Right before school started, my family and I decided to take one final summer vacation trip. We wanted an outdoor adventure for our last hurrah of summer, and I wanted to explore somewhere new. (#wanderlust, am I right?) We settled on camping at Wallowa Lake, Oregon, in the state’s northeast corner.
And friends, I’m not only thrilled we spent a week on our Wallowa Lake camping trip; I can’t wait to go back and explore this little-traveled area again.
Why Lake Wallowa, Oregon
Wallowa Lake and the area around Joseph, Oregon have the stunning beauty of a postcard. The small towns around this lake just beg to be meandered through. And even the scenery from Portland to Wallowa Lake made the 6-hour road trip enjoyable.
Within this in-depth post, I share pretty much everything you need to know about camping at Wallowa Lake including the campgrounds, the Native American traditions, the Wallowa Lake tram that takes you nearly 4,000 feet up, the nearby tiny town of Joseph, Oregon as well as the most exciting (and family-friendly) Wallowa Lake hiking trails.
I’ll even tell you about the legend and sightings of the monster that might or might not live in the area!
If you’re looking to discover a region in the Pacific Northwest that isn’t overrun with visitors—Lake Wallowa is it. Or if you’re looking for a camping spot that offers swimming, boating, kids’ activities, and more, the Wallowa Lake campground is where it’s at.
Ready for all the details? Read on to dive into Wallowa Lake!
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Where is Wallowa Lake, Oregon
In Northeastern Oregon, Wallowa Lake is a mountain lake just a mile south of Joseph, Oregon. Its name comes from the Nez Perce word meaning “winding water,” which is the perfect name for this 3.5-mile ribbon lake.
A newspaper article from 1855 recounts one gold prospector’s story of seeing a monster in Wallowa Lake. This sighting describes a “strange apparition” that looked like a hippopotamus with a body 100-feet long.
The account mirrors Nez Perce legend of a creature living in Wallowa Lake. I’ve heard a few versions of the story, but one says that the lake animal killed a Nez Perce woman and a Blackfoot warrior, who had secretly been boating together on the lake even though their tribes were at war.
Regardless of how much you believe stories like these, Wallowa Lake is one of the most picturesque places in the Pacific Northwest.
Visiting Wallowa Lake State Park
At the south tip of the lake, Wallowa Lake State Park is set up to enjoy this scenery. If you’re wondering what to do at Wallowa Lake, you’ll be spoiled for choice! The park includes several docks for boats and kayaks, picnic tables and grills in the day-use area, pretty Wallowa River where kokanee salmon spawn, bike trails, hiking trails, and even a disc golf course.
This area is also full of deer! The deer are incredibly used to humans, and it’s prohibited to feed them. (They also might have lice or ticks, yuck!) Even still, my girls loved seeing them wander through Wallowa Lake State Park.
The park’s day-use area has access to a sunny swimming beach as well as the marina, where you can moor your boat or rent one.
Wallowa Lake Campgrounds, Oregon
The best way to experience the beauty of the area is to organize a Lake Wallowa camping trip, just like we did! This well-maintained campground near Joseph, Oregon includes more than 200 sites—but it feels anything but crowded.
The Wallowa Lake campground is open mid-May through the end of October; in addition, the yurts and a few RV hookups are available for the rest of the year.
Lake Wallowa campground amenities
The spacious sites leave plenty of room between RVs and tent neighbors. Our campsite was in full shade, which felt amazing during the late summer heat.
My in-laws brought their 34′ RV (their home ever since they sold everything and went on the road full time!). The RV spots had less shade and more open area, which is hotter—but also prime deer-watching area.
This Wallowa Lake camping spot also had showers, flush toilets, water, and firewood for sale. I spotted two yurts, too (one is pet-friendly, and one is ADA-accessible).
We loved our Wallowa Lake campsite. We made s’mores (in the morning because that’s how we roll!), Hubs disc golfed and the girls made fairy wands with nature items we collected.
Kid-friendly activities at Wallowa Lake Campground
Wallowa Campground offers Junior Rangers kids’ programs every day during the summer. My kids were excited to join. One day, Edie took a hike through the park and learned how to identify spruce and ponderosa pine trees.
Maxine listened to the legend of the Wallowa Lake creature, which the volunteer was careful to describe as friendly—as long as you were nice, haha! Either way, Max wasn’t traumatized. She still loved swimming in the lake.
Wallowa Lake Campground also has a big playground. Kids congregated on the play structure and made fast friends. I love that camping brings people together who wouldn’t have met otherwise.
Lake Wallowa Camping details
Sites at this campground near Joseph, Oregon can be reserved up to 9 months in advance. Weekends get reserved quickly during the summer months, so you’ll want to make your reservations as soon as possible.
Rates for tent sites are $20/night. RV sites run at $32/night. Yurts cost $45/night or $55/night for the pet-friendly yurt.
Local firewood costs $5 a bundle. They even have wheeled carts so you can easily walk it back to your campsite.
The Best Wallowa Lake Activities
I don’t know about you, but when I go camping, I generally want to just hang out. Sure, I hike and swim and kayak and do whatever else is around. But camping is pretty much the only time in my life when I end up lounging in a chair with no agenda, no plans, and no stress.
I savor this special time of doing nothing.
That said, I am a naturally active person. I like to explore, discover, and try whatever is unique to a place I’m visiting. That’s why I was excited to try the things to do in Wallowa Lake, Oregon!
Keep reading for some of our favorite attractions in and around Wallowa Lake.
1. Enjoy the views from the Wallowa Lake Tram
When you head to Wallowa County, Oregon, you absolutely need to ride the Wallowa Lake Tramway! Just a few minutes from Wallowa Lake State Park, you can ride a tram car up 3,700 feet to the top of Mt. Howard.
Incredible views of the Wallowa Mountain range await at the top!
Side note: I hate that this spot is named after General Oliver Otis Howard, who gave the local Nez Perce band a mere 30 days to leave their homeland for a reservation. When Chief Joseph asked for more time, Howard refused. Chief Joseph later said that if they’d been given more time to move, there would have never been such a bloody Indian War.
But! Back to the Wallowa tram.
Sitting up to four people, a tram car takes you up the side of a mountain. I marveled as we rose over treetops and spied Wallowa Lake. At each ridge, I thought we’d finally reached the top—and then we kept on going!
It took about 15 minutes to reach the peak of Mt. Howard and the vistas from the tram make this one of the best Wallowa Lake activities for the whole family.
Hiking from the Wallowa Lake Tramway
From the top of the Wallowa tram, you can hike along roughly 2 1/2 miles of trails. Walking on the dirt paths takes you to viewpoints of other nearby mountains—and even into Idaho and Washington!
This region is nicknamed Oregon’s “Swiss Alps”—a moniker I imagine is more relevant when the mountains are topped with snow. In late summer, the nickname seemed a bit much.
Even still, the Wallowas are gorgeous. These hiking trails were easy enough for my kids, 4 and 6, to manage with ease. That said, they are not accessible by wheelchair.
As you hike, stay on the trail. Sensitive and slow-growing plants are easily disturbed by even a single footprint.
When we hiked near the Wallowa tram, we took the roughly 1-mile loop to the Highlands Overlook and then up the stairs to the Summit Overlook. The views are stunning.
Lunch at the Summit Grill
When we rode the Wallowa Lake Tramway, we decided to make a day out of it and eat at the Summit Grill. So after we finished our hike, my girls were beyond ready for a cold drink and some calories.
We found a seat that overlooked the mountain, Wallowa Lake, and the trams coming and going. I think we chose a pretty good location!
I was pleasantly surprised that the Summit Grill prices were comparable to any casual restaurant not on the top of a mountain. Our table ordered sandwiches, burgers, and salad.
