Bonny Lakes via Tenderfoot Wagon Road

The trail begins at the Tenderfoot Trailhead. This trailhead is situated at a higher elevation (6,500 feet), which can offer a more direct entry into the wilderness compared to other local trailheads. Parking is available at the trailhead.

The ideal time to hike this trail is generally from July through mid-October. During this period, you can expect to see abundant wildflowers and enjoy favorable weather conditions.

The hike to Bonny Lakes is generally considered moderate. It involves approximately 2 miles with a 600-foot elevation gain from the Tenderfoot Wagon Road. While not overly strenuous, some sections, like the steep, rocky climb just before the lakes, require a reasonable level of fitness. If you continue past Bonny Lakes, the difficulty increases significantly.

The trail offers diverse terrain. You'll initially pass through a lodgepole forest, then cross Middle Fork Big Sheep Creek (which might require a ford or using an old log bridge). The path continues through sagebrush meadows, alternating with wooded sections. Just before the lakes, there's a notable steep, rocky climb that opens into a rocky flower field, with a waterfall visible on the left.

Yes, dogs are generally allowed on trails within the Eagle Cap Wilderness. However, it's crucial to practice Leave No Trace principles, which includes keeping your dog under control, packing out all waste, and respecting wildlife and other hikers. Always check current wilderness regulations for any specific leash requirements or restrictions.

The Eagle Cap Wilderness generally requires a wilderness permit for overnight stays, and sometimes for day use depending on the specific area and season. It's best to check with the U.S. Forest Service Wallowa-Whitman National Forest for the most current regulations regarding permits and any potential fees before your visit.

You'll encounter the recovering lodgepole forest, cross Middle Fork Big Sheep Creek and McCully Creek, and traverse sagebrush meadows. The highlight is the beautiful Bonny Lakes basin, featuring two lakes, extensive meadows, and marshy areas. From the lakes, you can enjoy views of Aneroid Mountain. Higher elevations past Bonny Lakes offer panoramic views of Polaris Pass, Pete's Point, Marble Mountain, Red Mountain, and Cornucopia.

In season (typically July through mid-October), the meadows and marshy areas are vibrant with wildflowers. You might spot monkshood, sego lily, asters, brook saxifrage, pink monkey flower, larkspur, buckwheat, pink wild onion, and mallow, among others.

Yes, the route primarily follows the Tenderfoot Wagon Road and the Bonny Lakes Trail. It also briefly intersects with sections of the Wing Ridge Trail, Forest Road 100, and the McCully Creek Trail. Beyond Bonny Lakes, it provides access to further exploration, including connections towards the Aneroid Lake trail and routes to Pete's Point or Dollar Ridge.

The most common route to Bonny Lakes from the Tenderfoot Trailhead is an out-and-back. The round trip to Bonny Lakes is approximately 7.8 miles.

This trail offers a relatively solitary and peaceful hiking experience compared to more heavily trafficked areas of the Wallowas. Its unique geological landscape features basalt rock formations and outcroppings, and it provides a higher initial elevation start, making wilderness access somewhat 'easier' for those looking to quickly get into the mountains.