TRAIL BEGINNING:
At the intersection with Seven Devils Trail #124, near Lily Pad Lake

TRAIL ENDING:
Sheep Lake

ACCESS:
From Riggins, take State Highway 95 south one mile to the Seven Devils Road, Forest Road #517. This is a steep one lane gravel road with turnouts, and is fairly rough for the last few miles. Although adequate for most passenger cars, it is not recommended for RVs or travel trailers. It is generally open from early July to mid October. It is 17 miles to Windy Saddle Trailhead and generally takes one hour.

Windy Saddle Trailhead provides adequate parking and stock facilities for Wilderness travelers. Overnight camping facilities are also available on site, and stock water is available 1/4 mile down the Seven Devils Trail. From Windy Saddle Trailhead, follow the Seven Devils Trail #124 for approximately 5 miles to Iron Phone Junction, the point where trails #124, 57, and 140 intersect. Continue on trail #124 approximately 3/4 mile to the junction of Sheep Lake Trail on your left.

ATTRACTIONS:
From the lush meadows near Lily Pad Lake, the trail climbs high into the alpine environment of Sheep Lake. He Devil and She Devil peaks cradle Sheep Lake. This scenic trail accesses many lakes including Lily Pad, Basin, Shelf, Gem, and Sheep Lake. Many other lakes are accessible from this trail by cross country scrambling. Sheep Lake is the largest and the coldest lake in Hells Canyon Wilderness of Idaho. Fishing is usually good in most of the larger lakes. There is a good chance of seeing mountain goats as well as other wildlife in this area.

CONSIDERATIONS:

This is the most heavily used area in Hells Canyon Wilderness of Idaho. Lake environments are fragile. Dispersed campsites are established at most of the lakes. Grazing opportunities are non-existant at the lakes. Better grazing areas are found at Prindle Meadows (between Basin and Lily Pad lakes), Lily Pad Lake area, Hibbs Cow Camp, and Three Creek Spring.

Total mileage from Windy Saddle to Sheep Lake is 9.1 miles. Dispersed camping is available but limited along Seven Devils Trail #124 until reaching the Lily Pad Lake area. Please refer to the Seven Devils Trail #124 Recreation Opportunity Guide sheet.

Length: 4.1 miles

Elevation: Trail beginning 7,040 feet Sheep Lake 7,875 feet

Difficulty: More Difficult

Restrictions: This trail is located within wilderness and wilderness restrictions apply. Hells Canyon Wilderness has a party size limitation of eight people and sixteen head of stock. Please practice "Leave No Trace" camping techniques.

Recommended Season: Mid July to Late September

Use: Heavy use in the summer, especially on weekends and holidays

Click the map to see a larger version

Wallowa-Whitman National Forest P.O. Box 907, Baker City, Oregon 97814

Please refer to the National Forest map for complete trail system.