Bowman jets you right up out of the canyon and over the top to North Minam Meadows. The trail has a nice steady climb up the side of the hill before wrapping around into the sparse and rugged landscape that surrounds Wilson Basin. Many take day hikes by splitting right at the first intersection to go to Chimney Lake. The trail is still well used and maintained to North Minam Meadows though.
After topping out on the barren Wilson Pass, you quickly get back in the timber as the trail works down to John Henry Lake, which you can see from the trail after the pass. This is a short side trail that terminates at the lake. Shortly after that intersection there is an intersection with the Bear Creek Trail and then some water falls and cascades alongside the trail for a ways. Eventually you get a glimpse of North Minam Meadows, of which you'll be plunging down to in order to finish off the trail.
Trail Notes
- 0.0mi. Leave from Bowman/Francis Lake Trailhead by finding the trail on the north side at the bottom of the parking area. It parallels the road for a short bit and then crosses it and goes across a footbridge over the Lostine.
- 3.8 Trail junction with Chimney Wood Trail, which cuts back to the right. Continue straight to climb up to Wilson Pass.
- 4.9 Wilson Pass (Elev. 7838')
- 6.1 Junction with side trail to John Henry Lake. Stay right to continue down trail.
- 7.2 Junction with Bear Creek Trail to right. Shortly after this the main trail will split briefly for a couple options to get across the creek.
- 7.6 Falls
- 9.7 Arrive at North Minam Meadows at the North Minam Trail.