We did not, however, order extra to share with a very bold ground squirrel that insisted on visiting our table.
I wished so, so hard that I’d suddenly become tolerant of gluten so I could drink an ice-cold beer at the restaurant by the Wallowa Lake tram. The grill serves locally brewed beer, and there’s nothing like a cold one on a hot day.
Know that there is no tap water at the Summit Grill, so any water you order will be bottled. I wish I’d known we couldn’t fill up our water bottles there—we would have packed more!
We left before happy hour (3-4 pm) and live music (2:30-4:30 pm) but I’d like to linger for those next time.
Wallowa Lake Tramway cost , facilities + accessibility
Wallowa tram cost:
- $35 per adult
- $31 per person 12-17 years
- $25 per child 4-11 years
- $6 per child 3 and under
- $32 per senior or military member
Riding the Wallowa Lake Tramway isn’t cheap. For us, the expense was worth the experience. What’s more, we paid very little for anything else, since we spent our week riding bikes, playing at the campground and splashing in Wallowa Lake.
A restroom with flush toilets is available next to the tram exit at the top of the mountain.
If you use a wheelchair, ask for help from one of the employees. They will assist you in getting in a tram car and send up your wheelchair as well. The tramway cannot accommodate scooters.
Wallowa tram hours: The tram begins its rides in mid-May on the weekends. It operates every day from June 1 – September 30. Double-check its web site for hours.
2. Go swimming in Wallowa Lake
I have news for anyone wanting to swim in this alpine lake: The water is cold! The water isn’t so freezing that you can’t go in, but you’ll want a sunny and hot day so you don’t turn into an otter pop. Brr.
Several swimming beaches are located at the south end of Wallowa Lake, within the state park. You can also swim at the rockier beach on the north end of the lake, just a mile south of Joseph, Oregon.
If you swim within Wallowa State Park, I recommend wearing water shoes. Walking over rocks and squishy sand can either hurt or yuck out kids, and even adults. Once we arrived I really wished I’d remembered to bring our favorite water shoes. Oh well, next time!
Where to swim in Wallowa Lake
The safest spot to swim is within the marked-off area alongside the beach. Motorboats, jet skis, and other watercraft are allowed on this clear blue lake, and water vehicles can’t always see people swimming in deep water.
So to keep you and your kiddos safe, I recommend staying within designated swimming areas on Lake Wallowa.
That said, if you kayak or paddle out in the lake, floating docks dot the water. You can tie up your boat, climb up, and cannonball off to your heart’s content. Boats don’t zoom by the docks for their own safety, so you can safely swim next to them.
3. Wallowa Lake Marina: Paddleboarding, kayaking and more
When we planned our Wallowa Lake camping adventure, I had my heart set on paddleboarding. Learning to SUP has been on my summer bucket list for three years, and I was determined to make it happen this year!
Luckily for me, the Wallowa Lake Marina makes it super easy to rent boats, kayaks, and of course paddleboards.
Eric and I each paddled a SUP, and we took one kid each on the front. I was surprised at how quickly I picked up this fun water sport. I had been nervous about going out with the girls, but they loved it too! In the middle of the lake, Maxine was doing her own version of yoga poses on the nose of the SUP.
Costs for rentals
From the Wallowa Lake Marina, motorboats start at $30/hour. Canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards are $20/person, and kids kayaks run at $10/hour. Rowboats and paddleboats are also $20/hour.
All Wallowa Lake Marina rentals include life jackets, and you must share a credit or debit card as a deposit for the rental.
4. Wallowa Lake Disc Golf Course
Within Wallowa Lake State Park, a 9-hole disc golf course winds through the day-use area. This disc golf course is one of the best in the area—and the only one for miles and miles.
Hubs is wild about disc golf and brings his own basket whenever we camp. He putts in our campsite, making the clang-clang from the metal rings carry all over the campground. He was extra jazzed he would be able to play an actual disc golf course here.
