JOSEPH HIKING FIELD GUIDE
High Ridge Cabin Escape: Big Sheep Camp Behind Wing Ridge
A small-group, 3–5 day hut experience accessed by a 3-mile approach over the 7,500 ft saddle to a 6,400 ft camp—this guide explains the route, camp layout and practical planning for visiting Big Sheep Camp.
High Ridge Cabin Escape: Big Sheep Camp Behind Wing Ridge.
Big Sheep Camp sits tucked behind Wing Ridge in the Wallowa Mountains, accessed from the region’s highest SnoPark at Salt Creek Summit. The trip routes a short, scenic approach over a 7,500-foot saddle and deposits visitors at a compact, wood‑based camp with sleep cabins, a shared kitchen yurt and a sauna—an alpine weekend or midweek escape run in small groups by Wallowa Alpine Huts.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A short, high saddle approach
The typical route begins at Salt Creek Summit SnoPark (about 6,200 ft) and follows Wing Ridge Trail #1828 over a roughly 7,500 ft saddle; the approach is roughly 3 miles and designed for light day‑packs, shortening the first day’s effort to camp.
A compact camp with cabin comfort
Big Sheep Camp is arranged around a 20‑ft shared kitchen yurt and includes two sleep cabins plus a sauna, allowing two separate groups of up to five people each; there is also an exclusive‑use booking option for up to 12.
Circuits and load options
Beyond the initial approach you can circumnavigate Wing Ridge on the Wagon Rd. Trail — roughly 4 miles of relatively flat tracking — and there is a round‑trip porter service to camp via an alternate route at $5 per pound for those who prefer not to carry heavy loads.
What the day feels like
What the trip feels like
The itinerary compresses alpine access into a brief, purposeful approach: a 3‑mile push over the saddle places you at a wood‑camp that reads like a scaled hut system — private sleep cabins, a communal kitchen yurt and a sauna concentrate comfort into a high‑alpine setting. Days can be spent on short circuits such as the Wagon Rd. Trail or simply lingering at camp, with the lift of the ridge above and broad Wallowa views around.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Plan to travel the 3‑mile approach with a light day‑pack; keep heavier personal loads minimal or arrange alternate transport.
Light day‑packs are the norm for the approach; the camp provides communal facilities so personal overnight systems can be minimal.
Expect a short, purposeful hike where traveling light is recommended—carry essentials in a day‑pack for the saddle crossing.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long are the standard trips?
Weekend trips run 4 days and 3 nights; midweek trips run 5 days and 4 nights.
Where do I meet for the trip?
The meeting location is Blythe Cricket at 700 N Main St, Joseph, OR 97846.
What are the trip prices?
Weekend trips are listed at $1,556.16 and midweek trips at $2,074.89.
How many people can stay in the camp?
Standard arrangements accommodate up to five people per group; there is an exclusive‑use option available for booking up to 12 people.
Is there help moving heavy packs to camp?
Yes—round‑trip porter service to camp via an alternate route is offered at $5 per pound.
At what elevation is the camp and trailhead?
Salt Creek Summit SnoPark (the trailhead) is at about 6,200 ft; the saddle on Wing Ridge reaches roughly 7,500 ft and Big Sheep Camp sits near 6,400 ft.