
Mount Howard Summit Trails
Ascend Mount Howard via the Wallowa Lake Tram for unparalleled panoramic views of the Wallowa Valley and Mountains.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

Mount Howard Summit Trails
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ascend Mount Howard via the Wallowa Lake Tram for unparalleled panoramic views of the Wallowa Valley and Mountains.
"Jaw dropping natural beauty at the top of the Wallowa Lake Tram line."

🧥 Pack Layers for Summit
It's significantly cooler at 8,000+ feet. Bring a jacket, even if it's warm at the lake.
☀️ Don't Forget Sunscreen
The sun is intense at higher elevations. Protect your skin while enjoying the views.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Wallowa Lake Tram Ride
Wallowa Lake Village
A 15-minute ascent to 8,150 feet with spectacular views of the lake and mountains.

Summit Hiking Trails
Mount Howard Summit
Explore over 2 miles of trails offering gorgeous mountain vistas and valley panoramas.

Panoramic Valley Views
Mount Howard Summit
Gaze upon the beautiful valley, including the towns of Joseph and Enterprise.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Elevate Your Experience: Tram Ride Essentials
Summit Trails: What to Expect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wallowa Mountains/Joseph
🧥 Pack Layers for Summit
It's significantly cooler at 8,000+ feet. Bring a jacket, even if it's warm at the lake.
☀️ Don't Forget Sunscreen
The sun is intense at higher elevations. Protect your skin while enjoying the views.
Trip to Wallowa
Where is this?
👟 Comfortable Footwear Recommended
Easy to moderate trails are best enjoyed with supportive shoes.
📸 Capture the Scenery
Bring your camera for stunning photo opportunities of the lake and mountains.
Top 50 place in the USA Today! Eagle Cap Wilderness
Tips
from all over the internet
🧥 Pack Layers for Summit
It's significantly cooler at 8,000+ feet. Bring a jacket, even if it's warm at the lake.
☀️ Don't Forget Sunscreen
The sun is intense at higher elevations. Protect your skin while enjoying the views.
👟 Comfortable Footwear Recommended
Easy to moderate trails are best enjoyed with supportive shoes.
📸 Capture the Scenery
Bring your camera for stunning photo opportunities of the lake and mountains.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking views from Mount Howard, accessible via the scenic Wallowa Lake Tramway. The trails at the summit offer enjoyable, moderate hikes for most. Some note that trails can be less defined when covered in snow, and advise visitors to dress warmly due to the significant temperature drop at higher elevations.
"Do yourself a favor and go see the sights! $50 to ride the gondola up (amazing views itself). Easy - moderate hikes at the top, accessible to most. It was incredible! Highly recommended."
Kali Rose
"My. Howard is an absolute must when visiting Wallowa Lake! You take an amazing tram ride from the village at the head of the lake. It takes you from an elevation of 4400’ to 8150’ in 15 minutes. The ride up has spectacular views of the lake and Wallowa Mountains! At the top, there are over 2 miles of hiking trails with gorgeous views of the mountains and the towns of Joseph and Enterprise in the beautiful valley."
DeEtte Fisher
"Jaw dropping natural beauty at the top of the Wallowa Lake Tram line. There are nature trails for people of every ambition and skill level. Plaques describing scenery, wildlife and seasonal flora are featured at intervals along each excursion.
Helpful hint: You're at 8,000+ feet in elevation. No matter how warm you think it is at the lake, bring a hoody. It can easily be 20 degrees (or more) cooler at the summit. The nice thing about the elevation... Mosquitoes love me and I've never been bit up there. Be sure to pack your sunscreen!"
Frank Thomas
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The primary access to Mount Howard Summit Trails is via the Wallowa Lake Tramway, located in Wallowa Lake Village. The tram takes you directly to the summit.
Yes, there is typically parking available near the Wallowa Lake Tramway in Wallowa Lake Village. Arrive early during peak season to secure a spot.
No, private vehicles cannot access the Mount Howard summit. The Wallowa Lake Tramway is the only way to reach the top for trail access.
Mount Howard summit is at an elevation of approximately 8,150 feet (2,484 meters) above sea level.
Restroom facilities are generally available at the summit station of the Wallowa Lake Tramway.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Wallowa Lake Tram costs around $50 for a round trip per adult. Prices can vary, so it's best to check the official website for current rates.
While not always mandatory, booking Wallowa Lake Tram tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak tourist season, to avoid long queues.
Discounts may be available for children, seniors, or groups. Check the Wallowa Lake Tramway's official website for details on any available promotions.
Operating hours for the Wallowa Lake Tram vary seasonally. It's advisable to check their official schedule before your visit, as they often open in the morning and close in the late afternoon or early evening.
The trails at the summit are generally free to access once you've taken the tram up. The cost is associated with the tram ride itself.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
Mount Howard offers easy to moderate nature trails. Some are paved or well-maintained, while others can be more rugged, especially when covered in snow.
Trail marking can vary. While some trails have plaques describing scenery, they may not be well-marked when covered in snow, requiring visitors to create their own paths.
Mornings often offer clearer views and fewer crowds. However, late afternoon can also be beautiful as the light changes over the valley.
While not guaranteed, visitors have reported not being bothered by mosquitoes at the summit due to the elevation. Keep an eye out for local flora and fauna.
Wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes. Layers are essential, including a jacket, as temperatures can be significantly cooler than at the lake.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire summit offers incredible panoramic views. Look for vantage points overlooking Wallowa Lake, the valley, and the surrounding Wallowa Mountains.
Sunset can offer dramatic lighting over the valley, while sunrise can be stunning if you time your tram ride accordingly. Check tram operating hours for early or late access.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for distant mountain peaks or wildlife.
Generally, photography is allowed and encouraged. Be respectful of other visitors and any posted signage.
Drone usage may be restricted in national forest areas or due to park regulations. It's best to check with local authorities or the tramway operator before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Casual Sightseers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Wallowa Lake Tramway: Your Ascent to Adventure
While the tram offers unparalleled access, it comes with a price tag of approximately $50 round trip per adult. To make the most of your visit and avoid potential queues, especially during the busy summer months, booking your tickets in advance is highly recommended. Consider the time of day for your ride; morning ascents often provide clearer air and fewer crowds, while late afternoon can offer beautiful golden hour light for photography.
Exploring Mount Howard's Summit Trails
However, it's important to be prepared for varying trail conditions. While some paths are well-maintained, snow can linger at the summit well into late spring or early summer, sometimes obscuring the marked trails. In such conditions, visitors might need to forge their own paths, adding an element of adventure. Regardless of the season, always wear appropriate footwear, as even moderate trails can be uneven. The elevation at the summit means you're exposed to the elements, so packing layers is crucial.
Navigating the Summit's Climate and Conditions
Another benefit of the higher altitude is the reduced presence of insects. Many visitors who are typically bothered by mosquitoes report no issues at the summit. However, the intense sun at this elevation means that sunscreen is a must. Being aware of these conditions will help ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience exploring the Mount Howard summit trails.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit