The second most popular trailhead (after the Wallowa Lake Trailhead) is located just a short country drive away.

The trailhead at Hurricane Creek offers a fairly gradual way into the Eagle Cap and has majestic mountain views within the first mile that only get better the farther you hike. It follows along the creek to open meadows where Mountain Goats are often spotted along the ridges above.

After the two meadows, the canyon narrows and climbs high over Hurricane Creek along cliffs that overlook pools and waterfalls (keep a leash handy for your dog and watch your kids).

The trail is a favorite for those making their way to the Lakes Basin, some 10 miles away, but is primarily used by day hikers and runners in their 5.7 mile round-trip journey to Slick Rock Creek. You can also find good places to camp along the creek in the first few miles, making this a great option for those just getting into backpack wilderness camping.

Driving Distance- Joseph to Hurricane Trailhead: About 13 miles- figure about 30 mph average speed or about 30 minutes in transit- stay under 20-25mph on the forest road after the bridge (it’s narrow with blind corners).

Driving Directions: From Joseph, Oregon go west on Airport Lane for about 1.5 miles and the road becomes Hurricane Creek Road; Continue on Hurricane Creek Road for another 0.5 miles to the white Hurricane Creek Grange; Turn left at the Grange onto County Road 521 (becomes Forest Road 8205) and go about 3.7 miles to trailhead. The road becomes narrow with turnouts and is not recommended for RVs.

Amenities: The parking lot is large and has a vault toilet. Has a loading ramp and posts for tying stock. The lot requires a NW Forest Pass or you can leave a parking fee and you’ll need to fill out a wilderness permit (free) available at the site for your group.

See the Goat Meadows Panorama

Download a home-printable pdf map of this area

• Deadman Falls Deadman Falls
• Mine Shaft Mine Shaft
• Hurricane Cr Camping Hurricane Cr Camping
• Hurricane Creek Trail Hurricane Creek Trail
• Hurricane Creek Trail Hurricane Creek Trail
• Mountain View Mountain View
• Rock Formations Rock Formations
• Hurricane Creek Hurricane Creek
• Hurricane Creek Rapids Hurricane Creek Rapids
• Sacajawea Peak Sacajawea Peak
• Slick Rock Creek Slick Rock Creek
• Slick Rock Creek Slick Rock Creek
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