If you’re visiting for the first time, you probably came here for the lake, but did you know that there’s a rare and spectacular feature that most never visit? It’s the vast, 515 sq. mile (329,600 acre) prairie known as the Zumwalt and its largely pristine and intact. It’s boundary extends northeast from all the towns in the Wallowa Valley right up to the forests that mark the rim overlooking the Snake River along the Oregon-Idaho border. This once-common landscape covered some 40 percent of the U.S, but today less that 2 percent remains. If you like rolling hills, vast skies, green fields and wildflowers, our prairie environs are sure to impress.
Recreation at Wallowa Lake
Visiting Wallowa Lake during the winter might sound like a crazy idea, but it might be just the thing your peace-starved soul desires. And, it can be a lot of fun too!
Cycle Oregon is the largest cycling group in the state and claims to be ‘The Best Ride in America.’ Their website states, “Somewhere in America there may be a more awe-inspiring ride than this climb to the Wallowa Valley. If so, we have not found it.” Despite their goal of always traveling to a different place, since discovering us in 1995 they have returned here four times and no doubt, will return again. UPDATE: They are returning again on Sept. 10th and 11th, 2018.
We rent everything from kayaks to a pontoon boat to enjoy the exceptional fun on the lake and we can tell you all about the record-breaking fishing. Take an early morning or evening to enjoy some quiet serenity. Relax, swim or fish the pristine waters.
Wallowa Lake has two public boat ramps. The first one you arrive at is on the north end at the County Park and has a double ramp and tie-up dock. The second, at the south end, is located 5 miles further along and is within the State Park just west of the Marina. Wallowa Lake is generally calm, making it a great place for canoes and skiers.
Fishing at Wallowa Lake is a popular pastime that is both enjoyable and can be quite productive. Whether you fish from a boat or from shore seems to make no difference- if all you want to do is catch fish, and you just might get yourself in the record books!
Scenic Meadows Go Carts has everything: new go carts and track, mini golf, arcade, ping pong table, basketball, volleyball......kids love it and parents will too.
The popular West Fork Wallowa River Trail (#1820) provides a primary gateway into the Eagle Cap Wilderness. It travels gradually upriver into all the regions that define area, including the always-popular Lakes Basin. While the initial visual rewards are a little slow in coming, it offers a warm-up for the less fit with its gentle grade. The fit can proceed on to the incredible features in the Eagle Cap. It works well for day hikers, trail runners, backpackers and horseman.
Six Mile Meadow and Beyond
As the name implies- six miles up the West Fork is where you’ll find a meadow- a beautiful and expansive one. You’ll follow the river in sub-alpine forest that winds its way through varied plant communities and past numerous springs, wildflowers and mountain views. At about the three mile mark, it’s worth the short diversion to the footbridge that goes to Ice Lake as the river is quite beautiful there. All in all, the trail gains just 1450’ to the meadow, making this one of the easier hikes of the area.
Beyond this you’re presented with two choices that lead you into the Lakes Basin- you could stay the trail, gaining 1200‘ in 4 miles ending up at Frances and Glacier Lake. Or, you can cross the footbridge (Trail #1810) over the river and proceed, steeply at times, another 2.5 miles (gaining 1400’) into the Lakes Basin at Horseshoe Lake. The latter is the more popular choice since it puts you into the main area with most of the lakes. The Lakes Basin has special rules- please read and understand them (posted at all trail entrances).
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You don’t have to go far to find something spectacular around Joseph. Start at the Wallowa Lake Trailhead and head up the West Fork Trail (#1820) on the right. Go about ¼ mile to where the trail forks and go right at that fork. In just a few feet you’ll see that the main trail follows left in about the same direction (upstream) that you were going at the fork, but if you want to see the falls, you’ll need to follow the less-used trail to the right (downstream, in the opposite direction of the main Chief Joseph Trail).
As you proceed down river you’ll come across many spectacular (and scary) overlooks on the river below- keep going and you’ll find where BC Creek merges with the West Fork to create an exceptional waterfall. Behind you, towards the lake, will be a little knob, climb it and get ready for great pictures of Wallowa Lake. This trail has cliffs along the way, and even though the trail is wide and safe, you don’t have to stray far to find real danger- please leash your dog and keep an eye on your little ones.
This steep trail accesses the main destinations of Aneroid Lake and Tenderfoot Pass. Its popularity is somewhat limited because of its arduous nature, making it the perfect trail for the fit and those who enjoy a little extra tranquility.
