Wallowa Lake State Park
Serene glacial lake surrounded by majestic mountains, offering hiking, camping, and a scenic tramway ride.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, beautiful fall colors
Wallowa Lake State Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, beautiful fall colors
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Serene glacial lake surrounded by majestic mountains, offering hiking, camping, and a scenic tramway ride.
"The tram ride up? A total must! The views at the top of the short hikes are stunning!"
🎯 Book Yurts Early
Yurts are a popular and comfortable option, especially if rain is expected. Book well in advance as they fill up quickly! :housewithgarden:
🛏️ Bring Mattress Toppers
Yurt mattresses are reportedly uncomfortable. Pack a topper for a more restful night's sleep. :zzz:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Wallowa Lake Tramway
Mount Howard
Ascend for breathtaking panoramic views of the lake and surrounding Wallowa Mountains. A must-do for incredible vistas.
Wallowa Lake
Park shoreline
A serene glacial lake perfect for boating, fishing, and enjoying lakeside relaxation. Rocky shores offer unique seating.
Wildlife Encounters
Throughout the park
Spot friendly deer and occasional foxes right at your campsite or on trails. A magical experience for nature lovers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Peak Season
Embrace the Tramway Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wallowa Lake
🎯 Book Yurts Early
Yurts are a popular and comfortable option, especially if rain is expected. Book well in advance as they fill up quickly! :housewithgarden:
🛏️ Bring Mattress Toppers
Yurt mattresses are reportedly uncomfortable. Pack a topper for a more restful night's sleep. :zzz:
Wallowa lake
Hey Oregonians! How’s Wallawa doing?
💰 Exact Change for Firewood
Firewood bundles require exact change if purchased from the kiosk. Plan ahead or pay at the check-in kiosk. :moneywithwings:
🚶 Walk to Town Amenities
The park is walkable to shops, restaurants, and mini-golf. Enjoy local Thai food and coffee. :coffee:
Trip to Wallowa
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Yurts Early
Yurts are a popular and comfortable option, especially if rain is expected. Book well in advance as they fill up quickly! :housewithgarden:
🛏️ Bring Mattress Toppers
Yurt mattresses are reportedly uncomfortable. Pack a topper for a more restful night's sleep. :zzz:
💰 Exact Change for Firewood
Firewood bundles require exact change if purchased from the kiosk. Plan ahead or pay at the check-in kiosk. :moneywithwings:
🚶 Walk to Town Amenities
The park is walkable to shops, restaurants, and mini-golf. Enjoy local Thai food and coffee. :coffee:
⭐ Enjoy Starry Nights
The night skies are incredible! Perfect for stargazing away from city lights. :star2:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning natural beauty of Wallowa Lake State Park, particularly the breathtaking views from the Wallowa Lake Tramway. The park's well-maintained facilities, clean restrooms, and abundant, friendly wildlife are frequently praised. While some find the lake's smell off-putting, the overall experience is highly positive, with many eager to return.
"We rented yurt 18 due to the incoming rain. It was really nice to have that option. Seemed like the entire loop was closed except for the yurts which was awesome because the other loops were packed and REALLY noisy. We had the entire loop and no neighbors! I've always wanted to stay here but it's always so busy, early October was perfect! And there was plenty of room to setup a tent near the yurt. The mattresses are NOT comfortable at all. I would advise bringing some kind of mattress topper lol the park is really nice, bathrooms were clean and kept that way through our entire stay. Lots of deer that were not afraid to come say hi, and even a quick visit from a fox one night at the campfire. Yurt 18 had 2 tables, a big one by the fire pit and a smaller one up on the porch under a cover. There was a water spicket thing right by the campsite and a sink water dump right across."
Dorothy Pierce
"Our stay at Group Campsite B in Wallowa was wonderful! Mother Nature gave us a show and we had a thunderstorm the entire first night, but honestly, it was actually beautiful to listen to!
We took it as part of our adventure, and made for a really cool experience!
We had some adorable very friendly deer visitors 🦌🤗
Our Camp Hosts were not very friendly, or inviting unfortunately, so that was sad to experience. Several members of our group, had experienced the same treatment, so it was not just a one off thing. Sad face! Thankfully, we really only needed to interact with them while getting firewood!
The Rangers on the other hand were all super friendly, and very informative.
Bathrooms and showers SUPER clean!
If you’re thinking about the regular single sites, just a heads-up: they’re pretty cozy with hardly any shrubs or bushes for privacy.
The lake was beautiful! We did one lake day, but it was not for us. It had a fishy smell to it that we couldn’t get past unfortunately.
Ultimately we decided there’s more fun to be had elsewhere. Perhaps if we had planned some fun boating activities it would have been a different experience. 🏖️ area was rocky, so I would recommend chairs for sure when hanging out lakeside.
The starry nights? Out of this world! Perfect for all stargazers.
Just a quick stroll away is a charming little town with horseback riding, go-carts, and plenty of fun stuff to keep the family busy.
There are cute little shopping stores within walking distance, plus coffee shops and even mini golf. We had some delicious Thai food from KHAO NEAOW while waiting for friends to come back from horseback riding — yum! The owner mentioned she had been in town for 12 years! If you have the opportunity, I would recommend giving it a try.
The tram ride up? A total must! The views at the top of the short hikes are stunning!
you’ll seriously regret missing those views!
The restaurant was reasonably priced, and the Caesar wraps ended up being the family favorites!
