After 0.3 mile, ignore the Chief Joseph Mountain Trail on the right. For the next 2.4 miles the West Fork Trail climbs steadily, with a rushing mountain stream to the right. The forest of Douglas fir and lodgepole pine is broken only where winter avalanches have destroyed the trees. Although this portion of the trail gains a grueling 2,300 feet of elevation, switchbacks keep it from being too steep. Although there isn't an official trail around Ice Lake, it's an easy and astonishingly beautiful 1.8-mile stroll, with mountain views in all directions and patches of alpine wildflowers.
Mule deer visit the lake itself in the evenings and early mornings.
Known chiefly from just three locations in the high Wallowas, this rare bird feeds on numbed insects that have fallen onto high snowfields. Its winter home is unknown. They're available at most Forest Service offices and outdoor stores. You'll also need a permit to enter the Wilderness, but these permits are free and can be filled out at the trailhead. Group size is limited to six.