The Backcountry Skiing Magazine, Community, and Interactive Ski Guide
Skiing the Backcountry Logo
SEARCH BY LOCATION:

NE FACING BOWL | WING RIDGE | WALLOWA MOUNTAINS | OREGON | UNITED STATES

NE FACING BOWL
NE FACING BOWL
Date Created: 01/24/2010
Last Updated: 01/24/2010
Ranking:Good
Skiable Vert:2500 ft
Climbing Vert:2500 ft
Top Elevation:8700 ft
Trailhead Elevation:6200 ft
Ascent Mileage:3
AVG Ascent Time:1.5 hours
Ascent Type:Skin
Trees:Nicely Spaced
Slope Aspect:Northeast
Steepest Section:35-45 Degrees
Slope Type:Ridge, Bowl
Exit:Clean
First Descent:
Nearest Town:Joseph, Oregon
AVG Snowfall:300
Snowpack:The Wallowa Mountains are on the fringe of the maritime snowpack, so the snow quality can be variable between Cascade-like heavy wet snow to light, fluffy Jackson Hole cowboy powder depending on the storm track. A storm tracking in from the southwest will bring lots of heavier snow while lows that blow down out of the Gulf of Alaska can bring light dry fluff. This creates variable annual snowpacks so do your research before you head out.

Highlights

Nice skiing, beautiful terrain, and little traffic. The vertical is nice and there are many options to choose from depending on snowpack and weather conditions.

Ascent

Drive from Joseph, Oregon to the Salt Creek summit sno-park. From the parking lot, cross the access road to the west to the Wagon Trail trailhead (USFS Road 3920). Immediately, there are three options, a road cut to the right, one center, and one to the left. Go straight up into the trees and follow the road cut up and cross contouring through a burn that is grown in with dense conifers. Eventually the road slims down to a trail (Wagon Trail -- USFS 1828). Follow the contour around the ridge crossing two creek drainages. After the second crossing, turn to the west and start the climb up Wing Ridge. Follow the contours of the ridge and gain about 1200-1500' of elevation. About 3/4 of the way up the train breaks out of the trees and onto the more exposed ridgeline. There is still some cover but the wind may become an issue here. Most of the routes down drop off to the right (north/ northeast).

Descent

We dropped off the ridge about 300' short of the top of the bowl where there is a rocky outcrop and a nice slot below the rocks that drops down into the trees. This shot starts somewhat flat but then rolls into a nice run that is wide open. If snowpack conditions are questionable, the shot is bordered on the downslope side by well spaced trees that may offer protection. There are also several well defined safe zones that can be used for a safe descent. After reaching the bottom of the main shot, there are nice turns through a lightly treed, 20-25 degree drainage down to the skin track (see photo).

Access/Permits

Oregon sno-park permits are required to park at the Salt Creek summit sno-park. Funds from these permits are used to plow and maintain sno-parks for winter access.

Photos

Need A Guide?

Timberline Mountain Guides
Timberline Mountain Guides
Timberline Mountain Guides offers backcountry ski and snowboard programming to accommodate anyone. Whether you have ventured into the backcountry before or not, let us help meet your ski goals. We provide instruction and guides for terrain that can challenge any ability. No matter how you enjoy the backcountry, ski or splitboard, give us a call and we can design a program that meets your needs. American Mountain Guides Association Accredited program. AIARE Avalanche Course Provider....Hire this guide

Comments

External References

Already have a blog about this area? Link to it here.
Be the first to enter an external reference for this area!

You need to login or sign up to add an external reference.

Guide Books

Sign up to use or skiing guide.
Backcountry skiing is dangerous. Use our online backcountry skiing guide at your own risk.