7 Wonders Road Trip: Day 10, the Wallowas

March 1, 2015 (Updated April 3, 2015)
Hells Canyon
For views of the dramatic gorge on Oregon’s border with Idaho, don’t miss Hells Canyon.
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Day 10: The Wallowas

Take this day to explore in and around the majestic Wallowa Mountains. Start in the town of Joseph, which has made a name for itself as a center for bronze art. You can browse the galleries and public art on foot.

Make your way to nearby Wallowa Lake, where you can enjoy a picnic on the shore, paddle a boat or ride in the Wallowa Lake Tramway, which takes you up to the top of Mt. Howard at 8,000 feet for views of the entire Wallowa range.

Go for a hike in the Eagle Cap Wilderness, where trails offer rugged backpacking routes or moderate day hikes. No matter which of the dozens of trails you choose, you are certain to find yourself more alone than you would on the western side of the state.

For views of the dramatic gorge on Oregon’s border with Idaho, don’t miss the Hells Canyon Overlook. You can continue on this road to drive part of the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway. (The entire route is 213 miles in total, starting in La Grande, circling through Joseph, then south to Halfway and Baker City.) Take some notes and start planning a multiday rafting, hiking or fishing trip into Hells Canyon.

This is part of an epic two-week road trip to see all of Oregon’s 7 Wonders. See Day 11 or view the full itinerary here.

About The
Author

Eileen Garvin
Eileen Garvin lives and writes in Hood River. When she’s not hunched over her keyboard or digging in the garden, you can find her mountain biking, kiteboarding, hiking, skiing or camping somewhere in Oregon.