Eagle Creek (More...)

Eagle Creek leaves a landscape dominated by glacial features below its confluence with West Eagle Creek. For approximately the next 10 miles, the valley closes in and canyon walls become abruptly steep, towering 500-1000' above the valley floor in some places. Eagle Creek resumes its fast-moving, bouldery descent through the narrow canyon, bordered by lush riparian vegetation and picturesque meadows. Dramatic rock formations extending from rim to canyon floor punctuate otherwise forested hillsides. The road paralleling Eagle Creek offers unrestricted views of the creek in the immediate foregroundand surrounding hillsides.
As it enters the lower elevation basalt-dominated plateaus surrounding the Wallowa Mountains, the lower seven miles of the designated portion of Eagle Creek take on a character more typical of eastern Oregon rivers. Mixed conifer forests are replaced on drier slopes by grassy openings and park-like stands of ponderosea pine. Unusual rock formations provide visual contrast. By this time, Eagle Creek has become substantial in size from the contributions of several major tributaries, and alternates between bouldery rapids, short waterfalls, smooth swift stretches, and deep blue pools. Visitors can enjoy views of the creek and canyon from the Martin Bridge Trail, which parallels the six-mile scenic segment of Eagle Creek, and from road #7735, which parallels the lower 1-1/2 mile recreation segment.
The river area also offers cultural and historic features, as well as spectacular scenery and recreation opportunities.