The Mountains are calling
B
aker County has two mountain ranges — the Elkhorns to the west and the Wallowas (home to the Eagle Cap Wilderness) to the northeast. Both offer trails to alpine lakes — the routes may be long and uphill, but the spectacular views are worth the effort. Below you'll find two clusters of hikes deemed kid-friendly by the U.S. Forest Service. Both are accessible by paved highways, and trails range from one-mile, fairly flat terrain, to uphill hikes that test your lungs. Above: Lakes LookoutTrail near Anthony Left: Powder River Interpretive Area Anthony LAke RecReAtion AReA ■■ What you'll find:This place offers a bit of everything — camping, fishing, sight-seeing and hiking (all abilities, from the flat shoreline trail to the lung-busting hike up to the Elkhorn Crest Trail). ■■ To get there: The area is 35 miles from Baker City.Take Highway 30 out of Baker City to Haines (Tenth Street turns into Hwy. 30). At Haines, turn left onto the Anthony Lake Highway (look for the sign).The highway winds through the country before heading up the mountain. ■■ Information: For descriptions, use the link below.
PhiLLiPs LAke AReA ■■ What you'll find: Many options for kid-friendly and accessible hikes. It's close too — only about 16 miles from Baker City. Hike distances range from 1 mile (Powder River Interpretive Site) to six miles (Phillips Lake ShorelineTrails). ■■ To get there: Head south out of Baker City on Highway 7 toward Sumpter. ■■ Information: For details, use the link below.
Insider Tip: At Anthony Lakes, expect mosquites in the summer. Insider Tip: At Phillips in spring, watch out for ticks - tiny arachnids that cling to clothing and will burrow into skin if not removed. However, spring also means an abundance of wildflowers.
www.fs.usda.gov/detail/wallowa-whitman/recreation/hiking/?cid=stelprdb5262893 Maps are available at the Forest Service office, 1550 Dewey Ave. 14
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