Cover photo courtesy of Wallowa County Chamber
Northeast Oregon’s Wallowa County is a wild, off-the-beaten-path destination packed with summer adventure. Rugged mountains rise above ranchland and prairie, winding backroads disappear into canyon country and the towns of Joseph and Enterprise offer welcoming basecamps between outings. Whether you arrive with bikes, hiking boots or paddleboards, Wallowa County delivers a wonderland of summer adventure. Plan your trip at Wallowacountychamber.com.
Day-Ride or Bikepack the Backroads: Quiet paved roads connect small towns and ranch country for scenic road rides, while gravel roads and rugged backcountry routes open up bigger adventures into remote corners of the county. Bikepackers can link together multi-day routes through prairie, canyon and mountain terrain with expansive views of the Wallowa Mountains and Hells Canyon along the way.
Hike the Crown Jewel Eagle Cap Wilderness: Miles of trails climb into alpine basins, high meadows and rugged mountain country with more than 20 peaks above 9,000 feet. Summer is prime season for day hikes and backpacking trips into the high-country lake basins. Trailheads near Wallowa Lake provide access to wildflowers, granite peaks and classic mountain scenery that give the Wallowas their reputation as Oregon’s Alps.
Swim and Paddle Wallowa Lake: Set at the foot of the towering Wallowas, this stunning lake makes an ideal summer escape from the heat. Head to Wallowa Lake State Park for swimming and easy water access or visit Wallowa Lake Marina for paddleboard, kayak, canoe and motorboat rentals.
Take a Scenic Drive Along the Rim of Hells Canyon: The eastern portion of the 218-mile Hells Canyon Scenic Byway from Joseph and Enterprise leads to dramatic overlooks above the deepest river gorge in the lower 48 states. Stops like Hells Canyon Overlook and Hat Point reveal the immense scale of this rugged corner of the Northwest, with plenty of opportunities to stop for short hikes and sweeping canyon views.
