The hike from Moss Springs Campground is considered moderate (not easy) by experienced hikers in good physical condition. Hiking at a leisurely pace and allowing time for breaks, most of our guests find the 8.5-mile hike takes 4-6 hours. Please take into consideration that the additional weight of the pack you’ll be hiking with will affect the time and effort it takes to arrive. The Lodge lies about 2,000 feet below the Moss Springs trailhead, with both uphill and downhill portions through mountain canyons and along the Little Minam River. The majority of the elevation changes are in two steep grades at the very beginning and very end of the trail, both about 1.5 miles each. If you are not an experienced hiker and/or are not in good physical condition, we recommend getting here by plane.
How difficult is the hike to the Lodge?
What should I pack?
Make sure to pack a swimsuit for a dip in the Minam River and/or our wood-fired, spring-water hot tub. The lodge supplies towels and a robe for in-room and outdoor use. Nights can be chilly even in the summer, so a jacket is a good idea. For those staying in a wall tent, warm sleepwear is recommended. Check for the most current weather. There is no dress code, but some guests enjoy the opportunity to bring a bit of style to dinner. Guests in our cabins (especially Sabai) and definitely the wall tents may find it handy to bring a headlamp or other light for the walk back to the cabin after dinner, or other nighttime missions. For those guests traveling in July, bug spray is a great addition to your bag! Wash and fold laundry service is available for $25 per load.
What NOT to bring…
Bathroom: We supply conditioner, body soap, and lotion, plus indoor and outdoor towels, and a robe.
Lodge: We have a well-stocked game cabinet and a small library in our upstairs reading nook. You’re welcome to borrow one of the many printed copies of Doug Lorain’s “Minam River Lodge Trail and Hiking Guide” that we have downstairs.
River: While we can’t guarantee that we’ll always be stocked with river floats, we do have an ample supply of folding river lounge chairs that you can take with you to your favorite river spot.
Snacks: Carrying some non-perishable trail snacks in a sealed container is fine, but bringing food into our accommodations can attract hungry critters. We find that most guests are satiated with the plentiful food options we have available throughout the day. Fresh-baked cookies and popcorn are served around 2:30 daily, and a pack lunch is also available to order at any time.
Can hikers have their bags packed or carried in for them?
We recommend just carrying a light backpack. You don’t need much. Bags can be flown in from La Grande or Enterprise for the full cost of a passenger flight. Occasionally bags can be added to existing flights for $50 per 50 lbs.
Can I hike in and fly out?
The Moss Springs trailhead is about 35 minutes from the La Grande Airport and about two hours from the Enterprise Airport, so you would need to arrange to have someone ferry you or your car to the trailhead or airport (we can put you in touch with people who will help if you really want to do this).
Can I hike in and ride out?
Yes. Hikers and riders share the same trail from the Moss Springs Campground. Independent outfitters will take you on one-way rides to or from the Lodge.
How many people can sleep in a cabin?
Our cabins, wall tents and Lodge rooms generally are furnished with one queen bed and comfortably sleep one or two people. Boulder Cabin has a second queen bed in an upstairs loft, accessible by ladder. We usually can add a futon-style mattress to your Lodge room or cabin (not to the wall tents) for an additional charge. While it is possible to fit two extra sleeping arrangements to a cabin or Lodge room for a total of four guests, please note that it is a very tight fit and there will not be much floor space. Arrangements for a fourth guest need to be confirmed by email to info@minam-lodge.com at the time of booking.
What is the cancellation policy?
Due to the unpredictable nature of weather, natural events, and general life happenings that may occur between the time the reservation is made and the arrival date, we strongly encourage you to consider purchasing travel insurance to offset the cost of a last-minute cancellation. Full refund, less a $100 processing fee, will be issued for cancellations and date change requests received at least 60 days prior to scheduled arrival. For cancellations or date change requests received 31-60 days before arrival, half of the lodging cost will be charged. For cancellations or date change requests received 30 days or less before scheduled arrival, no refund will be issued. We cannot be responsible for weather, road/trail conditions, health or medical issues, or other factors beyond our control. However, if we have arranged your charter flight and we are unable to fly you into the Lodge within 24 hours of your scheduled time due to weather or other issues, we will offer you the choice of rescheduling or receiving a full refund. During wildfire season, the Lodge may be affected by air quality issues even if no fires are burning in our region. If the Air Quality Index (AQI) at our weather station is 201 or higher (“very unhealthy”) within 24 hours of your scheduled arrival, we will offer you the choice of rescheduling or receiving a full refund. The Lodge may be required to suspend operations due to wildfires or other circumstances beyond our control. In this event, we will offer you the choice of rescheduling or receiving a full refund for the unused portion of your stay.
