📷 Bonnie Moreland from Oregon, United States, Public domainWallowa Lake
Joseph, OR
A glacial lake held in by moraines at the foot of the Wallowa Mountains. In summer a tramway climbs Mount Howard; trails lead into the Eagle Cap Wilderness.
Wallowa Lake is a large lake of glacial origin near Joseph in north-eastern Oregon, just north of the Wallowa Mountains. The rugged, glacier-shaped range of granite and metamorphic rock has peaks near 10,000 feet (about 3,000 metres) and is often called the "Oregon Alps". Much of it lies within the Eagle Cap Wilderness.
The Wallowa Lake Tramway climbs about 3,700 feet (roughly 1,100 metres) from a station near the south end of the lake to Mount Howard, whose summit Atlas Obscura gives as 8,256 feet. Up top there is a network of hiking trails.
The Atlas Obscura entry gives neither the tramway's operating times nor the trail season. Check timetables, prices and trail conditions in advance; details about the campground at the lake are not substantiated here and should also be clarified before your trip.
- Nearest town
- Joseph, OR
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 45.2900, -117.2100
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
© 12756913 · Pixabay Content LicenseWallowa Mountains and Hells Canyon
© Bonnie Moreland from Oregon, United States · Public domainDeeper than the Grand Canyon: by camper van through Hells Canyon, along the Salmon River and over Lolo Pass
© Bonnie Moreland from Oregon, United States · Public domainGranite peaks, wagon ruts and the deepest gorge: by camper through the Wallowa Mountains
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Biker/HikerCampsite1 mi from Wallowa LakeTents
- Hidden CampgroundCampsite17 mi from Wallowa Lake · 10 pitchesTentsCaravansToilets
- Blackhorse CampgroundCampsite19 mi from Wallowa Lake · 14 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesToilets
- Ollokot CampgroundCampsite19 mi from Wallowa Lake · 13 pitchesDrinking waterToilets
- Coverdale CampgroundCampsite19 mi from Wallowa Lake · 7 pitchesTentsCaravansToilets
- Lake Fork CampgroundCampsite24 mi from Wallowa Lake · 10 pitchesToilets
All campsites in Oregon · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Wallowa Lake?
Wallowa Lake is in Joseph, OR, at GPS 45.2900, -117.2100. It is about 10 mi from Enterprise.
Can you camp near Wallowa Lake?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Wallowa Lake Campground, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 27 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Wallowa Lake?
Wallowa Lake is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Wallowa Mountains and Hells Canyon, Deeper than the Grand Canyon: by camper van through Hells Canyon, along the Salmon River and over Lolo Pass and Granite peaks, wagon ruts and the deepest gorge: by camper through the Wallowa Mountains.
What is there to see near Wallowa Lake?
Places worth a stop nearby: Hells Canyon Overlook (21 mi), National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center (42 mi), Payette Lake (60 mi) and Kam Wah Chung State Heritage Site (104 mi).
When is the best time to visit Wallowa Lake?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)