Wallowa Mountains

The Wallowa Mountains are a granite mountain range stretching across northeastern Oregon for about 40 miles, with Sacajawea Peak rising to 9,838 feet as the highest point. The range encompasses a large wilderness area filled with alpine lakes, glacial canyons, and numerous ridges that define the landscape.

The Nez Perce people lived in Wallowa Valley for generations until European settlers arrived in the 1870s, creating conflict. This tension led to the Nez Perce War of 1877, which reshaped the entire region.

The town of Joseph nearby hosts galleries and bronze workshops that still operate today, showing how local craftspeople engage with the region's artistic heritage. Visitors can watch artisans at work and see how this tradition shapes daily life in the valley.

More than 500 miles of hiking trails connect the wilderness area, offering access to lakes, canyons, and peaks, with summer through early fall being the best hiking season. The terrain varies from steep mountain paths to gentler trails, so visitors can choose routes matching their fitness level.

A tramway carries visitors 3,700 feet up to Mount Howard, where views stretch across three states. This high vantage point makes alpine hiking accessible without a lengthy ascent on foot.