Imnaha Divide Hike


NOTE: The Imnaha Divide burned in the Nebo Fire of September 2022.
It may be a few years before this area recovers for recreational use.
From the Imnaha Divide, one has views west over the Imnaha River valley to the alpine peaks beyond.

Hike Rating: Moderate
Hike Length: 6.2 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1,080’
Trailhead Elevation: 6,070’
Best Season: June through September,
       once access road is snow-free
Driving Access: High-clearance vehicle


Plus Points
• A trail through diverse habitats and terrain to panoramic vistas of the High Wallowas
• Most of the hike is outside the Wilderness Area, but ATVs and dirt bikes are prohibited
• Wide views over the Imnaha River valley to its alpine headwater peaks on the skyline
• Trail passes through a mix of shady forests and open "balds," with diverse wildflowers
• A few specimens of big old-growth fir and western larch are found along the trail
• The Imnaha Divide is prime summer elk habitat, with sightings possible if stealthy

Minus Points
• Trail is built on an inconsistent grade, with few switchbacks, waterbars or drains
• Afternoon thunderstorms can present a lightning hazard on the exposed viewpoint

Download (PDF, 873 KB): Photos of Imnaha Divide Hike
Download (PDF, 799 KB): Topo Map for Imnaha Divide Hike
Download (GPX, 1 KB): GPS Points for Imnaha Divide Hike
Download (PDF, 904 KB): Road Map for Imnaha Divide Hike


Trail Notes
Map of the Imnaha Divide Hike
The trail starts at the Lick Creek Trailhead on a sharp switchback off Road 015, where one finds a bulletin board and a self-issue Wilderness Permit box. For the first one-third mile, the trail follows an old mining road as it contours around the hillside to a stream with a few mine tailings. Look for the delicate pink-white flowers of mountain dogbane in this stretch.

Past the stream (crossed on a convenient log), the trail climbs up to a second small tributary, then climbs again to an open rocky point at 0.5 miles, where one has nice views east back down the Lick Creek canyon. After another steep climb, the trail levels out at about 0.7 miles and begins a long, gradual ascent toward the Imnaha Divide. For the next two miles, the trail alternates between sections of shady forest, with moist-soil wildflowers like paintbrush, aster and larkspur, and open rocky "balds" with dry-soil wildflowers such as yarrow and various buckwheats — all of which bloom into early August here.

The trail passes several stands of old-growth Western Larch and Douglas Fir.
At 1.5 miles, the trail passes magnificent stands of old-growth larch and fir, which have never been logged. There are also open rocky bluffs nearby with overviews of the Lick Creek canyon and the divide up ahead. Beyond these bluffs, the trail descends around the hillside through forest to Lick Creek at 2.0 miles. When the creek is running high in late Spring, it can be crossed on logs, and then by easy rock-hopping later in the season. Past the creek, the trail enters the Wilderness Area within about 250 yards and climbs steadily toward the Imnaha Divide.

At 2.6 miles, the trail reaches a saddle on the Imnaha Divide and starts to descend south to the Imnaha River. Just over the saddle (GPS Point 1), the route leaves the trail and goes cross-country southeast along the grassy ridge, just below the trees. Here one finds a prominent game trail that winds in and out of the trees along the ridge top. Look for elk beds in this section. At 3.1 miles (about 800 yards southeast from the saddle), the game trail climbs up to a bald rocky knob with a few stunted trees (GPS Point 2). From this viewpoint, one can hear the roaring river far below and has dramatic panoramic vistas over the Imnaha River valley and its headwaters. Various alpine peaks can spotted on the skyline, including Sugarloaf, Red, Marble and Cusack Mountains. Return as you came.

Road to Trailhead
Road 015 is quite rough, with exposed rocks, and is best traveled with a high-clearance vehicle.
From Hwy 82 in Joseph, OR, turn east at the sign for Imnaha and drive 8 miles to the Wallowa Mountain Road on the right (south). Follow this paved road (which becomes Road 39 at the Forest boundary) for 15.4 miles to the Lick Creek Campground. Coming from the south on Road 39, this campground is about 49 driving miles north of the town of Halfway, OR.

Just opposite the campground entrance, turn south on gravel Road 3925 and follow it for 0.2 miles to a road junction. At this junction, turn right on dirt Road 015 (which crosses Lick Creek), then drive 2.1 miles to the Lick Creek Trailhead on a big switchback. A self-issued Wilderness Permit is required at the trailhead. Note: Road 015 is quite rough, with exposed rocks, and is best traveled with a high-clearance vehicle.

Camping Options
The Lick Creek Campground has sites for tents as well as large travel trailers.
The nearest camping area is the Lick Creek Campground on Road 39 (the Wallowa Mountain Road), just 2.3 driving miles from the trailhead. This is a pleasant campground, featuring 12 sites spread out along Lick Creek, with 5 sites for tents and 7 for camping trailers of most any size. A few sites are right next to the creek, with others within easy walking distance. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring. There's a vault toilet, but no drinking water or trash pickup. Camping fees were $6.00 per night in 2014.


Agency Contact: Wallowa-Whitman Natl. Forest, Eagle Cap District, (541) 426-5546

DISCLAIMER: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, but the authors do not guarantee that it is either current or correct. The reader assumes full responsibility for any use of this information, and is encouraged to contact local public land agencies to inquire about current conditions before traveling.

Page last updated: 12/10/14