What To Do in Joseph, Oregon
Although our first family vacation was a little closer to home than I could have ever anticipated, we had the best week exploring parts of Eastern and Central Oregon. We spent the first half of our trip in Joseph, Oregon and I do not hesitate to say that I hope we get to go back to the Wallowa Mountains one day. This is truly a hidden gem of Oregon. Today I am sharing my list of the top 10 things to do in this gorgeous area of Oregon.
Wallowa Lake Tramway
This may be bold to say, but I think this is a “must do” at least once if you’re in Joseph. Although at $36 per (adult) person - Harrison’s ticket was free - this is not a low cost activity, it was absolutely worth it. The 15 minute tram ride up the steep side of Mt. Howard is just the beginning. An equal parts exhilarating and terrifying beginning.
Once at the top, the spectacular views continue along 2.5 miles of easy hiking trails. There is a surprisingly good restaurant at the top, as well, where with enjoyed lunch. Harrison loved that we had a spot next to the tram so that he could watch the cars during our meal.
This is a great activity for families with the kind of views you don’t usually get unless you hike up the mountain.
Another fun activity for all types of families and groups is spending a few hours with Joseph Branch Railriders. This family owned business has repurposed sections of the historic railroad tracks for scenic tours using custom made railriders - pedal powered carts that move along the tracks. With tours of varying lengths, my family chose the Valley Tour, which is the shortest daytime tour. As we pedaled between Joseph and the nearby town of Enterprise, it was deceptively easy at the beginning when the gentle downhill slope meant little actual pedaling was needed. The return leg of the 2 hour tour was a bit more strenuous, but the views of the Wallowas made it all worthwhile. On this particular tour, electric assisted pedaling is available if needed. I also loved that they could accommodate Harrison with a jump seat, making this an activity that’s great for kids of all ages (bonus points if they can actually help by pedaling). Our thrill loving one-year-old would raise his hands in excitement when the railrider gained speed on the descent. Good thing he was so cute, because he became dead weight as he napped while Mom and Dad did all of the work to pedal the cart uphill on the way back. Joseph Branch Railriders is a really fun and unique way to experience the astounding scenery around Joseph. I’ve heard that the longer tours, some of which parallel the river, are even more beautiful.
Wallowa Lake is another can’t miss spot near Joseph. There is the state park immediately next to the lake, including the campground where we spent two nights and a marina where recreational rentals are available during the summer. There’s a quaint village that has built up near the lake, as well, with cabins for rent and a handful of shops and restaurants. This is the area where the tramway is located, so it’s a great activity if you are staying at the campground or renting one of the lakeside cabins. It is a truly stunning lake, set against the backdrop of the 10,000 foot peeks of the mountains. In the summer, there are all kinds of activities available to do near and on the lake, so time your visit accordingly. By mid-September when we visited, many things were already closed for the season. In our case, we enjoyed the smaller crowds (summer reservations must be made well in advance) of the shoulder season.
Hells Canyon
Okay, so perhaps it is an understatement to say that you can truly “see” the deepest river gorge in North America that stretches for miles along the Oregon and Idaho border (and is the primary reason why there are so few roads connecting the two states). There are many ways and places to experience Hells Canyon, but one of the most accessible (read: paved) ways to do so from Joseph is to make the drive to Hells Canyon Overlook. Although you won’t be able to see the Snake River from this viewpoint, it is more than worth the drive along curvy mountain roads. Because of the nature of the drive, a mere 44 mile trip will take most of the morning, so pack a picnic, gas up the car, and make a day of it. For the more adventurous, there are even better views from Hat Point Overlook. There are ways to explore inside the canyon, as well, such as hiking (even guided hikes with llamas!) and rafting, although some activities will require a guide. Even if all you do is spend half a day in car driving to a viewpoint, it will be worth it. If you’re extending your trip into Idaho, there are even more ways to experience Hells Canyon, but I would not recommend trying to do that in a day trip from Joseph, especially with a young child.
Explore the Eagle Cap Wilderness
There are an abundance of ways to experience the Eagle Cap Wilderness, regardless of fitness level. From multi-day hikes to horseback rides to a scenic train route, there is literally something for everyone. I have been fortunate to have seen a lot of Oregon and so I am sincere when I say this is one of the most beautiful spots in the state, if not the entire country. Words are inadequate and pictures will never do it justice - a place this stunning must be experienced firsthand. Of course, at over 350,000 acres with 535 miles of trails, there is a lot to explore and one is unlikely to do more than scratch the surface. My go-to for recommended hikes is the 100 Hikes series, so I purchased the Eastern Oregon guide for this trip. There are even hikes that can be accessed from the Lake Wallowa State Park campground. A number of horseback ride outfitters are available in Joseph for single day trail rides or longer multi-day trail rides. There are also facilities, even luxury lodges, if you have your own horse. And although it won’t quite get you into the wilderness area, the Eagle Cap Train is a relaxing way to enjoy the scenery if you’re not much of a hiker.