There are very friendly critters up there that are not afraid to come up and check out what snacks you are willing to share. They were so adorable, we didn’t mind them at all!
Need groceries? Safeway’s a quick 20-minute drive away. And don’t forget to swing by the beautiful town of Joseph — it’s like a little slice of magic.
All in all, a fantastic spot for camping, adventure, and making memories. We’re already dreaming of our next trip back!"
This moms Crazy Life
"Great campground and facilities, very well maintained. Camp rangers, camp hosts and resident camp wildlife seemed quite friendly. Generous sized crates of firewood for the price and even got a few peices of fragrant "purple" western red cedar."
Neil Sanford
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Wallowa Lake State Park is a scenic drive from Enterprise, Oregon. The most direct route is typically via OR-82 W and then turning onto OR-350 S towards Wallowa Lake. The drive takes approximately 10-20 minutes and offers beautiful views of the surrounding valley.
Public transportation options directly to Wallowa Lake State Park are limited. It is best to have your own vehicle for easy access. Enterprise, the nearest town, has limited local transit.
The park is quite spread out, and while some areas are walkable, a vehicle is recommended for exploring different sections and accessing trailheads. Biking is also a pleasant option on park roads.
Yes, Wallowa Lake State Park offers RV camping sites. Many sites can accommodate RVs, and there are also RV parks nearby if the state park is full. :motorway:
Roads leading to Wallowa Lake State Park are generally well-maintained. However, during winter months, snow and ice can impact conditions, so it's advisable to check local road reports before traveling.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Wallowa Lake State Park requires a day-use permit for entry, which can be purchased at the park entrance or through the Oregon State Parks system. Camping and yurt rentals also require reservations and fees.
Wallowa Lake State Park is generally open year-round, but specific facilities like campgrounds and the tramway have seasonal operating hours. It's best to check the official Oregon State Parks website for the most up-to-date information.
The Wallowa Lake Tramway is a significant attraction with a round-trip cost of approximately $50 per adult. Prices can vary, so it's recommended to check the official tramway website for current pricing.
Yes, campsite reservations for Wallowa Lake State Park can be made online through Reserve America. It is highly recommended to book in advance, especially for peak season. :computer:
Oregon State Parks may offer discounts for certain groups or through annual passes. It's advisable to check the Oregon State Parks website or contact the park directly for information on potential discounts.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Top activities include riding the Wallowa Lake Tramway for stunning views, enjoying water sports on the lake, hiking various trails, camping, and observing the abundant wildlife. The nearby town of Joseph also offers shopping and dining.
Absolutely! Wallowa Lake State Park offers a variety of hiking trails suitable for different skill levels, from easy strolls along the lake to more challenging mountain treks accessible via the tramway. :hiking_boot:
While swimming is possible, some visitors have noted a 'fishy smell' from the lake. The lake is more popular for boating and other water activities. The shoreline can be rocky, so water shoes are recommended.
Yes, Wallowa Lake Marina offers rentals for various watercraft, including kayaks, paddleboards, paddle boats, and pontoons, allowing you to fully enjoy the lake. :rowboat:
Visitors frequently report seeing deer that are unafraid of people, and occasionally foxes. During spawning seasons, you might also witness the Kokanee salmon run. :deer:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a restaurant at the top of the Wallowa Lake Tramway that offers reasonably priced meals, with Caesar wraps being a family favorite. The nearby town of Joseph also has several dining options.
The charming town of Joseph, a short drive or walk away, offers various eateries. KHAO NEAOW, a Thai restaurant, is highly recommended by locals and visitors alike. :forkandknife:
For full grocery needs, Safeway is located in Enterprise, about a 20-minute drive from the park. There are also smaller convenience stores closer to the lake for basic supplies.
Yes, there are picnic areas available throughout the park, often with tables and fire pits. Many campsites also come equipped with picnic tables.
The restaurant at the tramway summit offers a selection of meals, with family favorites like Caesar wraps being mentioned. It's a convenient spot for a meal with a view.
📸 📸 Photography
The Wallowa Lake Tramway offers unparalleled panoramic shots of the lake and mountains. The lake itself, with its rocky shores and surrounding peaks, provides stunning landscape photography opportunities. Wildlife sightings also make for great photos.
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for landscape photography, casting a warm glow over the mountains and lake. Midday can be harsh, but the tramway views are impressive any time.
The summit of Mount Howard, accessible by the tramway, provides the most iconic and expansive viewpoints. The shoreline of Wallowa Lake also offers numerous picturesque spots.
A wide-angle lens is excellent for capturing the grand landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife photography. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions and long exposures.
Yes, wildlife photography is popular here. Remember to maintain a safe distance and avoid disturbing the animals. The deer are often quite approachable. :camerawithflash:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Camping and Lodging Options
Beyond the state park, lodging near Wallowa Lake includes various hotels, motels, and vacation rentals in the charming nearby town of Joseph. These options provide alternatives for those who prefer not to camp or if park accommodations are fully booked. For those looking for a rustic yet comfortable experience, Wallowa yurts and yurts at Wallowa Lake offer a unique glamping opportunity.
The Iconic Wallowa Lake Tramway
While the tramway is an investment (around $50 round trip), most visitors agree the experience and the stunning vistas are well worth the cost.
Exploring Wallowa Lake and its Surroundings
The park and its vicinity offer more than just the lake. The charming town of Joseph is within walking distance or a short drive, offering unique shops, art galleries, and diverse dining options, including highly-rated Thai cuisine.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit