10 Things to Do in Joseph That You Shouldn't Miss

December 2, 2017 Joeann Galban

Joseph is a city in Wallowa County, Oregon, United States. Originally named Silver Lake and Lake City, the city formally named itself 138 years ago in 1880 for Chief Joseph (1840–1904) of the Nez Perce people. The population was 1,081 at the 2010 census.
Restaurants in Joseph

1. Bigfoot Balloons

209 N Lake St, Joseph, OR 97846-8501
Excellent
99%
Good
1%
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Overall Ratings

5 based on 95 reviews

Bigfoot Balloons

Bigfoot Hot Air Balloons specializes in hot air balloon flights over Joseph and the surrounding area. Come fly with us over the Zumwalt Prairie to experience breath taking views of the Wallowa Mountains and Hell's Canyon. With a 100% safety record you can relax and just enjoy this once in a lifetime experience. Sunrise flights daily. Online reservations required.

Reviewed By bwhite1232016 - Jacksonville, Florida

Prompt. Friendly. Reasonably priced. Treetop skipping was great. Area scenery and afternoon shading beautiful. Balloon ride was a good experience overall and I recommend it. Not in the same category as rapids kayaking, down hill mountain biking or skydiving, but a great kick for anyone who isn't an adrenaline junkie to begin with.

2. Wallowa Lake Tramway

59919 Wallowa Lake Hwy, Joseph, OR 97846-8334 +1 541-432-5331
Excellent
71%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 345 reviews

Wallowa Lake Tramway

Reviewed By Sewerdude - Chelan, Washington

Great tram. We have been on others, but this one had to have the longest vertical we've experienced. Fortunately, the forest fire smoke had cleared and the views are awe inspiring. The couple mile trail loop at the top was just right for spending a couple hours at the top. We didn't eat at the restaurant, but it was full of tourists, even though we were there well after Labor Day.

3. Winding Waters River Expeditions & Day Tours

204 E Wallowa Ave, Joseph, OR 97846-8403
Excellent
100%
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5 based on 76 reviews

Winding Waters River Expeditions & Day Tours

All inclusive whitewater rafting adventures on the Snake River through Hells Canyon, the Salmon River in Idaho, and the Grande Ronde River in Oregon. Fun, family-friendly vacations. Additionally, Grande Ronde and Wallowa River fly fishing. Based out of beautiful Joseph, Oregon.

Reviewed By or-ontheroad

We did the day trip on the Grande Ronde river and had a great time. Jordan and Shaea(?) did a great job getting us there and back, very nice lunch and just super nice. Jordan is a storehouse of knowledge and it was a pleasure to share some time with him. In the future if we will be in the area we would love to do one of their multiple day trips. You can't go wrong with Winding Waters.

4. Wallowa Lake State Park

Joseph, OR +1 541-432-8855
Excellent
62%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 201 reviews

Wallowa Lake State Park

Reviewed By Marina W - Jacksonville, Oregon

The campground was jam packed. We had the unfortunate experience in being in a small site (our 19' trailer and car just fit) adjoining another small site which had a camper, 3 tents, a large screen tent, and 8 chairs. The campground is apparently attractive for family gatherings which is fine if you are part of the group. Apparently, it is now a thing to travel with 3-5 dogs. I'm not kidding! There were 3 sites in our area that had that many dogs. This was NOT a peaceful camping experience. And, finally, this campground was not designed for the humongous rigs that some folks travel in. Some barely fit and there's quite a to-do when they attempt to back in. Sorry to complain....I am sure the Park is trying to do what it can to keep up with the new camping trends.

18 S Main St, Joseph, OR 97846-8434 +1 541-432-7445
Excellent
76%
Good
23%
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4.5 based on 56 reviews

Valley Bronze Gallery & Foundry

Reviewed By X7502LMjohns - Boise,Idaho

We took the guided tour of the Foundry operation,approximately 1nad a half hours.Most informative one interesting,well worth the time! The guide took us thru the whole casting process. This Foundry does castings for many U.S. locations including the WW. 2 memorial in Washington D.C. And the Cougar at nearby W.S.U. as well as many commissioned works. I believe the tours are only available on Thursdays however.

6. Joseph Branch Railriders

501 W Alder St, (at the end of W. Alder on the right, look for long white tent), Joseph, OR 97846-1247
Excellent
70%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 58 reviews

Joseph Branch Railriders

Pedal tours on rail roads in Oregon where the trains do not travel. Great for groups, families, outdoor recreation folks. Two hour or day adventures rail riding is or near Joseph Oregon Children under 12 are $10. More railriding at Oregon Coast Railriders in Bay City, Oregon.

Reviewed By kayakgirl2016 - Snohomish, Washington

If you'd like to slow things down a bit, try the railrider trip out of Joseph. The trip heading out is mostly a slight downhill incline, so a lot of the way is coasting. The rail riders are turned around in Enterprise and the peddling...MoreYes that would be ideal. Joseph has more opportunities for guests so that is why we start in Joseph.

7. Josephy Center for Arts and Culture

403 N Main St, Joseph, OR 97846-5001 +1 541-432-0505
Excellent
59%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 24 reviews

Josephy Center for Arts and Culture

Reviewed By lowlander46 - Charleston, South Carolina

Very pleasant staff and volunteers and the art is varied and well selected. The gift shop is a fantastic place to find affordable hand-made items from local artisans including pottery, paper goods, jewelry, books, and other creations that really reflect the area. Wonderfully done - the staff and the building are warm and welcoming. Don't miss the Maxwell Heritage Center which is very close (within a few blocks) and focuses on the stories of Oregon loggers - fascinating and well worth the short walk!

8. Eagle Cap Wilderness

59761 Wallowa Lake Hwy, Joseph, OR 97846-8232 +1 541-432-7433
Excellent
75%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 26 reviews

Eagle Cap Wilderness

Reviewed By Linda D - Clarkston, Washington

It was a strenuous hike for me at 70 years old but my grandson and son did fine. It was so very beautiful and we took some great pictures.

9. Wallowa Lake Marina Boat Rentals

Joseph, OR +1 541-432-9115
Excellent
76%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
8%
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 12 reviews

Wallowa Lake Marina Boat Rentals

Reviewed By frequent_traveler290 - Grants Pass, Oregon

Our family decided to rent a pontoon which we'd reserved several weeks prior to our visit to Wallowa Lake. First, Casey was very friendly and professional when I made my reservation via telephone. Secondly, upon our arrival to the Marina store, we were very pleased at how nicely displayed everything was. Thirdly, we were VERY happy with the pontoon we rented. It looked like it had just been purchased yesterday straight off the showroom floor. It was clean, sparkling and very easy to operate. Everything was in perfect condition. We spent the afternoon cruising and fishing around the lake, enjoying every minute.

10. Iwetamlaykin State Heritage Site

Joseph, OR 97846 +1 800-551-6949
Excellent
63%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 8 reviews

Iwetamlaykin State Heritage Site

Reviewed By Deanne A - Arizona

There are several entry points to start this walk/hike. The trails meander through an area that is sacred to the Nez Perce. The mountains surround you at every turn and it's just stunning. You can choose different paths and easily spend an hour here. Several benches offer places to just sit and soak it all up.

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