Oregon Freedom Backpack 2021: Eagle Cap Peak & Wallowa River Loop

We invite you on a journey of personal growth all while joining the fight against human trafficking!

The goal for this endurance hike is to push personal limits, step out of our comfort zone and conquer one of the most breathtaking gems in Oregon, known as the Alps of Oregon. The Wallowa Mountain Range is located in Joseph Oregon. Together, we will hike 43 miles passing by majestic waterfalls, and picturesque streams, and rugged passes that will lead us through up to 21 enchanting alpine lakes where you'll be surrounded by turquoise waters, endless wild flowers and the stunning sweeping views of the Wallowas. This backpack will be a celebration of raising funds and awareness for the organization Rescue Freedom. If you would like to learn more visit them at rescuefreedom.org

The Freedom Hike is an individual hiking event with the intent that each hiker is assuming all responsibility for their training, preparation, and hike. Although it is regarded as a personal hike/fundraiser for the organization Rescue Freedom, to foster community, the hike will take place as a group. Interactions with volunteers before and during the hike are considered assistance based, as any hiker would offer on the trail. The Freedom Hike is not a guide service and the volunteers are not guides.

Important - Each person must register themselves. You may not register for someone else. If you are signing up with someone else please indicate who you hope to hike with in the registration questions.

Rescue Freedom exists to empower others in the fight against human trafficking. They help with prevention, outreach, rescue and restoration services for women and children such as safe homes, access to education and counseling services. If you would like to learn more visit them at www.rescuefreedom.org

Oregon Freedom Backpack 2021: Eagle Cap Peak & Wallowa River Loop

Event Agenda: August 8th-13th

August 8th: Check in to the hotel at 3 pm: Team Dinner and Freedom Hike Check in at 4 pm.

August 9th: Wake up time: 3:00 am, Grab and Go breakfast provided. We leave for the trail head at 3:15 am. We will drive 23 minutes to the trail head and then hike in 2 groups, 30 minutes apart. Team 1 will start at 3:37 am, and Team 2 will begin at 4:08 am. We will cover 14 miles the first day, and camp at an alpine lake each night.

August 10th: We will have around a10 mile day, with the summit of eagle cap, and then set up camp at Glacier Lake.

August 11th: We will have around a 13/14 mile day headed to Aneroid Lake to set up camp.

August 12th: Finishing up our last day with 7 miles out. Once off the trail, we will head back to enjoy a celebratory pizza dinner back in the Freedom Hiker Suite at the Eagle’s View Inn & Suites.

August 13th: Check out at 11:00 am

Lodging: Eagle's View Inn & Suites, located at 1200 Highland Ave, Enterprise, OR 97828

Your ticket price of $92 Includes:

• 5 community on-line video calls for training and fundraising support.
• Backpack Clinic
• Entry into Facebook community where you will receive support, tips and fundraising ideas.
• Experienced trail leads to help support you during training and on the trail.
• Pre Backpack Catered Farm to Table, Fresh Seasonal Dinner, Dessert, and Drinks
• Easy grab and go breakfast the Morning of the hike and breakfast on the Morning after you hike.
• Snacks
• Post Backpack Celebration Dinner, Dessert & Drinks
• Hiking Log Book
• Pre and Post Hike Gathering/Celebration Room
• Swag Bag

**This is non-refundable unless the event is cancelled due to circumstances outside of our control.

Length: 43 miles to be completed in 4 days. This is a rugged trail and may require boulder crossing, some class 1 scrambling, and water crossing.

Elevation Gain: 9357ft

Top Elevation: 9826ft

The route:

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/wallowa-river-loop-trail-5807a68?u=i

Hike Capacity: 6 Hikers per group with experienced trail leads.

*Note: If you are hoping to hike with people you know, please let the hike facilitators know.

You will be responsible for transportation to the event in Joseph and hotel in Enterprise, OR. Nearest airport is Spokane, WA.

Arrive to the hotel the day prior to the hike. You are responsible for 2 nights of lodging. There is a block of rooms set aside under Oregon Freedom Hikers at the Eagle’s View Inn & Suites in Enterprise, OR. Approximately $136 per night.

**This is non-refundable unless the event is cancelled due to circumstances outside of our control.

Please read the following physical requirements and expectations before signing up:This trail is considered an advanced hike, as we ascend to a top elevation of 9,559 ft. It will require prior training, which you will track and submit as the time gets closer. This is not a couch to mountain program.

• Currently or soon to start working out 3-4 days a week. We recommend you are able to run 3 consistent miles without stopping or make that a goal to achieve in the coming weeks.

• Agree to 10 weeks of training hikes beginning the end of May (as we get closer the weekly hikes will require 6-7 hours on your feet)

• Agree to fundraise during your training season

• Agree to 5 accountability video conference calls over a 4 month period, plus 1 backpack clinic via zoom

• Agree to share the campaign page and links to create awareness during your training season. Ask if your friends and family would like to donate to the cause (there is no minimum requirement, but hikers have raised approximately $1500 each.)

• Understand that we are not promised blue skies and sunshine on the day of the hike.

• Agree to purchasing the required gear (day pack, 3L hydration system, hiking shoes, hiking poles)

• Agree to hike at your own risk and sign a liability release before the event.

• Understand that this is a HARD 43 mile hike with class 1 climbing and scrambling and descending over boulders, roots, and rocks)covering up to 14 miles a day.

• Understand that if you do not follow the training requirements or choose not to fundraise or create awareness for the cause, we reserve the right to release you from the event for the safety of all participants and to preserve the integrity of why we hike.

Event registration opens on www.getoutdoorsforfreedom.com at 6am PST on January 11th and has the potential to fill quickly. This is a “proudly supporting” Rescue:Freedom effort. Rescue:Freedom is not coordinating this event. Volunteers and the Freedom Hiker community will be facilitating this event.

For questions email [email protected]

The Freedom Hike is an individual hiking event with the intent that each hiker is assuming all responsibility for their training, preparation and hike. Although it is regarded as a personal hike/fundraiser for the organization Rescue Freedom, to foster community, the hike will take place as a group. Interactions with volunteers before and during the hike are considered assistance based, as any hiker would offer on the trail. The Freedom Hike is not a guide service and the volunteers are not guides.

Event Venue

Joseph