What’s more, his dad has recently caught the disc golf bug. The two of them would bike to the course in the early morning before the girls woke up. Then they’d come home—happy, hungry, and with shoes wet with dew—in time for breakfast.
The Wallowa Lake Disc Golf course is perfect for beginners. The holes aren’t technical or long (the longest is just 280 feet). And since it goes through a state park, the course is well maintained and manicured.
If you haven’t tried disc golf yet, give it a shot during your Wallowa Lake, Oregon, camping trip!
5. Wallowa Lake hiking trails
At the end of Power House Rd, you’ll find the Wallowa Lake trailhead. This trail gets you into the Eagle Cap Wilderness, where you can hike past waterfalls and likely come across deer munching their way through the vegetation.
The trail can be steep and rocky; you’ll want to wear sturdy shoes and leave the kids at home. If you’re up for a challenge, this hiking trail should top your list of Wallowa Lake activities!
Kid-Friendly hiking trails near Wallowa Lake: Iwetemlaykin hike
Because the main hiking trail is rather difficult for children, we opted for a kid-friendly hike near Wallowa Lake at Iwetemlaykin State Heritage Site. It’s about a 5-minute drive from Wallowa Lake State Park.
The 1.8-mile hike includes only gentle elevation, and my kids (ages 4 and 6) had no trouble completing it on their own—as long as I kept a steady stream of snacks heading their way!
The Iwetemlaykin hike near Wallowa Lake takes you through grasslands, past a creek, and around Knight’s Pond. The fields fill with wildflowers in the spring, and if you’re lucky you might catch sight of a fox or heron.
Keep your kids close and your dog on a leash, though: Cougar and bear pass through here. In fact, we spotted a pile of fresh bear scat right next to Knight’s Pond!
One branch of the Iwetemlaykin hike takes you to Old Chief Joseph’s gravesite. You can also catch the trail from 8th street within Joseph, Oregon.
While exploring the Wallowa hiking trails, remember that this is a culturally important spot to the Nez Perce. It was from this area that the wal’waama band left their homeland by force. The wrongdoing of the past American government and military must not be forgotten or whitewashed.
6. Visit the nearby pioneer town: Joseph, Oregon
Roughly 50 miles from the Idaho border and the same distance to Washington, this tiny town in the Wallowa Mountains is worth a visit during your Wallowa Lake camping trip. Joseph, Oregon is home to just over a thousand residents, but it welcomes visitors—especially during the summer and the fall hunting season.
Joseph might be small, but it’s anything but boring. Main Street is lined with adorable shops, eateries, and bronze statues on nearly every block—including this one of the town’s namesake, Chief Joseph.
I could have stayed for days in Joseph. I wanted to explore the pubs, cafes, and boutiques for hours. But since my family was spending most of our time in the Wallowa Lake State Park, I had to save fully exploring this pioneer town for later.
Things to do in Joseph, Oregon
When you visit Joseph, Oregon, make sure to stop for a tea or coffee at Arrowhead Chocolates. Oh my goodness, their bite-sized chocolates are beyond delicious. I ate a dark chocolate-vanilla bean morsel and savored every taste.
You can also watch them make the chocolates in a small workshop within the cafe!
And since you’re into satisfying your sweet tooth, get a scoop of Oregon’s own Umpqua ice cream at Mad Mary’s. This throwback diner makes their own waffle cones and hand-dips their sugar cones in chocolate and sprinkles.
Be warned, though, that they sell oodles of candy and trinkets, so your kids will likely ask for gummy worms and bubble gum in addition to their ice cream. (eye-roll)
Finally, I happened to be looking for a gift for a friend who let me stay at her apartment recently, and I found just what I needed at Bee Crow Bee. Their handmade soaps are pretty enough to eat. I fell in love with the lemongrass-coconut milk scent.
