It’s a long drive out to Joseph, but the second the Wallowa Mountains and Wallowa Lake pop up behind Main Street, you realize why people make the trek. Often called the “Swiss Alps of Oregon,” this mountain town pairs deep Nez Perce history with a vibrant local arts scene.
Getting to Joseph
From Portland, OR
Drive Time: ~5.5 to 6 hours (330 miles)
The Route: Head east on I-84 through the Columbia River Gorge to La Grande, then take OR-82 East straight into Joseph.
Tip: Don’t skip M Crow in Lostine on your way to Joseph. It’s part general store, part pizza joint and brewery, and we loved sitting out on the patio with their friendly free-roaming chickens.
From Boise, ID
Drive Time: ~4 hours (225 miles)
The Route: Head west on I-84, take Exit 261 in La Grande, and follow OR-82 East into town.
Top Adventures: Don’t Miss These While in Joseph!
Ride the Wallowa Lake Tramway:
- Takes you up to 8,150 feet on Mt. Howard for 360-degree views of the valley and surrounding peaks. This was a highlight of our trip. My recommendation is to grab a beer at the top of the tram and enjoy the views!
- Day passes run around $50 for adults, $47 for seniors/military, $30 for students, and $25 for kids (ages 4-11). The steep, scenic ride takes about 15 minutes each way.
Stroll Downtown & Shop Local:
- Spend a slow morning strolling Main Street to check out world-class bronze foundries, local art galleries, boutique shops, and gear stores.
Arrowhead Chocolates:
- Stop in for an espresso and pick up award-winning, handmade artisanal truffles right on Main Street.
Paddle Wallowa Lake:
- Rent a clear-bottom kayak or stand-up paddleboard to float on the glacial waters with dramatic mountain peaks reflecting all around you.
- Head straight to the Wallowa Lake Marina at the north end of the lake. Single paddleboards and kayaks start around $25 per hour, while tandem setups run about $30 per hour. Non-motorized rentals are first-come, first-served!
Play a Round at Mt. Pines Adventure Golf:
- Grab a putter and kick back with a game of mini-golf under the tall alpine pines at Matterhorn Village. This 18-hole course serves up tricky water hazards and playful obstacles that keep everyone on their toes.
- Tucked right near the base of the Wallowa Lake Tramway, tickets run about $10 a person. It’s open during the warm summer months.
Pedal the Joseph Branch Railriders:
- Hop on a pedal-powered rail bike to cruise along historic train tracks through stunning valleys, farmland, and timber country.
- The 12-mile round-trip route between Joseph and Enterprise takes about 2 hours. Tickets start around $49 per person for a single seat or ~$98 for a 2-person tandem cart. Definitely book your spot online ahead of time for summer weekends!
Hike the Eagle Cap Wilderness:
- Step onto alpine trails surrounded by jagged peaks, clear mountain lakes, and wildflower meadows.
- Most day hikes departing from the Wallowa Lake Trailhead require a Northwest Forest Pass ($5/day) displayed in your car. Make sure to fill out the free, self-issued wilderness permit at the trailhead kiosk before hitting the trail!
Where to Stay in Joseph: Boutique Stays & Cozy Rentals
The Jennings Hotel
Originally built in 1910, this historic brick building on Main Street was brought back to life via Kickstarter and transformed into a gorgeous, artist-designed boutique retreat. Each room features a unique aesthetic curated by different artists and designers.
It feels like a boutique sanctuary in the middle of a rugged mountain town! Enjoy the incredible kitchen, library, and a wood-fired sauna after a long day of hiking in the Wallowas.
There are a mix of private and shared bathroom rooms to book here, so keep an eye out while booking to make sure you get the room you’d like.
Kokanee Inn
Situated right at the edge of town, the Kokanee Inn is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who love a little comfort. It was perfect in between the lake and main street. While walking to the lake might’ve taken a bit longer, we felt the walk to main street was a perfect stroll.
The hospitality is amazing and we got to wake up to delicious homemade breakfast each morning. They have bikes, snow shoes and a bunch of outdoor gear for anyone wanting some adventures.
Wallowa Lake Lodge
Standing at the south end of Wallowa Lake since 1923, this historic lodge is an Eastern Oregon icon. Inside, you’ll find a massive stone fireplace which takes the cozy vibes to the max.
The location is unbeatable! You are perched right on the lake shoreline, surrounded by towering pine trees and dramatic alpine peaks.
Choose between historic lodge rooms upstairs or private timber cabins along the property. Standard lodge rooms generally range from $180 to $280 per night, while private lakeside cabins start around $250 to $400+ per night depending on size and season. I’d recommend booking well in advance for summer stays!
Local Vacation Rentals & Airbnbs
If you prefer having your own kitchen, a private deck with mountain backdrops, or extra space for a group, Joseph and nearby Wallowa Lake are packed with incredible private rentals. Choose between historic cabins nestled near the water or rustic mountain homes.
Eat, Drink & Refuel in Joseph
For a small town, Joseph punches way above its weight when it comes to incredible food, local brews, and cozy coffee spots:
- Terminal Gravity Brewing: It’s in Enterprise, about a 6-minute drive away from the town, but well worth the short drive. Head on over to this charming brewery for great vibes, fresh craft beer, and delicious farm-to-table bites. It definitely draws a lively summer crowd, but the relaxed backyard setting makes kicking back with a cold drink worth every minute.
- It was packed when we arrived around dinner time on a summer Saturday night, so be wary of the timing before you make the drive.
- The Dog Spot: Part boutique, part restaurant, this spot is wildly popular for a reason. Grab a bottle of natural wine from the shelf and order whatever global special is on the board, their pork bao buns and house-baked pastries were highlights of our trip.
- Embers Brewhouse: The local hub for wood-fired pizza and a massive tap list! Great patio vibes, and the ultimate place to devour a pizza after a long hike.
- Blythe Cricket: Your go-to morning pitstop. Grab an espresso and a fresh cinnamon roll before hitting the trails early.
- La Laguna: Craving authentic Mexican food? Head here for big portions, tasty tacos, fresh margaritas, and welcoming service that makes you feel like family.
Joseph is the ultimate spot for legitimate mountain hiking, spending days on the lake, and strolling around the quaint main street. It’s worth the drive!