Tucked in the northeast corner of Oregon, just over 5 hours from Portland, the spectacular Wallowa Mountains soar for thousands of feet over the surrounding countryside, luring travelers looking for alpine adventures, crystalline lakes and charming towns full of great food, fun and art. The area stands on its own as a unique destination worthy of a road trip. Here’s what to see and do on your next trip to Enterprise and Joseph.
Japanese-Style Tranquility in Oregon’s Wallowa Mountains
At the far end of Wallowa Lake State Park stands a yellow sign that reads “Switzerland of America,” a nod to how locals see the massive summits and fairy-tale meadows surrounding them. A new property 6.5 miles north of Enterprise now brings bits of Japan to the area, too — quite literally. The Zen House Kominka, a Japanese guesthouse, opened in May 2024 on 40 acres above town surrounded by jaw-dropping views. The 600-square-foot home was built using repurposed Japanese pine, cedar and cypress that came from a former kominka — a traditional-style home — in Japan. Oregonians Kiyomi Koike and Bill Oliver salvaged the materials, shipped them to Enterprise and built this retreat.
The kominka itself sleeps two people, plus another four who can stay in the adjacent guest house. Inside you’ll find an ofuro — a Japanese soaking tub — and a door that once graced a 17th-century samurai’s home. Koike offers traditional tea ceremonies there to guests and other visitors, as well as a hot-pot dinner and sake tastings. Be sure to wander the trails that wind around the property while you’re there.
Find lots more places to stay in the area here.
Beer, Live Music and Outdoor Adventures in Enterprise
Enterprise, population 2,050, counts as the largest town in Wallowa County and makes for a fun place to stroll, eat and catch some live music. The town’s social watering hole, Terminal Gravity Brewing, offers awesome craft beers, great food and outdoor picnic tables set under the shade trees. Try a pint of Eagle Cap IPA, named after the stunning Eagle Cap Wilderness that occupies the heart of the Wallowas, to go with a bowl of the mac and cheese made with beer and bacon. The wilderness itself can be smothered in snow well into the summer. Roughly from June through September, the weather is perfect to lace up your hiking boots and tackle the 7.4-mile Maxwell Lake Trail, a steep and challenging out-and-back route that will take you up about 2,400 vertical feet to a pristine alpine lake.
Enterprise is also a hub for Eastern Oregon’s musical talent, with live performances happening throughout the summer at Terminal Gravity as well as The Range Rider Bar and Grill. The Wallowa Valley Music Alliance also hosts the Courthouse Concert Series at the historic Wallowa County Courthouse on Thursday evenings beginning in June.
In town swing by The Bookloft to find your next great read or by Favorite Finds on Main for antiques. For natural face and body products, check out Wild Carrot Herbals, housed in a cozy shop in a historic downtown building. Grab a satisfying lunch along with fresh cheeses and meats to-go next door at River Street Market & Deli, which makes giant sandwiches on housemade bread with a fun, welcoming vibe. Ten miles west of Enterprise in the town of Lostine, Z’s BBQ (formerly Lostine Tavern) is a must-stop for a local twist on Texas-style barbeque. Formerly a food truck, the restaurant now occupies a 120-year old building with everything from a brisket patty melt to pork BBQ nachos and sassy loaded tots on the menu.
Bronze Art, History and Rail Riding in Joseph
From Enterprise Highway 82 East hooks south and takes you to the lovely town of Joseph, about 6 miles down the road, which was founded in the late 1800s and gets its name from the legendary Nez Perce chief. To learn more about the tribe, don’t miss the Nez Perce Wallowa Homeland Visitor Center in the nearby town of Wallowa, or visit the Wallowa County Museum in Joseph.
Today Joseph attracts visitors for its thriving art scene, ice cream shops and restaurants, as well as its easy access to Wallowa State Park on the shores of Wallowa Lake, where you can rent clear-bottom kayaks and take a guided nighttime paddle with JO Paddle. The Old Chief Joseph Gravesite, a sacred spot managed by the National Park Service, sits near the lake. The Wallowa Lake Tramway takes visitors to an airy perch at about 8,000 feet, where the Summit Grill awaits with simple meals and summertime performances. About 2 miles of trails run from here, offering hikers great views of Wallowa Lake shimmering below.
To get a sense of the creative energy that has made Joseph Oregon’s first Art and Cultural District, visit the Valley Bronze fine-art gallery on Main Street to see sculptures forged at a nearby foundry. The town’s bronze public-art walk also features many more works. The Valley Bronze Foundry offers tours most weekdays, when you can see how workers turn ideas into sculptures for artists from around the country. All along Main Street, you’ll find other galleries worth checking out, including Phinney Gallery of Fine Art and Aspen Grove Gallery. The Josephy Center for Arts and Culture organizes the Wallowa Valley Arts Festival in September and exhibits and workshops all year round.
While in town, book a unique adventure with the Joseph Branch Railriders, where guides will show you how to pedal a human-powered cart down railroad tracks that run between Joseph and Enterprise and along the scenic Minam and Grande Ronde rivers. Afterward, reward yourself with a malted milkshake from Mad Mary’s Gift Shop and Soda Fountain. In the summer, look for fresh local produce and art vendors downtown at the Wallowa County Farmers Market.
