Travis. Nice you set a new record for nights out. Eagle Cap Wilderness is on my bucket list, along with the Sawtooths, if the fires and smoke will just cooperate.

[@mountainwanderer]

I feel like the fires are just going to get worse... Sawtooths are on my bucket list too. I had a chance to go there this summer, but the way it worked out I checked off another bucket list place for me.. The Wind Rivers.

[@nato2959]

Great video. A friend of mine, Chuck, would expend a couple of weeks every year in this area. He is not longer with us

[@nato2959]

His gentle smile was with me all along this hike. Thank you, Travis! And thank you Chuck for all the memories...

[@mountainwanderer]

Sorry to hear he is no longer with us, but it sounds like when he was, he was doing it right by coming to this place!

[@KSC-ui8zr]

Fantastic video as usual. It's been many years since I have hiked in the Eagle Cap Wilderness. I may have to go back and visit sometime.

[@mountainwanderer]

You really go back if you get the chance! I already going over maps looking for future routes in there!

[@davidpjesky1495]

That's awesome. When were you there? We were there the third week in Aug last year, we went up the East fork lostine and down the west for lostine, we hit Minam Lake on the way out. Mocassin lake was our best campsite by far!

[@mountainwanderer]

We were there in mid-September '21. I'll have to check out that route when I have a chance. There are so many possible routes in the Eagle Caps! We'll be back for sure!

[@tracykooken2606]

I'M REAlly bummed i didnt get to the back country of Oregon when i lived in WA. going thru a divorce, very young father, not a good time in this part of the book !! good visit thru ue lense lol !!!! but hope visit in person . thanks 8) happy thanksgiving !!

[@mountainwanderer]

It's worth the drive! There is so much to explore here, I can't wait to go back!

[@Crosscut6996]

Trail signs aren't all chewed up like in the Bob. Will be at Red's Horse Ranch later this summer.

[@mountainwanderer]

Any time in the Wallowas is good!

[@Crosscut6996]

@@mountainwanderer Agreed. Spent a lot of time in there when I lived in Walla Walla. Now I am East of Missoula. So the Bob is now home. Excellent video and music!

[@mountainwanderer]

Wow, you left one epic place for another!

[@falconmoose5435]

As always. Great. Go Cats beat Grizz.

[@mountainwanderer]

Beat the Griz!

[@jerryeschrader2306]

Another fine video of some gorgeous land. What do you prefer to use for water sanitation? Drops? Filter? Boiling? Thanks

[@mountainwanderer]

The Wallowas are quickly becoming one of my favorites! Depending on the time of year we might handle sanitation differently, but on this trip we were using filters.

[@flammingdragon]

My mom lives in baker city and I've been twice and want to do a fun 2 or 3 day trip but I'm from Michigan. Is there anyway to rent camping gear?

[@mountainwanderer]

I can’t say for sure because I don’t live in that area. We did run into Outfitters who were bringing people in and setting up a camp. You might be able to check with one of them.

[@Olympic_TryAthlete]

11:19 Note to self. Don’t mess with her.

[@mountainwanderer]

HAHA! I love it!

[@JefferyPhillips]

Burn ban wasn't in effect?

[@mountainwanderer]

We don't have fires if there are any restrictions in place, so no.