Are meals included with lodging?
Meals are charged separately at check-out. Please see the Reservation Info page for current pricing (subject to change).
Breakfast and lunch feature a seasonally inspired daily chef’s special, and are served from 8:00 - 10:00 am and 12:00 - 1:00 pm, respectively. We also offer a lighter breakfast option of Greek yogurt, with housemade granola and fresh fruit at breakfast, and a packed lunch option for those headed out on the trail. The light breakfast option can be prepared as early as 6:30 am (with advance notice), and the packed lunch is available at any time of day and can be plated at the Lodge for a snack outside of designated meal times. Complimentary fresh-baked cookies and popcorn are served daily around 2:30 pm, and complimentary sun tea, coffee, and our hot tea bar are available all day. A seasonally inspired, multi-course dinner is served each night at 6:30 pm. If you still have some room left, just ask for a s’mores kit to enjoy around the nightly outdoor fire.
Do we need to make meal reservations?
We assume you will be joining us for meals during your stay, no need to make reservations. Please let our staff know ahead of time if you will not arrive in time for dinner, which starts around 6:30 pm.
If you are scheduled to stay during a wine dinner, there’s no need to reserve your spot, as it is the only dinner option for the evening. See the Events page for the season’s wine dinner dates.
Can you accommodate food allergies?
Meals are prepared family-style, and menus are not available in advance. We can generally accommodate vegetarian, pescatarian, and gluten or dairy-free dietary needs, and some critical food allergies with advance notice. If you have concerns about your dietary needs, please email us at info@minam-lodge.com before making your reservation.
Is the Lodge suitable for guests with severe medical conditions?
Before deciding to visit the Lodge, please consider that we are 8.5 miles from the nearest road. Airplane travel to and from the Lodge is not possible at night or in bad weather. Life-threatening emergencies generally involve a Life Flight helicopter ride (a rotor-wing base is located in La Grande). If you have a severe medical condition, the Lodge may not be the best vacation destination for you. If you are uncertain, please give us a call to discuss before making your reservation.
Can I bring my own food?
Other than trail snacks, we ask guests to refrain from bringing food to the lodge as it can quickly attract wildlife. Cooking and cooking fires are expressly prohibited anywhere on the property due to fire hazard.
Complimentary fresh-baked cookies and popcorn are served daily around 2:30 pm, and complimentary sun tea, coffee, and our hot tea bar are available all day. We also have a packed lunch that is available to order all day- for either taking out on the trail or to snack on at the Lodge.
Do you have a bar?
The Lodge has a full bar featuring specialty wilderness cocktails, a wine cellar emphasizing regional offerings from Oregon and nearby Walla Walla, and beer on tap from nearby Terminal Gravity Brewing. If you would like to bring your own wine, we are happy to provide bottle service for $35 per 750-ml bottle.
Do you allow dogs?
Well-behaved dogs are allowed in all accommodations except Lodge rooms. Our pet fee includes generous portions of high-quality dog food, a dog bed, food and water bowls, a towel, and pet waste bags. We will pre-authorize your credit card for any damage that your pet may cause. If your dog is inclined to scratch or chew, we recommend leaving him at home as our accommodations are equipped with delicate hand-made furniture and nice linens. Owners are required to pick up after their dogs at all times on the property. If your dog is uncomfortable with new dogs or new people, this might not be an appropriate place to bring them. Dogs are not allowed inside the Lodge. From our experience, the Lodge is not the best place to bring a dog that struggles with separation anxiety. Please be cognizant of your dog’s barking, especially in shared spaces, and in early morning and evening hours.
Do you have accommodations for horses?
We have corrals and a large pasture for our equine guests. $35 per night includes feedings of weed-free hay, or your horse can graze on native meadow grass. If you are bringing a horse, we require that you sign an equine liability waiver.
Do you supply fishing gear?
