Start to finish, Hurricane Creek is Hands down the best trail surface for running in the entire Wallowa Mountains. It is fantastically good from top down because of the consistent gradients and fast running. To supplement your runner's high, the Matterhorn is on full display for you to view from interesting under angles for miles. Streams pouring out of its underbelly will provide several clean water options.
About 3 miles in you have a dramatic section of trail where Hurricane Creek funnels through a narrow canyon and you have some steep exposure on the trail. In this location you cross the popular Slickrock Creek where people like the frolic on the rocks.
The trail only has one major crossing of Hurricane Creek until you get up higher near the headwaters for a couple more minor crossings. This crossing is shortly after the Billy Jones Trail and in the area of some popular camping spots. There are a few meadows near the top and then a sublime crest of the trail with fantastic views and a short drop to the intersection with the trail in The Lakes Basin.
Notes
0.0 mi. Start at Hurricane Creek Trailhead and head up the trail.
0.1 Falls Creek Trail 1807A intersection. Stay left and continue up the trail.
2.0 An unmarked intersection for the Thorp Creek Trail. There are some camp spots on the left and you are close to the creek. Thorp Creek Trail requires a ford of the creek unless there is a log jam. You'll stay on the same side to continue on this trail.
2.7 There are a couple newer switchbacks on the trail here and and alternate trail that goes more direct. They come back together shortly.
3.1 Trail Crosses Slickrock Creek.
4.8 Intersection for Billy Jones Trail. Just after this are some meadows that are good for camping.
5.0 Only significant crossing of Hurricane Creek on the trail. There may be some logs placed for crossing, but no bridge.
10.1 Trail tops out at a pass with great views of the drainage and Matterhorn (elev. 6,996')
10.5 After a short descent arrive at the Lakes Basin Trail. Left will take you to Douglas Lake, right goes to Mirror Lake