Access it from the Wallowa Lake Trailhead by going left (follow the sign) up the old service road. After a waterfall and what seems like dozens of switchbacks you’ll come upon the pond that powers the hydro station below. Whew… you’ve made it two miles and you still aren’t actually in designated wilderness. From there on out the journey seems less severe, although you are still quickly climbing until you reach an area of big rocks that many stop at for a rest. Some consider this halfway, but you are now at the 4 mile mark and from here on out things are a little more level- not that it would matter: the scenery is breathtaking and it is full of surprises around almost every corner.
You’ll finally pass a little shallow pond called Roger Lake and in a few minutes you’ll enter above Aneroid Lake where most will finish their journey. Just before that point you’ll see a trail to the right (and possibly a sign) that directs you to several good camping areas.
If you stopped at Aneroid Lake, you’d be amply rewarded, but, if you have the time and energy you’d be truly amazed by the journey and destination to Tenderfoot Pass. This is 'High Alpine' at its finest: you'll know what it’s like ‘Living in a Postcard.’
From the pass you could summit Pete’s Point or search for seashell fossils on Dollar Ridge. Discover the tiny Jewett or Dollar Lakes or take a longer side trip to Bonny Lakes. The Tenderfoot trail connects to Polaris Pass and down to the Lakes Basin. It also connects to the Imnaha trail down to Indian Crossing.
View the Panoramas:
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This is a trail that can be made short or long as you like and offers great views of Wallowa Lake within the first mile. It ultimately leads up to the top of Chief Joseph Mountain, a strenuous hike indeed.
This guide covers just the first part of the trail up to the second footbridge and back again with an optional side trip down to a lookout over Wallowa Lake and the convergence of two whitewater streams. The whole thing, round-trip, is about 3 miles and is not too hard and good for a casual hike. It's also especially fun for kids* and they'll feel like Indiana Jones finding treasure if you take note of some of the odd rock features you'll find in the gallery. Good luck on your hunt!
*Just keep a close eye on your kids and leash your doggie as there are steep drop-offs along the side-trip portion of the trail that heads down to the convergence/lookout.
Directions:
Take the West Fork trail at the Wallowa lake Trailhead and continue to the Chief Joseph Trail junction about 1/4 mile ahead. Go left upriver to the bridge and after a short distance the trail switchbacks to the north where you’ll find views of the lake. At a little over a half-mile you’ll encounter BC Falls which has a unique footbridge over a waterfall. It makes for a great final destination. The trail continues on for another 6.5 miles to a meadow in a saddle at the base of Chief Joseph Mountain at 7620’.
Be on the lookout for Pica, Mountain Goats, Mule Deer and the occasional Elk. Rubber Boa's and Western Toads are often found on the lower trail as well. Please, please, please! - leave wild creatures in their home. Kids especially want to take the Boas and Toads home and we see less and less of them every year.
This is an extraordinary spot with possibilities to explore or summit. Wildflowers abound in mid-June and the alpine setting will have you feeling like you should be singing in a musical. The views are awesome making it very hard to leave.
The gallery has photo captions that guide you on this special hike-
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If you ask locals to name their favorite places in Wallowa County, chances are this geologic wonder will be high on their list. Its unique shape and those large boulders that line the ridge very much set it apart from other landforms. In spring a mass bloom of large yellow daisy-like flowers heralds in the season of warmer weather and calls for closer examination. Seeing it from below, you can’t help but wonder; what’s it like up there? If you do spend any time on top you'll come to agree with the Nez Perce - this is sacred land.
But there was a problem; up until 2019 it was all private land and you had to have permission just to visit. All that changed when the Wallowa Land Trust finally achieved its goal of protecting this place, for the wildlife, plants and for the public to enjoy.
This Moraine, along with the West and Terminal Moraine to the north create the natural levees that capture the water to form Wallowa Lake. The view, backdropped by Chief Joseph Mountain with this sapphire lake below is a thing of remarkable beauty. It’s a place you’ll likely return to, again and again. If you’re a visiting hiker, mountain biker or horseman, you definitely need to put it on your list. The East Moraine, more than almost any other feature, makes us proud and happy to call this county home.
Considered a Geologically Unique and a near perfect example-
Over eons of time and through several ice ages, glaciers ground through the mountains above and deposited the gravel, rocks and boulders to form the Moraines.
