NE Oregon's 7 Wonders -- Wallowas!

25 Top Ideas for “What To Do” in Wallowa County

Jewel of The Wallowas

Wallowa Lake & Wallowa Lake Tramway!
Wallowa Lake – a great place for the entire family.  (Wallowa Lake 2 min. video).   This is home to the Wallowa Lake Tramway – a gondola ride straight up to Mt. Howard (8,150’).  A  stunning view of beautiful Wallowa Lake, Eagle Cap Wilderness, and the Seven Devils.  Wallowa Lake Tramway, (541) 432-5331.

Wallowa Lake Family Activities!
Kid activities galore at Wallowa Lake –horseback rides, paddle boats, bumper boats, swimming, miniature golf, croquet, go carts, ping pong, horse shoes, video games, basketball & volley ball. Want a one of a kind recreational adventure? Try clear-bottom kayaking or standup paddle boarding with JO Paddle! For a truly unique experience, book their Glacier Clear Nighttime Adventure Tour!

Wallowa Lake Marina!
Rent paddle boards, canoes, kayaks, row boats, small motor boats and a 21 foot Pontoon boat.  Fish throughout the year.   Fishermen at Wallowa Lake broke a new world record for the largest KoKanee!  Wallowa Lake Marina, (541) 432-9115.

Explore Our Towns

Downtown Historic Walks!
If you enjoy historic buildings and interesting main streets; ask about the self guided centennial tour pamphlets of each town in the Wallowa Valley: Enterprise, Joseph, Lostine and Wallowa.

Shopping!
The small town flavor of Wallowa County provides an abundance of cottage stores to be shopped.  Many items to be discovered are one-of-a-kind, locally made and produced by local artisans.  Enjoy a cup of brew at  coffee houses, making a choice will be your only difficulty!

Microbrews and Distillery!
Come share in our handcrafted beer from Terminal Gravity our famous microbrewery in Enterprise or a handcrafted cordial or spirits from the local distillery in Joseph at Steins Distillery.

Art Galleries & Joseph Main Street Art Walk!
Take a tour of a bronze foundry and see first-hand how beautiful bronze sculptures are created.   Wallowa County is home to many fine arts and galleries.

Josephy Center for Arts & Culture!
A welcoming place for thousands of Wallowa County residents and visitors to view art, listen to music, watch theater and other performances, engage in workshops and classes in the visual and performing arts, and learn about the history and culture of Wallowa County.

Wallowology - Wild Science of Wallowa Country!
Be a "Wallowologist" explore our newest attraction “Wallowology” in Joseph.  It’s all about the natural history and science of the Wallowas, Zumwalt Prairie, and the rugged Hells Canyon landscapes.

Farmer Markets!
Starting in early June and operating throughout the summer is open season for local Farmer Markets.  Fresh, organically grown vegetables, seasonal fruits and other local products.  For times and locations contact the Wallowa County Chamber (541)426-4622 or check the events calendar.

Courthouse Music Evenings and Other Events!
Beginning in early June the music starts and goes all summer!  Music at the courthouse in Enterprise and Main Street sites throughout  Joseph. Music lovers will find it all -- jazz, folk, bluegrass, rock, and country.  Free and fun!  For times and locations contact the Wallowa County Chamber (541) 426-4622 or check the events calendar.

Our Heritage

Sunrise Iron!
For a real unique experience tour the Antique Tractor Exhibit on a working farm.  Located on Alder Slope, outside of Enterprise, is Oregon's largest collection of historic, restored tractors and other pioneer treasures.  Open 12 months by appointment. Sunrise Iron, (541) 426-4407.

Wallowa County Museum!
The WC Museum, located on Main Street Joseph, has a collection of artifacts from Wallowa County’s pioneer history, as well as the Nez Perce People who lived in this region for thousands of years.  Wallowa County Museum (541) 432-6095.

Maxville Heritage Center
The emergence of the Maxville Project reflects the local community's deep appreciation for the preservation of its oral history, photographs, historical structures, and forested landscape.  Maxville Heritage Center (541) 426-3545.

Wallowa Band Nez Perce Interpretive Center!
The Nez Perce Center in the City of Wallowa is home to the Wallowa Band Nez Perce Homeland Project.  Discover the historic account of how Chief Joseph led his people from the Wallowas along the Ne-Mee-Poo trail in an attempt to escape the U.S. Army.  Nez Perce Interpretive Center  (541) 886-3101. While in the Wallowas visit the display of Nez Perce photos at the Nez Perce Photo Exhibit on Main Street, Joseph. 

Auto Tours

Byways, Driving Tours & Vistas!
Hells Canyon Scenic Byway is Oregon's top byway.  Scenic vistas such as the Hells Canyon Overlook and Hat Point Lookout (side trip) looks into the deepest river gorge in the lower 48. It's spectacular!   Other local vistas "to not miss" include Buckhorn, Red Hill, and Joseph Overlook.

Historic Barn Tour!
Self guided tours are mapped for your convenience in our pamphlet Wallowa County Historic  Barn Tour. View or photograph some of the most beautiful historic barns of Oregon.  Many are located on working  ranches in the Wallowa Valley against the backdrop of the Wallowa Mountains.

Outdoor Recreation

Fabulous Hiking!
Wallowa County is a hiker’s paradise.  Miles of trails for all types of hikers and more than 20 peaks above 9000 ft in elevation.  NW Forest Wilderness pass required for the Eagle Cap and Hells Canyon Wildernesses.  Wallowa Lake Trailhead.

Wild and Scenic Cycling!
Friendly towns offer cyclists roads for travel from town to town or pedal a more challenging  trip along the backcountry roads and trails.  Wallowa County is perfect for cyclists!

True Adventurer!
Try something really different, ride with the Joseph Branch Railriders.  Tour the historic Joseph Branch Railroad line on a unique, pedal-powered car as you take in the view of the majestic Wallowa Mountains. One of a kind experience only in Wallowa County.

Wildlife & Birding!
Zumwalt Prairie, northeast of Enterprise, is one of Oregon’s premier sites for observing Birds of Prey.  Herds of elk are frequently observed by visitors from the roadside. Visit Hells Canyon National Recreation Area and if you are lucky you might catch a view of bighorn sheep, black bear, cougar, elk, mule deer, mountain goats, and wolves.  We recommend you investigate The Nature Conservancy preserve on the Zumwalt Prairie.

Fishing at its Best!
The Snake River is listed as the 47th “Best Place” to fish in the world as reported by Field and Stream and the BEST place in the world to catch a steelhead on a fly.  Wallowa Lake Holds 9 Kokanee Records: 8 State of Oregon Records and the 1 World Record!

Photography!
Wallowa County is a photographer’s utopia. From mountain peaks to the alpine meadows;  from canyon rims to rugged ravines;  from forested areas to the prairies, there is a picture waiting to be captured.  Be sure to carry your camera at all times!

Guides & Outfitters

Natural History Tours!
Sit back and relax while your knowledgeable guide takes you on a variety of tours. The Wallowa Land Trust and Wallowology both specialize in eco-tourism.  Hells Canyon, Zumwalt, Wallowa Lake Moraines, are among a few sites for visitors to learn the history, flora, fauna, geology, and lifestyle of Wallowa County.

Rafting, River Boats & Guides!
For raw excitement jet boat the Snake River in Hells Canyon.  See spectacular scenery, wildlife, and Indian pictographs.  OR  Raft and fish our wild rivers with local outfitters and guides. Our wild & scenic rivers provide for one of Oregon’s best white waters rafting trips.

Outfitters for the Backcountry!
Rent a horse, explore, and take a short ride to a spectacular view of Wallowa Lake or ride a horse on a working ranch.  Exploring the high lakes of the Eagle Cap Wilderness can be a part of your vacation. Custom-designed guided trips or packing gear to a camp site can be arranged.

Winter in The Wallowas

Wanderlust in the Wallowas!
All of Wallowa Country is a winter paradise for both couples and the rugged winter athlete.  Some of the best backcountry skiing and snow shoeing opportunities abound in this remote region. The Wallowas –  famed for deep, dry, powder snow; offers backcountry skiers of all skill levels a memorable experience in the backcountry; from gentle touring to advanced telemarking.  It can be extreme and breathtaking.

Salt Creek Summit Sno-Park!
Salt Creek Sno-park with a multi-purpose building and warming room is located 20 miles southeast of Joseph, Oregon on Forest Service Road 39.  This park provides 175 miles of designated snowmobile trails and over 20 miles of designated cross-country ski trails. 

Ferguson Ridge Ski Area!
A local winter hub for skiers.  Services include a rope tow and T-bar, 640 feet vertical terrain.  The runs have a great view of the surrounding mountains and valley.

For More information contact:

Wallowa County Chamber, (541) 426-4622 or www.wallowacountychamber.com
Joseph Chamber,  www.josephoregon.com
Wallowa Lake Tourism, www.wallowalake.net
USFS Wallowa Mountain Visitor Center, (541) 426-5546 or www.fs.usda.gov/wallowa-whitman/
Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, (541) 426-3279