Learn About the Nez Perce Culture and History
The town of Joseph was named after Old Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce. This area of Oregon is the historic home of a band of the Nez Perce. Sadly their history in this beautiful place is similar to that of Native Americans throughout the country. Although most of the band was relocated, some as far away as Oklahoma, there is now a ceremonial Homeland in Wallowa, Oregon. For the past 30 years (with the exception of 2020 when the event was cancelled) there has been a yearly Tamkaliks Celebration. To dive deeper into the history of the Nez Perce, you can visit the Wallowa Band Nez Perce Trail Interpretive Center or the 320 acre Homeland. Closer to Joseph, you can visit the Old Chief Joseph Gravesite.
If you want to learn about the natural history of the area, Wallowology is the spot to visit. With both static exhibits and rotating special exhibits and events, there is something for all ages and interests. Although you’ll always hear me encouraging you to actually get outside, Wallowology offers guided nature walks or is the perfect rainy day activity.
Shop
Downtown Joseph has the cutest collection of local shops and boutiques. A meandering stroll from shop to shop should definitely be on your Joseph itinerary. I bought the cutest pair of earrings at beecrowbee (you can see them in the picture of us at Hell’s Canyon Overlook), but could have easily spent all my money there.
Peruse Local Art
While you’re taking that stroll, you will probably notice the bronze sculptures scattered throughout downtown. See if you can find all of the sculptures along the art walk. If you want more, add in a stop at the Valley Bronze Gallery, the Josephy Center for Arts and Culture, or one of the galleries in town featuring local artists.
Stay with me on this one. If you have a young child, you should 100 percent go here. The result of local fundraising and built by volunteers, this was one of the nicest playgrounds I’ve been to. It was the perfect place to let Harrison run free after a lot of car time on the drive to and from Hells Canyon. There is equipment for kids of all ages, including the coolest swing design I’ve ever seen. Whether you’re looking for the perfect picnic spot or just a place to let the hooligans, I mean children, in your life burn some energy, this is certainly a spot worth visiting. With a setting next to the river with the backdrop of the Wallowa Mountains, it might be the prettiest playground location I’ve ever been to, as well.
After all of this fun, you will probably work up an appetite, so below are some recommended spots to eat and drink in and near Joseph.
Arrowhead Chocolates: If you like chocolate or coffee or, like any normal person, chocolate and coffee, this gourmet chocolatier is worth a visit while in Joseph for handcrafted chocolates and delicious coffee drinks. For a unique local flavor, try the Stein Blended Whiskey Truffle, made with a locally distilled whiskey.
Stein Distillery: Speaking of Stein, this distillery has a tasting room in downtown Joseph. Their whiskey begins with locally grown grain and each step of the process focuses on creating a superior handmade product. In addition to whiskey, Stein offers vodka, rum, and several fruit cordials.
Embers Brewhouse: We enjoyed this spot twice during our short visit. With delicious pub food, local brews, and surprisingly delicious pizza, there is something for everyone, even if you get dinner to go and eat it in your Airbnb because your one year old is having an absolute meltdown.
Blythe Cricket: One of the newer spots in Joseph, I absolutely adored this place. The food, of course, is excellent, but the decor was perfect. The wall of colorful Pyrex dishes was a fun touch and anyone who was at our wedding knows I have a soft spot for mismatched china plates.
Terminal Gravity Brewpub: Located in nearby Enterprise, this is another local brewpub serving local craft beer alongside salads and soups, burgers, pasta, and pizza.
Mad Mary’s: To end your afternoon on a sweet note, stop into Mad Mary’s, where you can enjoy all the treats of an old-fashioned soda fountain, including over the top custom sundaes. There is also a very cute gift shop next door. Of course our daily ice cream stop may have had something to do with the aforementioned toddler meltdown.
There is so much to see and do (and eat) in Joseph, Oregon. We had a fantastic trip and I already have a list of things I want to do if we get to return in the future. If you have more questions about what to do or where to go as you’re planning your own trip to this amazing part of Oregon, leave your question in the comments.