Best Equestrian Camping near Wallowa Whitman National Forest

These coordinates are one of the first sites on the right, when arriving from Two Pan Trailhead, but there are dozens around the lake if you follow the trail.

This was my second time backpacking in the Wallowas, and my first time at Mirror Lake. The lake is big with lots of dispersed sites, but when we arrived on Friday evening we felt lucky to find a place. (Some folks resorted to camping on vegetation areas—please don't do this!) The lake was so full and the sound carried over the water so much that you could hear conversations. Luckily it seemed to clear out by Saturday morning, for whatever reason.

We clocked the hike in from Two Pan Trailhead at 7.3 miles. The incline is mostly gradual with a nice break of mostly flat trail in a beautiful valley meadow area. Lots of horse traffic on this trail, so watch your step! The lake is super clear, and worth a swim. The trail to summit Eagle Cap is close by and a great day-hike for amazing views.

If you're looking for a secluded place in the Wallowas, I would head elsewhere. If you want an easy backpack in, and don't mind being around lots of other people, Mirror Lake is a great choice.

We were able to find an available spot on Labor Day weekend 2021. Most campsites between the town of Lostine and Irondyke campground were taken by 7pm on Friday. The access road was narrow and in pretty rough shape, lots of horse trailers hauling livestock up and down the road. The road remained busy until late at night and during the weekend with other campers and day hikers… we stayed in a tent camp site that allowed horses, so it was ample with a clearing that provided sunny areas. Picnic table and rock fire pit were available at the site. A toilet is Located on the opposite side of road and shares with other 4 or 5 sites. If you want a quiet, peaceful camping spot, this is not for you!

There are several campsites along the Lostine corridor, we decided just to drive until we found a spot we liked. We landed at Walla Walla Forest Camp and claimed site 4. Our spot was tucked back a little way, which we liked. But was furthest from the water and swampy, which we didn’t like. The other two spots are closer to the water, so you don’t have to contend so much with misquitos.

There are places to dip your feet, but the water at this location is too fast and cold to swim in. Otherwise, this site had all we needed: solitude, water, vaulted toilet and some beautiful forest walk-abouts. 

Just bring bug spray and check for ticks!

Sites are far apart but some lack privacy. I saw Lots of elk and turkeys(?) and a rattlesnake. Outside of the lack of privacy there are some people who it appears that they live there(I a have no issues with that) my issue is the drive up and down the road multiple multiple time a day at high rates of speed leaving dust flying. When I was out walking I walked past one of their campsites on accident I didn’t get close and they started firing a gun in the air. I slept in my car that night and left the next morning. Also trash is an issue as well as people using the bathroom right on the ground and leaving used baby wipes everywhere. So watch out for human waste if you use a tent.

Arrived late on a Saturday night originally intending to camp at the 7 devils campground but there were no available sites so decided to go back to windy saddle. We were the only campers at windy saddle and were able to get a perfect site at the head of the trail over looking hell’s canyon and Heaven’s gate. Had an absolutely gorgeous view of the devils peaks easy access to trails, devils lake, Heaven’s gate trail. One of the best camping trips I have ever had. There is a vault toilet but no other amenities which was ok for our stay. I am definitely going to be coming back to camp at windy saddle again.