The cattle, or perhaps the Nez Perce, built a fantastic trail on the top of the morrain at Wallowa Lake. Aside from the beautiful view you get the entire way, this trail has some very technical features with marble heads and then really technical tight rocks on the far north end. I'm going to name the later section Rock Garden (to be consistent with the naming system of every other trail in the region). Right after that, it throws you down onto the road in front of some more singletrack a Lewellyn State Park in Joseph, but that is off limits to bikes just like most everything else at Wallowa Lake.
Since it isn't an established route, the trail will deviate at times. To keep on the main course, stay on top of the moraine at all times, usually right of the fence. There is one very challenging fence crossing, but the rest are pretty easy to manage. At one point near the end, you will pop to the left side of the fence (right above a house) and then follow the top of the ridge all the way until the last very steep and short descent down to the road.
An alternate way to access the cattletrack on top of the moraine is from Turner Rd. on the other side of the moraine (see the reverse of the Wallowa Lake CX Loop). There is actually a sign that says "biker" on the gate from that access end. You can make a loop of the lake on gravel road using the Wallowa Lake loop route, or just take the paved road back to where you started. Unlike most of the other roads and trails around the lake, this one does not have any "no trespassing" signs. That said, I can't say for sure if it is okay for you to ride this so proceed accordingly. When done, you'll have 3.3 miles of singletrack cow trail under you belt.
My understanding is that the land is owned by a local timber company which allows some public use. Since I usually see at least one car parked at the gate and the other side of the moraine confirms access with a "biker" sign on the gate, I would say the evidence supports this statement. A few locals have told me it is alright to use this trail and even a reputable person of the law confirmed it with me.
Trail Notes
- 0.0 mi. Hop the gate, which is somewhat of a formidable task. Follow the main road as it climbs the moraine. There is one major switchback and it climbs up to the top.
- 1.6 There is a 4-way intersection at the top. Head left to the north and follow the cow trail on the left. The road to the south here connects over to the Mount Howard DH.
- 2.5 Here is the major fence crossing of the trip.
- 4.9 Drop down to the road where you can take it back to the start, or do the lake loop to finish it off.
