Things to Do in Wallowa County
Explore Wallowa County - Oregon's "Little Switzerland"
- Culture -
Alpenfest!
Join us September 28th at Terminal Gravity Brewing and September 29th through October 1st at the Joseph Community Center for live music, dancing, and authentic German cuisine.
Arts
Joseph is a city of the arts! Main Street is lined by seven independent art galleries and world-famous, larger-than-life bronze sculptures. You can also visit the Josephy Center that features monthly exhibits, art classes, and film showings.
Crafts & Shopping
Downtown Joseph has dozens of cottage stores with unique crafts, furniture, art, and home goods. You can also find Swiss-German outfits and memorabilia at Heidi's Towne Shoppe on Main Street.
During Alpenfest, make sure to check out artisans from around the northwest at our Alpenfair outside the Joseph Community Center from Friday, September 29th through Sunday, October 1st.
Museums
- Wallowology: A free Discovery Center that explores the wild science of Wallowa Country. Great for adults and kids!
- Maxville Heritage Interpretive Center: Exhibits and events that celebrate the rich and diverse cultural history of Oregon's logging communities.
- Wallowa County Museum: This museum on Main Street preserves Wallowa County's human past, including the Nez Perce tribe and the later pioneers and settlers.
- Food & Drink -
Terminal Gravity Brewery & Pub
Wallowa County's local brewery serves full-flavored, award-winning beers. Their pub offers hearty burgers, crisp salads, and tasty sandwhiches and stews. The Brewery is located in Enterprise, Oregon, just a few miles from Joseph.
Join us Thursday, September 28th from 6pm - 9pm for Alpenfest at Terminal Gravity featuring free live music!
The Flying Pig Bar
Located a block from Alpenfest in downtown Joseph, the Flying Pig Bar features a rotating cocktail menu, a cozy atmosphere with an antique bar, and delicious small bites.
Head to the Flying Pig for a nightcap after Alpenfest on Friday and Saturday nights!
- Outdoors -
Wallowa Lake
This six-mile lake just south of Joseph has amazing views, a State Park campground, and fun activities for the entire family. You can fish, camp, hike, boat, or enjoy a great meal and a quiet evening under the stars. Wallowa Lake truly is the jewel of Eastern Oregon.
Hikes
- East Moraine: An hour-long hike up a geological wonder with spectacular views of Wallowa Lake.
- Wallowa Lake Trailhead: Located 7 miles south of Joseph, this trailhead offers a variety of short and long hikes. Check out the Chief Joseph Trail for a shorter hike to a waterfall.
- Hurricane Creek Trailhead: Located halfway between Enterprise and Joseph, this trailhead offers a out-and-back trail through an alpine valley with spectacular views.
Wallowa Lake Tramway
Enjoy a breathtaking gondola ride to the summit of Mt. Howard with panoramic views above the Wallowa Lake Village and the blue waters of Wallowa Lake! At the top, you can enjoy a meal at the grill or follow several hiking trails.
Please join us on Saturday, September 30th at 11am for Alpenfest on the Tramway - a free, live Alphorn performance on the top of Mt. Howard.