Two Pan Campground

For Oregonians drawn to the majestic beauty of the Wallowa Mountains and the rugged allure of the Eagle Cap Wilderness, Two Pan Campground near Lostine offers a unique and convenient base camp. This "small horse camp" is nestled at the very end of the scenic Lostine Canyon Road, positioning you right at the threshold of some of Oregon's most stunning backcountry. If you're a local equestrian or hiker seeking direct access to vast wilderness trails and a rustic, shaded camping experience, Two Pan Campground is a destination perfectly suited for your next adventure.

Two Pan Campground is more than just a place to pitch your tent or park your trailer; it's a launchpad for deep wilderness exploration. It caters specifically to those with stock, offering dedicated sites that make it an ideal starting point for horse packing trips into the Eagle Cap Wilderness. Even if you're not an equestrian, the campground's serene setting, shaded by spruce and fir trees, and its direct proximity to a major trailhead, make it an appealing option for anyone looking for a quiet, natural base for their Oregon outdoor pursuits.

Two Pan Campground is strategically located at the end of Lostine Canyon Road (also known as Forest Road 8210) near Lostine, OR 97857, USA. This prime position places it directly adjacent to the Two Pan Trailhead, which serves as a popular entry point into the iconic Eagle Cap Wilderness within the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. While Lostine is the closest town (approximately 17-18 miles away), the campground's true appeal lies in its remoteness and direct access to wilderness areas.

Access to Two Pan Campground involves driving on Lostine River Road. The first 6 miles from Highway 82 are paved, but the last 11 miles are graveled. While generally accessible, visitors should be prepared for varying conditions on the gravel section, especially with trailers. The road meanders through beautiful farm and ranch land before entering the forest, offering scenic views as you approach. This road can see heavy use from pick-up trucks hauling horse trailers, so mindful driving is always recommended. The journey itself builds anticipation for the spectacular high-country experience that awaits.

Two Pan Campground provides essential amenities designed for a rustic and self-sufficient camping experience, particularly catering to those with horses. It's a first-come, first-served site, meaning no reservations are typically available.

• Campsites: The campground offers 4 stock sites (also referred to as 4 short tent/trailer campsites or up to 5 sites by some sources) with limited parking areas. These sites are equipped for both tent camping and smaller trailers.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite includes a picnic table for convenient outdoor dining and gathering.
• Fire Rings: Designated fire rings are available at each site for safe campfires (always check current fire restrictions).
• Vault Toilets: Restroom facilities are provided in the form of vault toilets, which are shared with the nearby trailhead users.
• Horse/Stock Amenities: As a horse camp, sites typically include tie-ups for horses and hay holders, with some remnants of hay possibly present.
• Overnight Fee: An overnight fee of $10.00 per night for single unit campsites is required. A self-service fee station is available at the campground. Payment can also be covered by the Northwest Forest Pass or any form of the America the Beautiful National Pass.
• No Potable Water: It is crucial for visitors to note that potable (drinking) water is NOT available at this site. Campers must bring their own supply of drinking water.

These services ensure a functional base camp for wilderness adventures, especially for equestrians, while maintaining the natural, undeveloped character of the forest environment.

The allure of Two Pan Campground lies in its unique attributes and the direct access it provides to some of Oregon's most cherished natural areas. These features are what make it a prime destination for specific types of outdoor enthusiasts.

• Direct Eagle Cap Wilderness Access: Situated "below the Two Pan Trailhead," the campground offers immediate entry into the magnificent Eagle Cap Wilderness. All visitors to the Eagle Cap Wilderness must obtain a free Wilderness Visitor Permit, self-issued at permit boxes located at trailheads.
• Ideal for Horse Camping: The campground is explicitly a "small horse camp" with "stock sites" and amenities like tie-ups and hay holders, making it a perfect staging area for horse packing into the wilderness.
• Shaded and Cool Location: The campground is "situated in a cool location, shaded by spruce and fir trees," providing a pleasant and refreshing environment, especially during warmer months.
• Scenic Lostine Canyon Drive: The journey to Two Pan Campground along the Lostine River Road is a scenic experience in itself, winding through a beautiful valley with opportunities for photography and wildlife spotting, including elk, whitetail, and mule deer.
• Access to Diverse Trails: From the Two Pan Trailhead, campers can access trails like the East Fork Lostine River Trails (#1662 to #1661 to #1670), leading into the Lakes Basin area of the Eagle Cap Wilderness, which offers "excellent opportunities for photography," lush vegetation, wildflowers, and panoramic mountain views.
• Fishing Opportunities: The area around the Lostine River and its tributaries, including those accessible from the Two Pan Trailhead, offers "good fishing" for various trout species (brook trout in certain lakes from July through September) and even spawning Chinook salmon in late August.
• Wildlife Sightings: Campers have reported deer coming very close to sites, and even the sounds of what may have been a bear, indicating a rich wildlife presence in the area.

These highlights combine to create a compelling picture of a campground that offers deep immersion in Oregon's rugged beauty, particularly appealing to equestrians and avid hikers seeking authentic wilderness experiences.

For inquiries regarding Two Pan Campground, as it is managed by the U.S. Forest Service within the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, the primary point of contact is the Wallowa Mountains Office. Since Two Pan is a first-come, first-served campground, direct reservations are not possible, but calling ahead is advisable for the latest information on conditions, road accessibility, and fire restrictions.

Address: Lostine, OR 97857, USA (General area, specific location at the end of Lostine Canyon Road/Forest Road 8210)

Wallowa-Whitman National Forest (Wallowa Mountains Office) Phone: (541) 426-5546

This general contact number for the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest can provide valuable information for planning your trip to Two Pan Campground.

For Oregonians, Two Pan Campground offers a quintessential high-country outdoor experience that perfectly aligns with the state's adventurous spirit. Its distinct identity as a "small horse camp" at the very end of Lostine Canyon Road provides an invaluable resource for local equestrians, offering a direct and convenient entry point into the expansive Eagle Cap Wilderness for horse packing and trail riding. Even for non-equestrian locals, the campground's immediate access to premier hiking trails, including those leading to stunning locations like the Lakes Basin, makes it an irresistible draw for wilderness enthusiasts.

The shaded, cool environment provided by the spruce and fir trees offers a refreshing escape during Oregon's warmer months, while the high elevation ensures a true mountain atmosphere. The lack of potable water and the first-come, first-served basis align with the self-sufficient nature of many Oregon campers, providing an authentic, less commercialized experience. The opportunity for excellent fishing in nearby streams and the chance to observe abundant wildlife further enrich the appeal for local outdoor lovers.

Two Pan Campground truly stands as a local treasure for those in Oregon seeking to deeply immerse themselves in the state's pristine mountain wilderness. It’s a place where the journey itself is part of the adventure, leading to unparalleled opportunities for recreation and reconnection with nature right in their own backyard.

For a visual preview of the surrounding area, you can watch this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Cc28H5b-8I).

Two Pan Campground

Lostine, OR 97857, USA