This unique glacial landscape was built up, not down, as typically happens. You’ll find it cited in geographic textbooks as a perfect of an example of this type of landform.
Start of the West Side Trail
A Pretty (and) Easy Hike
Departing from the parking lot you’ll find a mostly smooth and gradual dirt road that rises about 700’ to the top. It’s great for a jabber-walk as the trail is wide enough that you can hike and talk side-by-side. As long as you’re somewhat fit, the hike to the top usually takes less than an hour and there are several places to rest and ponder the view along the way. The area is open to hikers, horseman and bicyclers (roads only). Fit Wheelchair users would probably find it doable also (though not ADA).
The Journey
Along the way you’ll travel through forest with glimpses of the lake below. Be on the lookout for foxes, squirrels and Mule Deer. About three quarters of the way up you’ll finally break out into grassland with a full view of Wallowa Lake. Once up top, you can continue to hike along the ridge to the north or you could continue along the road east which turns south back into the forest.
If you head north about 300 yards and then overland to the east, you’ll find a long bowl with a little livestock pond at the far end. Long ago this natural amphitheater was the original location of the first Joseph Rodeo. It’s said that the settlers and the Nez Perce would race their horses for pink slips; meaning the looser would forfeit his horse. Since the Nez Perce are legendary horseman, I’d imagine few took them up on the bet.
The original Rodeo Grounds
Wildlife
While there you’ll probably see Mule Deer and possibly Elk, Bald Eagles, Fox and maybe a Pine Martin, Coyote or a Skunk. At the top listen for the beautiful song of the Meadowlark, our State Bird. This area was meant to preserve a home for wildlife and the more you can do to keep it undisturbed the better. Pick a nice spot to just observe- the longer you stay still and quiet, the more you’re likely to see.
Dogs
While this area is open to your dog, understand that it depends on how responsibly you and you dog behave in this reserve. If you cannot maintain 100% control off-lead, then please leash your dog. There are baby animals, fawns and fox kits along the trail and that wildlife needs your protection. Doing your part will insure the future enjoyment by dogs and their owners.
Getting There
From Joseph, head south 1.5 miles to the first Wallowa Lake County Park and then another 2.9 miles to a parking area on the left side of the road (4.4 miles total). The parking area is more of a wide spot than anything. There’s a gate you’ll have to open (and please close securely: cows) and that gets you onto the dirt road that winds its way to the top.
Trail Gate
Alternative Northern Entry Point
Across the street from the southernmost trailhead for Iwetemlaykin State Park is another way to access the East Moraine. It's another wide spot on the left side of the road before you reach the Chief Joseph Grave site and Wallowa Lake. It's a little hard to find the start of that trail, but if you hunt on the south end of the parking area you'll find it. This trail rises a little quicker, but offers immediate views over the lake and county park. The trail is single-track (hikers only) and gets pretty rocky in places. It runs along the ridge, so you’re facing the best view on Wallowa Lake. If you keep going, you’ll come to the largest flat-topped boulder on the East Moraine. It’s here that many find a perfect setting for family photographs.
The Big Rock
A Special Thanks to:
The Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, Oregon Parks, the Nez Perce Tribe, hundreds of donations from individuals and grants from others (more detail here). Special thanks to the Wallowa Land Trust for getting the whole effort rolling, making possible access to this truly unique landscape, a gift and national treasure to us all and to all the wildlife that make it their home.
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Into The Wallowa outings are half-day guided tours of significant lands throughout the Wallowa Country. All outings are led by local experts, free of charge, and open to the public. Most outings are Saturday morings from 9am to approximately noon.
The Wallowa Lake Trailhead at the south end of Wallowa Lake provides a gateway into Oregon's Largest Wilderness, The Eagle Cap. If you thought this area was beautiful from the outside, entering the wilderness will simply blow you away!
Whoooa! Come experience wilderness from a higher perspective! Let the horse focus on the trail while you take in the incredible beauty of the Eagle Cap. Leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life and settle into a rugged outdoor adventure and bring home memories of a lifetime.
Mountain Pines Adventure Golf is truly a unique miniature golf course situated among the pine trees which offers challenges and fun for everyone. Putt through a log, through the rocks and even into the water for a chance at a hole-in-one. You’ll enjoy the calming waterfalls and fountains throughout the course. So come have some fun and create a memory of a lifetime!