Lostine River

Oregon

Wallowa-Whitman National Forest
Post Office Box 907
Baker City, Oregon 97814

Designated Reach: October 28, 1988. From its headwaters in the Eagle Cap Wilderness to the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest boundary.

Classification/Mileage: Wild — 5.0 miles; Recreational — 11.0 miles; Total — 16.0 miles.

The diverse landscape of the Lostine River creates high quality natural scenery. From its headwaters in the Eagle Cap Wilderness to the National Forest boundary, it follows a glaciated, U-shaped valley and it is surrounded by mountain meadows and high mountain peaks. The manmade developments have primitive, historic, or rustic characteristics.

Recreation includes hunting, fishing, sightseeing, horseback riding, hiking, snowmobiling, skiing, and camping. Mule deer, elk, and black bear inhabit the canyon, along with Rocky Mountain sheep. The river corridor also supports an anadromous fishery.

A small portion of the river is on private property, including the bed and banks. In most cases, the recreational opportunities on private land are limited to sightseeing and photography from the Forest Road. The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act does not change private land rights.