Information
Landmark: Wallowa Lake TramwayCity: Joseph
Country: USA Oregon
Continent: North America
Wallowa Lake Tramway, Joseph, USA Oregon, North America
Overview
In northeastern Oregon, the Wallowa Lake Tramway lifts you high above the trees, giving you a sweeping view of the Wallowa Mountains and the deep blue water glinting far below.You’ll find us at 224 Tramway Rd in Joseph, Oregon, just off the quiet main road.You can reach the tramway from the town of Joseph in just a few minutes, and it sits at the quiet southern tip of Wallowa Lake where the water laps against the shore.You can drive in from nearby towns or hop on local transport, and there’s a small parking lot waiting at the base station.The tramway rises roughly 3,700 feet from the quiet shoreline of Wallowa Lake to the top of Mount Howard, where the air thins at about 8,000 feet above sea level.The one-way tram ride takes about 15 minutes, giving you sweeping views of the lake, the valleys beyond, and jagged peaks dusted with snow.Each tram car can hold several passengers at once, whether it’s a single rider with a backpack or a family piling in together.At the summit’s upper terminal, you can step onto several observation decks and take in sweeping 360-degree views of the Wallowa Mountains, Hells Canyon, and the rugged peaks of the Eagle Cap Wilderness, where the wind smells faintly of pine.You can grab a sandwich, a hot coffee, or a quick snack at the small café, all while looking out at the blue-grey peaks in the distance.From the summit, you can follow trails that range from steady climbs to tough ridge walks, with looping paths that open to sweeping views of pine-covered valleys.Wildlife and Photography: The summit’s perfect for spotting eagles gliding overhead, catching sight of shy deer, and capturing the vivid colors of alpine flowers through your lens.Picnicking is welcome in the designated spots, where you can unpack your lunch and take in sweeping views of the mountains.Summer is the peak season, with tram rides, winding hiking trails, and the scent of fresh meals drifting from the dining lodge.In fall, the leaves blaze with reds and golds, a perfect backdrop for your camera.In winter, the tram usually shuts down for snow and maintenance, but now and then it runs for special events or private tours-like a candlelit ride through the frosted trees.From here, you get one of northeastern Oregon’s most breathtaking aerial views-jagged ridges stretching like ripples under a wide blue sky.It carries visitors from the valley floor straight into Mount Howard’s high alpine air, where the scent of pine sharpens in the cold.It offers a mix of adventure and downtime, along with chances to learn about the region’s rugged cliffs, winding rivers, and rich natural history.It’s a perfect match with nearby spots like Wallowa Lake State Park, Chief Joseph Mountain, and the charming town of Joseph-enough to fill your day with exploring, from mountain air to lakeshore strolls.The Wallowa Lake Tramway doubles as a fun ride and a doorway to the high country of the Wallowa Mountains, lifting visitors straight into sweeping alpine views without the burn of a long uphill hike.
