Wallowa Lake Tramway
Ride North America's steepest gondola to Mount Howard's summit for breathtaking panoramic views of Wallowa Lake and the Eagle Cap Wilderness.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Wallowa Lake Tramway
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride North America's steepest gondola to Mount Howard's summit for breathtaking panoramic views of Wallowa Lake and the Eagle Cap Wilderness.
"The views from the top are absolutely outstanding. Well worth the investment!"
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera! The panoramic views from Mount Howard are incredible and worth photographing.
🥾 Trail Time
Don't miss the well-maintained trails at the summit for closer exploration of the alpine environment.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mount Howard Summit Views
Mount Howard Summit
Panoramic vistas of Wallowa Lake, Eagle Cap Wilderness, and three states. Unforgettable scenery!
Alpine Trails
Mount Howard Summit
Explore diverse flora and fauna on well-maintained trails with stunning mountain backdrops.
The Steepest Gondola Ride
Wallowa Lake Tramway
Experience North America's steepest gondola ride, offering a thrilling ascent with incredible views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Budgeting for the Ascent
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera! The panoramic views from Mount Howard are incredible and worth photographing.
🥾 Trail Time
Don't miss the well-maintained trails at the summit for closer exploration of the alpine environment.
💰 Worth the Price
While tickets are a bit steep, most visitors agree the views and experience are well worth the cost.
☁️ Weather Check
Weather can change quickly. Check the forecast before you go, especially if visiting in shoulder seasons.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera! The panoramic views from Mount Howard are incredible and worth photographing.
🥾 Trail Time
Don't miss the well-maintained trails at the summit for closer exploration of the alpine environment.
💰 Worth the Price
While tickets are a bit steep, most visitors agree the views and experience are well worth the cost.
☁️ Weather Check
Weather can change quickly. Check the forecast before you go, especially if visiting in shoulder seasons.
⬆️ Steep Ascent
It's the steepest gondola in North America! If you have a fear of heights, be prepared.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about the unbelievably incredible views from the Wallowa Lake Tramway, calling it a must-do for anyone visiting the area. The ride itself is described as smooth and professional, with the summit trails offering further exploration and stunning scenery. While some find the ticket price a bit steep, the overwhelming sentiment is that the experience and vistas are well worth the investment.
"Whether or not you backpack in the Eagle Cap Wilderness, a trip up Mount Howard on this tramway is an absolute must for anyone visiting Wallowa Lake. The price is a bit steep, but it is well worth the investment. The views from the top are absolutely outstanding. The trails are very well-maintained and if you have the time and energy spend as much time as you can on them. Enjoy the wildflowers and the gorgeous scenery both to the east and to the west."
Eric Valentine
"A little pricey but well worth the. The views during the ride and along the trail at the top are really spectacular. We were fortunate to have excellent weather so we could see for miles in all directions."
Ruth Strom
"This was an amazing experience. The views are unimaginably incredible, and no picture does it justice. The ride was nice and smooth and the staff very professional. JUST DO IT!"
Pete Stofiel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Wallowa Lake Tramway is located in Joseph, Oregon. You can drive to the base station, which is easily accessible from the town. Parking is available nearby.
Public transportation options directly to the tramway are limited. Most visitors arrive by car. Consider checking local shuttle services in Joseph if you are not driving.
From Joseph, Oregon, follow the signs towards Wallowa Lake. The tramway base station is located at the south end of the lake.
Yes, motorcycle adventurers often visit the Wallowa Lake Tramway as part of their road trips, with parking available.
The base terminal is at 4,450 feet, and the tram ascends to the 8,150-foot summit of Mount Howard.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can be a bit steep, but many visitors find the experience and views to be well worth the investment. It's recommended to check the official website for current Wallowa Lake Tramway cost and pricing details.
It's advisable to check the official Wallowa Lake Tramway website for online ticket purchasing options to save time and potentially secure your spot, especially during peak season.
While not always advertised, it's worth searching for 'Wallowa Lake Tramway coupon' or checking local tourism sites for potential deals or discounts.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to consult the official Wallowa Lake Tramway website for the most up-to-date information on their hours of operation.
The tramway typically operates seasonally, often from late spring through fall. It's not usually open year-round. Always verify current operating dates.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
At the summit, you can enjoy panoramic views, explore alpine trails with diverse plants and wildlife, and take in the stunning scenery of the Wallowa Lake and Eagle Cap Wilderness.
Yes, there are well-maintained trails at the top of Mount Howard, including a circular loop trail, perfect for hiking and enjoying the expansive views.
Expect breathtaking, sweeping views of Wallowa Lake, the Wallowa Mountains, and on clear days, you can see into three states: Oregon, Washington, and Idaho.
Absolutely! Families often enjoy the tram ride and the hiking opportunities at the peak. It's a memorable experience for all ages.
The gondola ride to the summit of Mount Howard takes approximately 15 minutes each way, offering ample time to soak in the scenery. 
📸 📸 Photography
The summit of Mount Howard offers unparalleled opportunities for Wallowa Lake Tramway photos, with panoramic views in every direction. Capture the lake, mountains, and expansive wilderness.
Yes, you can take photos during the 15-minute tram ride up to Mount Howard. The ascending views of Wallowa Lake and the surrounding landscape are spectacular.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Weekday mornings can also mean fewer people in your shots.
The entire summit area provides incredible viewpoints. Look for interpretive signs that might point out specific peaks or landmarks for your photos.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating mountain peaks. Don't forget extra batteries and memory cards!
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
At the summit, the well-maintained trails are perfect for little legs to explore, and the open spaces offer room to roam. Parents can use the tram ride as a fun way to teach kids about elevation gain and mountain geography. Some parents have even used playful tactics to keep kids calm during the ride, like convincing them that moving too much might cause issues!
💰 Budget Travelers
Look for potential 'Wallowa Lake Tramway coupon' deals online or through local visitor centers. Visiting on a weekday during the shoulder seasons might also offer a slightly less crowded, and potentially more relaxed, experience.
⛰️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
These trails offer a chance to immerse yourself in the Eagle Cap Wilderness without undertaking a strenuous multi-day trek. The diverse plant life and potential for wildlife sightings make it a rewarding experience for nature lovers. Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles during your exploration.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ascent: Riding the Wallowa Lake Tramway
+1During the ride, you'll gain significant elevation, and the landscape transforms from the valley floor to alpine terrain. The cabins are designed to provide unobstructed views, allowing you to capture stunning photos as you climb. It's a unique perspective that sets the stage for the incredible vistas awaiting you at the top.
For those concerned about the steepness, remember that the tramway is engineered for safety and stability. The professional staff ensures a smooth and secure operation. It's an essential part of the Wallowa Lake experience, offering access to a viewpoint that's otherwise difficult to reach.
Exploring Mount Howard's Summit
+1Beyond the immediate views, Mount Howard offers well-maintained alpine trails. These trails allow you to wander through diverse plant life and potentially spot local wildlife. The circular loop trail is particularly popular for its consistent, breathtaking scenery. Interpretive signs along the way provide insights into the area's natural history and geology.
Visitors often recommend spending as much time as possible at the summit to fully appreciate the scenery and explore the trails. The wildflowers in bloom during late spring and early summer are a particular highlight, adding vibrant color to the already stunning landscape.
Wallowa Lake Tramway: A Photographer's Paradise
At the summit of Mount Howard, the panoramic views are simply jaw-dropping. Whether you're framing the deep blue of Wallowa Lake, the rugged contours of the Eagle Cap Wilderness, or the distant horizons that stretch into other states, every angle offers a postcard-worthy shot. The alpine trails also provide opportunities for intimate landscape photography, focusing on wildflowers and unique geological formations.
For the best photographic results, consider visiting during the 'golden hours' of sunrise or sunset for soft, dramatic lighting. Weekday mornings can also be ideal for capturing shots without the distraction of crowds. A wide-angle lens is highly recommended to encompass the vastness of the scenery.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit