The Wallowa Mountains were on my bucket list for years, but it’s a bit of a trek to get there from my SW Washington home so I always thought, “next time.” When I finally planned a visit for myself, I was awestruck by the remote beauty, towering mountains, and wide open spaces of the region.
This range of mountains is nestled in the remote northeastern corner of Oregon. They’re just a short hop off of Interstate 84 but far from a major city–you have to really mean to go here. But once you’re there, you won’t regret a single mile of your trip. The Wallowa Mountains are breathtaking, made up of rugged wilderness, rushing rivers, sparkling lakes, and charming small towns.
The Wallowa Mountains are often called the “Swiss Alps of Oregon.” This region is a dream destination for outdoor lovers, art enthusiasts, families, and anyone looking to slow down and reconnect with nature. Here are some ideas for your trip to “the Wallowas,” as Northwesterners call them.
Outdoor Adventures
Photo by Carla Christian
Wallowa Lake State Park is a great jumping-off point for outdoor adventures. It’s tucked between the towering Wallowa Mountains and the blue waters of Wallowa Lake, where you can swim, kayak, paddleboard… or simply lounge by the shore. The lake is also a favorite spot for fishing—the lake has a reputation for record-sized Kokanee and Mackinaw trout—and you can cast your line in from boat docks or fishing platforms along the shore.
Just outside the state park is the Eagle Cap Wilderness, one of Oregon’s most pristine areas and some of the most beautiful backcountry in the U.S. There are over 500 miles of hiking trails and 52 alpine lakes. Some of them are great destinations for day hikers, while others are accessible only for multi-day backpackers. Whichever hike you choose is going to reward you with jaw-dropping vistas and the serene quiet of the wilderness.
Another memorable way to see the Wallowas is by horseback. Several outfitters in the area offer guided rides ranging from gentle trail rides near the lake to multi-day pack trips deep into the backcountry. Or, they can pack your gear up to a drop site for you so you get the backcountry camping experience without packing your gear on your back. Check out Wallowa Lake Pack Station or Oregon Backcountry Outfitting for their horseback experiences.
A truly wild and scenic ride is taking a guided whitewater rafting trip through Hells Canyon—the deepest river-carved gorge in North America. The river offers some of the best whitewater rapids in the Northwest, while in calmer sections there’s great fishing. Hells Canyon rafting trips depart from Joseph, Oregon, and venture as far as Heller Bar in Idaho, 79 miles downstream, with experienced guides like Winding Waters River Expeditions.
If you’d like to sit back and relax but you don’t want to miss the wonders of the backcountry, get your tickets for the Eagle Cap Excursion Train. You’ll discover untamed territory as the train follows the Grande Ronde River downstream through rugged cliffs and timbered ridges, then travels up the Wild & Scenic Wallowa River. Whether you are a rail fan, a nature and wildlife enthusiast, a history buff, or a vacationer looking for a fun and relaxing way to enjoy the spectacular beauty of region, a ride on the Eagle Cap Excursion Train is sure to please!
For the Culture and Art Lover
While the mountains are undeniably the spotlight, the town of Joseph is a gem. This former rough-and-tumble logging town has reinvented itself as an arts destination, with downtown streets lined with bronze sculptures, art galleries, and studios. Don’t miss the chance to tour a working bronze foundry and see how sculptures are cast and finished at Valley Bronze.
Joseph is also known for its full calendar of fun events. Depending on when you visit, you might catch an art or music festival, a writer’s workshop, or an outdoor concert.
Get a glimpse of the region’s past at the Wallowa County Museum in Enterprise, Oregon, which is housed in the historic First Bank of Joseph, built in 1888. The museum has exhibits on Native American culture, pioneer life, and the early days of Wallowa County.
Just For Fun
The Wallowas are a wonderful destination if looking to enjoy the great outdoors without sacrificing fun and convenience. Matterhorn Village at Wallowa Lake offers family-friendly fun like go-carts, bumper boats, arcades, and mini golf—all right next to the lake and within walking distance of campgrounds, lodges, and restaurants.
Photo credit Ellen Bishop
A highlight of visiting Wallowa Lake is the Wallowa Lake Tramway, an aerial gondola that whisks you to the summit of Mt. Howard in just 15 minutes. It’s a thrilling ride with jaw-dropping views of the lake, valley, and surrounding peaks. You’ll be amazed by the panoramic views of the Wallowa Valley, Eagle Cap Wilderness, and Hells Canyon. At the top, you’ll find short, scenic trails and picnic areas, and you can grab a bite at Summit Grill and Alpine Patio, the Northwest’s highest restaurant at 8,150 feet elevation.
For another unique way to see the area, try Joseph Branch Railriders. You’ll pedal human-powered “cars” along an old railway line that passes through farmland, forests, and along the Wallowa River. You’re likely to see wildlife as you pedal along the mountain’s edge. Don’t worry, there’s an electric assist, so you don’t have to work too hard!
There are also countless opportunities for picnicking, from lakeside tables to shady riverbanks along the Wallowa River Trail. Pack a basket and spend a lazy afternoon enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
For a classic stay, check into the Wallowa Lake Lodge, a beautiful historic property featured on PBS’s Great Lodges of the National Parks. The lodge was built in 1923 from trees cut on the property. With its log-beam ceilings, cozy rooms, and lakefront location, the lodge is reminiscent of the great National Parks lodges.
Nearby Activities
The Wallowas are just the beginning. A short drive away is the Hells Canyon Overlook, where you’ll find jaw-dropping views of the Snake River winding through sheer rock walls. It’s especially stunning at sunrise or sunset.
You can explore the real experience of this wild and scenic country with a drive along the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway, a 213-mile loop that weaves through the Wallowa Mountains, over forested passes, and along dramatic river valleys. There are plenty of pullouts for photos and short hikes along the way.
The route is a loop that encircles the Wallowa Mountains and intersects with Interstate 84 at La Grande and Baker City. Small towns along the paved highway offer visitor services, but plan ahead – you’ll find stretches of more than eighty miles without gas and with few services. The segment of the Byway between Joseph and Halfway closes due to snow during the winter; if you’re looking for winter recreation, you’ll find a whole other kind of Northeast Oregon Adventure.
Nature lovers shouldn’t miss a visit to the Zumwalt Prairie Preserve. Managed by The Nature Conservancy, this high-elevation grassland is one of the largest intact native prairies left in North America and is home to elk, golden eagles, and an abundance of wildflowers in late spring and early summer. It’s a perfect destination for photography, birdwatching, or getting a look at how the land appeared to the earliest inhabitants.
For me, a Northwest mountain trip wouldn’t be complete without a hot springs, and a trek to the Wallowas didn’t disappoint. In the Grande Ronde Valley just outside nearby La Grande, you’ll find several options. The Lodge at Hot Lake Springs has one of the largest hot springs in the Northwest. The 186-degree water even heats the lodge as well as fills pools for soaking. This 1906 brick hotel was once called the “Mayo Clinic of the West.”
If you’re traveling in an RV or looking to camp, the nearby La Grande Hot Springs RV Resort is just the ticket. Plan a rejuvenating escape in their two mineral hot springs-fed soaking pools, or book a cabin with a private soaking tub all to yourself.
While summer is peak season, don’t overlook winter in the Wallowas. The lake often freezes over so you can ice fish and ice skate, or there are many cross-country skiing opportunities. With fewer crowds and beautiful snow-covered peaks, you’ll experience a peaceful, magical feel during the colder months.
