The Wallowa Valley Photo Club Book Sampler

OREGON'S Wallowa Valley


Enjoying Wallowa County

In the extreme northeast corner of Oregon, bordering Washington and Idaho, lies Wallowa County, occupying 3,153 square miles, with a population of 7,250.

The majestic, rugged mountains tower nearly 10,000 feet above the gentle valleys where ranchers and loggers work. Deep canyons drop to the wild Imnaha and Snake rivers. Hells Canyon - the nation's deepest gorge - is here and draws thousands of visitors annually.


Hells Canyon of the Snake River
Copyright © / Wolf Moser
The county's divergent elevations encompass five life zones from Upper Sonoran (high desert) to Hudsonian alpine and sub-alpine zones.

Outdoor recreational activities are limitless. You can enjoy a gondola ride to the top of 8,256 foot Mt. Howard for hiking, viewing, picnicking and picture taking.

Many visitors hike or backpack with horses or llamas into the Eagle Cap Wilderness from various trailheads or they venture into Hells Canyon via jet boat, kayak or raft.

Minam Lodge is not accessible by road, but a fly-in provides a spectacular view of the mountains and rivers. Hiking, horseback riding, fishing or just relaxing await you there.


A hiker pauses in the Eagle Cap Wilderness
© Alan Klages

Hoping for trout or steelhead, young and old cast their lines into rivers with such exotic names as Wallowa, Minam, Imnaha, Lostine, Grande Ronde and Snake or their tributaries, Hurricane Creek and Bear Creek. Wallowa Lake is a popular fishing and camping spot and a vacation destination in itself.

Ranchers round 'em up for spring branding
Copyright © / Wolf Moser
If you have the energy, you can fill every weekend in the summer. The list is long:

Chief Joseph Days and the Great Joseph Bank Robbery in Joseph, Mule Days in Enterprise, the huge Lostine Flea Market, Wallowa's Nez Perce Pow Wow and Friendship Feast, an old-fashioned Fourth of July, the county fair, fireworks over Wallowa Lake, arts festivals for both adults and youth entrants, an old-time fiddlers' competition, small airplane fly-ins, and the Oregon Mountain Cruise classic car rally.

Several music festivals, concerts, theatrical productions, along with two annual writers' conferences, draw attendees from near and far. Other folks visit the numerous art galleries and bronze foundries.

Herds of deer and elk bring hunters from a wide range. A few are lucky enough to get a once-in-a-lifetime tag for bighorn sheep and mountain goat. You may choose a guide or outfitter for your wilderness or fishing trip.


Vistas of the wide open canyon country
Copyright © / Kim Lamb
In fall and winter, events include the Bavarian Alpenfest at Wallowa Lake and the Handcrafters' Christmas bazaars in Wallowa and Enterprise.

Powder snow makes Ferguson Ridge, east of Joseph, Wallowa County's main downhill ski area. Cross-country skiing is excellent, with Nordic shelters for those on long treks. Another popular winter sport is snowmobiling, especially from Salt Creek Summit over to the rim of Hells Canyon.


Skiing is a favorite sport of residents and visitors
© Alan Klages
Viewing the fantastic scenery, you can see why the county is called the Switzerland of America. Photo opportunities leap from every comer and unlimited activities are yours to experience each season of the year.


Traveling to and around Wallowa County

Wallowa County is reached by Oregon Highway 82 from La Grande, Oregon, Highway 3 and Washington Highway 129 from Clarkston, Washington and Lewiston, Idaho. In summer, U.S. Forest Service Roads provide access to many recreation areas, including Hells Canyon, the Snake River and many of the lower elevations.

Except for Sundays and holidays, Wallowa Valley Stage provides daily bus service for both passengers and freight between all major communities of the county and La Grande.

A bus service in Lostine offers charters and scenic tours. The county is served by UPS, Federal Express and a U.S. Post Office in each town.

Two airports serve the county. The Joseph State Airport lies at a 4,150 foot elevation, with a 60-foot wide and a 5,200-foot long runway; Enterprise Municipal Airport is at 3,940 feet and has a 2,800-foot runway, fuel service, maintenance, flying lessons, scenic flights and other charter service.

Distance to major airports

Lewiston -- 85 miles
Walla Walla -- 125 miles
Boise -- 224 miles
Spokane -- 195 miles
Portland -- 325 miles



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