About Wallowa LakeDriving into the Wallowa Valley for the first time is a breathtaking experience in and of itself, but only upon reaching the end of the road do you find the real treasure! It's so easy to see why Wallowa Lake is often referred to as 'The Crown Jewel of Eastern Oregon.' The clear water gives the lake a wonderful sapphire color that's simply framed to perfection by the beauty of the Eagle Cap Mountains. You’ll feel like you’re living in a postcard!
Add the crisp mountain air, the brilliant night sky, the emerald green valley and the warmth of its people and you have an experience that’s hard to find, no matter where you go. Visitors often remark that being here feels like home and for most the experience is expressed in almost spiritual terms. Once you visit, your heart will never leave.
It comes as no surprise that the entire area between Hells Canyon and The Eagle Cap, including Wallowa Lake, was considered in the early 90’s for National Park designation. Wallowa Lake and the surrounding area is a truly magnificent place, no matter where you've traveled.
Family Friendly
This is a favorite place for families, with many activities that appeal to young and old. Take a spectacular tram ride and spend a lazy day strolling at the top of the world. Spend the day with the kids and play some miniature golf, ride a horse or play bumper boats, the list goes on. For many it has become a tradition that dates back several generations.
The south end of the lake was developed starting in 1923 with an amusement park and the Wonderland Inn, now known as The Wallowa Lake Lodge. It still has a little of the amusement park air, though most come now for the sheer natural beauty and to visit the friendly small art town of Joseph.
Wallowa Lake State Park, also at the south end, remains one of Oregon’s most popular- Before the reservation rules were changed it was almost impossible to get in because the same families reserved the same spaces year after year. The area is also home to many fine lodging establishments.
Location
Wallowa Lake is located about one mile south of Joseph Oregon, (pop. 1054) and seven miles south of the largest town in the county, Enterprise, Oregon (pop. 1,710). The closest major town is LaGrande Oregon (pop. 12,327) about 1 ½ hour away. Driving distance from Boise ID is about 4 ½ hours and from Portland OR, about 6 hours. This end-of-the-road, distant locale prevents the normal big-city onslaught that plagues most tourist destinations; Traffic is relatively light on all but the busiest weekends.
Geology
Wallowa Lake is the largest of the many 'glacial cirque' lakes in the area. It was formed by several periods of glaciation that began some 3 million years ago and ended at the last ice age, about 15,000 BC. The glaciers formed high in the Wallowa Mountains around Glacier Lake and moved down the East and West Forks of the Wallowa River. As these glaciers advanced and retreated they deposited gravel and rocks forming the twin and terminal moraines which rise over the lake some 900’. Along the moraine ridges, large granite boulders called ‘erratics’ were left behind, a few as big as cars. The glaciers also deposited boulders across the area around Joseph which was named 'Hah-um-sah-pah', by the Nimiipu (Nez Perce), meaning 'big rocks lying scattered around.’
Geologically the Moraines of Wallowa Lake are considered a near perfect example of glacial morraines. Thus far, the eastern side has escaped most development with many calling for permanent protection.
Size and Elevation
The lake is about 3.7 miles long and about 3/4 mile wide with a depth of 283 to 299 feet, which, for a lake of such size is very deep. In 1917 a local non-profit group of farmers built a dam that raised the lake level by about 28’. The dam has seen better days and is now under federal consideration for reconstruction that would include fish passage, hopefully bringing the sockeye back.
At an elevation of 4,372 ft, Wallowa Lake sometimes freezes solid in the winter and until it has had several weeks of warm weather it remains on the cold side. Typically the water warms enough for skiers and swimmers by early to mid-July.
Weather
Summer daytime temperatures are typically warm (80 - 90 F) and dry. Nighttime temperatures usually fall quickly so sleeping in a hot uncomfortable bed is rare. Occasional thunderstorms build in the afternoons creating a light show with thunder that echoes through the mountains like nothing you’ve heard before. Weather is generally unpredictable in all mountain areas and there have been rare occasions where it’s snowed on the 4th of July, so pack a jacket, even in summer.
Winter comes around mid November and lasts till early March. The area is completely transformed with great opportunities for back-country skiers and snowmobilers. Roads are sometimes snow-packed but are plowed when needed; check the road conditions for detailed information.
Wildlife
Birds including Eagles, Osprey, Geese, Mergansers, various ducks, and the occasional Swan or Loon can be seen. There is a nesting pair of American Eagles that usually maintain a nest in an old cottonwood snag right on the south shore, for all to see.
The area is home to large mammals: Elk, Deer, and in the mountains above, Mountain Goats. Smaller mammals include various kinds of squirrels, skunk, martins, mink, fox and river otters. Coyotes, Cougar and Black Bear are somewhat common; and reported Wolf sightings are mainly well away from developed areas.
To the delight of visitors, Wallowa Lake has a sizable herd of Mule Deer that are very comfortable with their human inhabitants. They’re one of the first things people notice as they drive into the village at the south end. Deer lounge around people’s campsites, often using awnings to escape the mid-day sun. Small bachelor groups of magnificent bucks roam around attracting a following of admirers. They seem so relaxed with it all, but don’t let this fool you; they are still wild, even if they are sticking their heads inside your car to get a bite of apple.
Most of the time the deer see us as benefactors, providing an easy handout; but beware! All that can change quickly if, for instance, a doe thinks your dog might be threatening her fawn. In early fall Bucks go into the rut and get frisky and there has been a few attacks during that time also. The State Park recently enacted a ban on feeding all wildlife, believing that would make a difference; the jury is still out. The deer are caught in the middle and some would barely survive winter if not for the efforts of a few residents who feed them through the harsh winter.
Explore
This is a vast and diverse area with environments that range from alpine to semi-arid desert. There are flat valleys, rugged canyons, razor sharp ridges and mountains over 10,000 feet. There are endless miles of dirt road and backcountry (bring your maps and GPS) and approximately 500 miles of developed trails, just in the Eagle Cap!
Go for a stroll and end up in blissful solitude surrounded by wilderness.
Take a exhilarating drive to one of the lookouts or spend an incredible day in ‘Big Sky’ country in the pristine grasslands of Zumwalt Prairie.
The Eagle Cap Wilderness is the largest wilderness in Oregon. Hells Canyon is the deepest canyon in North America. Wallowa County is home to some of the largest herds of elk and the only Wolves in the state of Oregon. This is wild country, as untouched as it gets.