If you’re staying in Joseph, you can ride a free shuttle to the park on the north end of Wallowa Lake and to Wallowa Lake Marina. The easiest place to hop on is in front of the Joseph Visitor’s Center.
What a wonderful way to see the area around Joseph while not contributing to congestion!
7. Learn about Native American heritage in Wallowa Lake
Native Americans have called this region in Oregon since long before the state even existed. Bands of Nez Perce (Niimiipuu) lived in and moved throughout the Northwest, making camps, fishing, and hunting.
Nez Perce here weathered several treaties throughout the 1800s as the American government and military negotiated—and renegotiated—terms that continually became worse for the actual residents of that land.
Now, the area remains an important part of the country for those whose ancestors called this land home. In nearby Wallowa, Oregon, for example, the annual Tamkaliks Celebration is a three-day event of dancing, drumming, community, and a friendship feast.
“Treat all men alike. Give them the same law. Give them an even chance to live and grow.”
Young Chief Joseph
Visit Old Chief Joseph’s grave
Between Joseph, Oregon, and the entrance to Wallowa State Park, Old Chief Joseph’s grave is a sacred site and cemetery. Tıwi·teqıs, called Chief Joseph in English, was the leader of the Nez Perce who refused to give up his tribe’s land to the American government. He died in 1871.
Chief Joseph is an important figure in Nez Perce and local history. He was originally buried elsewhere but, when that grave was robbed, his remains were moved to this site. People continue to visit his grave and leave mementos in his honor.
This is a sacred site and home to more graves, some unmarked, in addition to Old Chief Joseph’s. For that reason, visitors should stay on marked paths, remain respectful, and eat or drink only outside the cemetery.
Visitors are allowed to leave something meaningful on Chief Joseph’s grave but must not touch or move what has already been left there.
Iwetemlaykin State Heritage Site
Just past Chief Joseph’s grave on the way to Joseph, Oregon, this site preserves land sacred to the Nez Perce Tribe, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.
Iwetemlaykin is also a solemn site. In 1877, the wal’waama band of the Nez Perce were forced to leave this area, their homeland. The treaty signed that year (called the “Thief Treaty” in part because it took back 90% of the land the American government had already promised to Native American tribes in an earlier treaty) drove this group of the Nez Perce out of the Wallowa Lake area.
They had to travel more than a thousand miles on horseback and on foot to reach safer territory in Canada.
So much to explore in Wallowa Lake, Oregon
Phew, that was an epic guide with everything you need to know before you head off on your Lake Wallowa camping adventure!
This gorgeous yet mostly unvisited gem in Northeastern Oregon is well worth the drive it’ll take to get here. I’m already scheming on when we can go back. After all, I want to spend more time in Joseph, Oregon; visit nearby Hells Canyon; hike more in the Eagle Cap Wilderness; check out the breweries in Enterprise; and of course marvel at this region’s clear blue lakes.
Many people have never heard of Lake Wallowa, Oregon before. Now you have—and you can make a plan to visit. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
After you go, check back in and let me know how much you loved Wallowa Lake!
this looks like a magical getaway in Oregon! I’ve never been but you are making me want to make the trip!
Hi other Catherine! If you’ve never been to Oregon, you have such a surprise waiting for you. Wallowa Lake is just one thing you’ll love about OR!
Your babies must have enjoyed this adventure so much! I can only imagine the memories you created.
Oh my goodness they had so much fun. When we got back from Wallowa Lake camping, Maxine told EVERYONE she saw that she did yoga on a stand up paddle board!
IT looks beautiful, I’d love to visit!
You’d love Eastern Oregon, Paula!
Wow such a lovely place! There is also a lake with my name, must visit x
The lakes around this part of Oregon are stunning – and I’m pretty sure you’re into beauty. 😉
I love your pics! I miss camping sooo much I havent been since I was a child. Looks like ya’ll had a great time!