We do not supply fishing gear or guide services, but are happy to point you in the right direction for catch-and-release fly fishing. Please see more info on our Fishing page. You can also check out Joseph Fly Shoppe’s Wallowa River Report for updates and fishing tips.
Are there wild animals at the Lodge?
The Eagle Cap Wilderness is home to a broad array of wildlife, including Rocky Mountain elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, black bears, beavers, coyotes, bobcats, and cougars. Birds found along the Minam River include the peregrine falcon, bald and golden eagles, raptors, great horned owls and many species of songbirds. It is rare to see wild animals around the lodge, although you could be lucky.
What about safety?
As with any wilderness adventure, you should plan carefully and be prepared. Allow plenty of time to reach the Lodge before dark; we recommend leaving the trailhead no later than 1:00 pm, especially if it’s your first time visiting us. The Moss Springs trail is not clearly marked at all junctures, so make sure to take a printed copy of the trail directions with you as cellular phone and data service is unavailable on the trail. Please keep in mind you will be hiking through wilderness at your own risk, and the Lodge is not equipped for search and rescue. At the Lodge, please keep in mind that we are miles from civilization and have no road service in case of emergencies. At times, flying in or out of the Lodge may not be an option due to weather or visibility. If you have any medical conditions, make sure to bring any medications with you. We require all guests to sign a liability waiver.
For those that hike with a Garmin In-Reach or similar device, we recommend adding the Lodge phone number to your emergency contacts: (503) 758-5532.
If you are adventuring off on a solo hike at any point during your stay, please tell the front desk your hiking plans before your departure.
What is the climate like?
Eastern Oregon is significantly drier than the rest of the state, although the weather can vary considerably. Generally summers are warm and bright, with high temperatures in the 70s, 80s, and into the 90s. Nights and mornings can be cool, with lows in the 40s. Spring showers and summer thunderstorms are common. Be sure to check our Map & Weather page for the latest forecast. The Lodge is at 3,600 feet, which can take a day or two to get used to for some people.
Do you offer meals for people who are not guests at the Lodge?
If we have room! Space is limited and advance reservations are required. To make a reservation, please email info@minam-lodge.com, or call or text our Lodge phone (503) 758-5532. For breakfast and lunch, we generally require 48-hour notice. Dinner reservations require a week’s notice, plus a credit card to keep on file (the card will be charged in full in the event of a no-show or cancellation less than 24 hours in advance).
Do you have Internet?
Our satellite Internet service is extremely limited and we need to preserve it for reservations, ordering supplies and maintaining telephone service to our office. Please look forward to being “unplugged”! There is no cell reception at the Lodge or at the Moss Springs Trailhead. We do, however, have a Lodge phone which you can use to touch base with home upon your arrival. You are also welcome to give the Lodge phone number and info@minam-lodge.com email to petsitters, family members, etc., in case of emergency, (503) 758-5532.
Do you supply towels and toiletries?
The Lodge supplies towels, robes, hand-made soaps and lotion, shampoo and conditioner for guests.
How many nights do you recommend?
We have a three-night minimum to keep the Lodge accessible for weekenders, but considering the travel time involved to get to the Lodge from anywhere we recommend staying longer if you can. If you would like to explore the nearby wilderness area at all, or just relax and unplug, you can easily fill a week.
Is there a number we can give those at home for emergencies?
Yes, you are welcome to leave the Lodge number: (503) 758-5532. Also, you can use the Lodge phone to make a call or send a text once you arrive. We can also relay messages sent to the info@minam-lodge.com email.
For those that hike with a Garmin In-Reach or similar device, we recommend adding the Lodge phone number to your emergency contacts: (503) 758-5532.
We see one or two nights that are open on the calendar. Can we book them?
While we can sometimes book the two-night openings that pop up between existing reservations, we do not book any one-night stays. If you'd like to book a two-night opening you see on the calendar, please email info@minam-lodge.com.
Do you allow plane camping?
We do welcome plane camping for $100 per night. The fee includes use of property amenities and accessories like towels and toiletries. Space is limited and advance reservations are required. Please email info@minam-lodge.com to make arrangements at least one week in advance.
How does tipping work?
Gratuity is not included in our prices for meals or lodging. Tips are greatly appreciated and shared equally by the entire hospitality and restaurant staff. You will have the opportunity to add gratuity upon check-out. Our massage therapists are tipped separately; you may tip your therapist at the time of service or at check-out.