Kyle Meyer went backpacking Lower Falls Little Minam River September 6 to September 9, 2024 35 miles 3,000 feet gained 3 nights
Mackenzie planned the best possible 40th birthday for me: a few nights at the Minam River Lodge, a backpack from there to our car across the Wallowas, and then leaving me in the Wallowas to go elk hunting with friends for another week-and-a-half.
Not technically backpacking, but we did carry backpacking stuff there so by god I'm counting it. Minam River Lodge is incredible — the food, scenery, and days spent alternating between hiking, swimming in the river, and sitting in the wood-fired sauna.
It's a lengthy, unremarkable hike in, but worth it. We'll be back.
