While some are satisfied with the heights of the Moraine, others just want to get higher – all the way to the top of Eagle Cap's 31 most iconic peaks. Locally, Chief Joseph Mountain (EL 9610’) and its lower shoulder, Joseph Knob (EL 7533’), nicely fit that bill.
Though fairly short in distance, these are very steep hikes, climbing over 3000’ in just over 2 miles to the Joseph Knob – and almost double that to the Chief Joseph Mountain summit. See this map for the route to these two destinations.
This trailhead is missing on most maps, but quite simple to find: On the south side of the Marina parking lot, find the fish cleaning station and look on the right (west) side and you’ll find a trail that travels south a short distance up to the site of the old outside theater. Look up the hill for the trail that climbs steeply up the mountainside and prepare yourself: it’s that way for almost the entire trek. This is not your gradual Forest Service trail that traverses & switchbacks that you find elsewhere in the area; its more of a goat trail. Nor is it maintained on a regular schedule. Because it's so steep, you'll find yourself using trees to pull yourself up in places. But it's not a technical climb in the sense that you need ropes.
After about a half mile up you’ll reach the intersection with the Chief Joseph Trail #1803. Going left (South) takes you back to BC Falls. Right traverses gradually and switches back about three miles to rejoin the steep trail ahead. Most just skip that route as it's full of downed trees and choose to climb steeply another half mile to reach that second #1803 trail crossing point. At that point, if you want to summit you go left, back on to the Chief Joseph Trail that will then lead to the Chief Joseph Mountain Ascent Trail at the switchback. In case you need a breather, you could just pass the ascent trail which heads back to the Joseph Knob Trail. Or, just continue straight up where you’ll reach the 3rd #1803 intersection and the unmaintained portion of #1803 called The Old Chief Joseph Trail heading north. The Old CJ trail, marked T2, is overgrown, clogged with blown-down trees and has almost disappeared.
Whichever destination you choose, you’ll be presented with incredible mountain views overlooking the lake.
Weather Considerations: If your trying hike with minimal or no snow underfoot, then mid-June will probably work for Joseph Knob, For the Summit; Mid to late July. If your trying to plan way ahead, add two weeks. Short term, ask some of the local businesses or check the NOAA snow gauges in the area: Mt. Howard Snotel | Aneroid Lake Snotel
Gear Recommendations: Decent broke-in hiking boots, water, protein bars, hiking poles, and a jacket: This is rough country and the weather can change quickly. At the summit it can and does snow, even in July.
See the information below on other mountains to conquer in the Eagle Cap-