Thank you, Yanna! We had such a great time camping on Wallowa Lake – glad that came through in the photos. Our trip in Eastern Oregon was a terrific end to the summer!
Looks like a beautiful spot and fun trip. I think you covered every topic anyone might have a question about!
Haha, that was definitely my intention! I like to be a thorough resource on travel.
Wallowa Lake is so beautiful!! We haven’t had the opportunity to explore Oregon a lot, so this is reallly helpful. Adding this to our list when we visit next! Thanks for all the helpful suggestions and tips Pinning for future reference.
So glad it’s a helpful post on the area in Eastern Oregon around Wallowa Lake. There are so many beautiful spots to visit in Oregon.
Sooo beautiful! Oregon has been on my bucket list for years. We’ll make it there on day. Looks like our kids would love it!
Oregon is basically a kid’s paradise – as long as they like being outside!
Oh wow, what a beautiful looking place, and decent pricing too. I have heard about camping in Oregon (I’m from Vancouver BC) but haven’t experienced it yet. Seems like it would be a great long weekend trip
Yes, a road trip for camping in Oregon is totally doable from Vancouver, BC. I’ve been meaning to camp up in YOUR neck of the woods; maybe we should do an exchange!!
This looks like so much fun! I just returned from the West Coast and would love to explore more of the area. Great family trip!
There’s always more to see, isn’t there?!
Wallowa Lake sounds like a great place for a family camping adventure. The tram looks like fun!
The Wallowa tram was one of the trip highlights for us! Such an out of the ordinary activity.
I love Oregon but have never been to Wallowa Lake! It looks beautiful! We are in California and travel north often so I would love to explore it someday!
Wallowa Lake would be a bit of a drive for you, since it’s basically on the border of Idaho and Washington, but totally worth the trip.
I have been seeing amazing posts about Oregon. After reading this I think we may have to stop there.
I’m partial, but I’m fairly certain Oregon is one of the most beautiful states in the country. I bet you’ll love it.
Came across your blog at a perfect time. Visiting Oregon next week!
Oh perfect!! Let me know if you have specific questions before or during your trip. I love to share my home state with visitors.
I visited Wallowa Lake a few summers ago and LOVED it! I too couldn’t believe it when the tram ride just kept going and going. The view at the top was the most I’d been in awe of nature since Yellowstone. What an amazing place, and you’ve captured the details perfectly.
That’s awesome you got to visit Wallowa Lake too! I am with you — I kept expecting the tram to arrive at the top but it kept going and going.
I had never heard of this lake before, and I can’t believe how much there is to do there! It looks like the perfect place to bring your kids for a beautiful and relaxing weekend.
You’re so right, Aireona. Wallowa Lake was the perfect mix of relaxing and fun things to do, so I felt balanced between doing and just being. 🙂
When my hubby and I were RVing we spent several weeks in Oregon but somehow missed this spot! The state parks in Oregon are absolutely amazing!
I’m not surprised you missed Wallowa Lake – it’s out of the way, but so worth the detour!
I’m not much of a camper myself. But I must say the area looks pretty. Lake, hikes and ice cream, what’s not to love
I hear that, Sarah! Sometimes when I camp, I want to be far away from civilization. And sometimes I want to camp nearby an ice cream parlor. 😉
Oregon has been on my travel list for years- I would road trip it from Canada to enjoy all the sites along the way!
The park is beautiful and the rates are very affordable, and the amount of history there would make my history buff hubby very happy.
Always good to plan trips that make everyone in the family happy, ha! My husband is a history buff too so I totally get it.
I grew up there. Lived at the lake when the tram opened and it cost $8. Winding waters is thec romantic translation for Wallowa. It means ” Fish trap”. You know your a tourist when you get that wrong!
Hahahaha I had no idea! The reference I read must have gotten that wrong. Thanks for the info – I’m always looking to learn more about the places I visit.