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Oregon
26

Oregon State Parks

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Oregon
Central & Eastern Region
Wallowa Lake State Park
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Wallowa Lake State Park © Rick Obst / CC BY 2.0
Wallowa Lake State Park © Rick Obst / CC BY 2.0
Wallowa Lake State Park © Rick Obst / CC BY 2.0
Wallowa Lake State Park © Rick Obst / CC BY 2.0
Wallowa Lake State Park © Rick Obst / CC BY 2.0
Wallowa Lake State Park © Rick Obst / CC BY 2.0
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WALLOWA LAKE STATE PARK
WALLOWA LAKE STATE PARK
72214 Marina Lane
Joseph, Oregon   97846

Phone: 541-432-4185
Toll Free: 800-551-6949
Reservations: 541-432-4185
With a campground surrounded on three sides by 9,000' tall snow-capped mountains and a large, clear lake, this is the area for you. The lake is a popular fishing and boating site. Around the Wallowa Lake area, you can enjoy hiking wilderness trails, horseback riding, bumper boats, canoeing, miniature golf or ride a tramway to the top of one of the mountains. Wildlife is abundant in the area.

There are gift shops nearby and a thriving artist community which does world-class bronze castings. Tours are available through the foundries and the showroom displays. Wallowa Lake also serves as a gateway to visit Hells Canyon, the deepest gorge in North America. There are activities for everyone in the family.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseSwimming Beachyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
 Electric Sitesyes
 Full Hookup Sitesyes
Camping
1. Wallowa Lake State Park Campground: This campground offers 121 full-hookup sites, 88 tent sites with water nearby, two yurts and three group tent camping areas.

2. Eagle Cap Wilderness Area Camping: Located within the park boundaries is this wilderness area where you can camp in a more primitive setting surrounded by nature's beauty.

3. Little Alps Day Use Area & Trailhead: While not offering overnight accommodations itself, it provides access to backcountry campsites for those willing to hike into the wilderness.

4. Private Cabin Rentals around Wallowa Lake: There are several private cabins available for rent near the lake that offer amenities like kitchens and bathrooms while still being close enough to enjoy all of what state park has on offer.

5. RV Parks Near Wallowa Lake State Park: If you're traveling via an RV or camper van there are also numerous parks located just outside of the main grounds which provide hookups as well as other facilities such as showers and laundry rooms.

6. Wagon Train Group Tent Site: A large site designed specifically for groups who want a communal camping experience under Oregon's starry skies.

7. Chief Joseph Mountain Viewpoint: For adventurous types looking forward only views rather than creature comforts; no formal pitches but plenty space set up your own temporary home amidst stunning natural scenery.
Swimming
1. Wallowa Lake State Park offers a designated swimming area in the crystal-clear waters of Wallowa Lake.
2. Lifeguards are not provided, so swim at your own risk.
3. Swimming is free with park admission and open during daylight hours only.
4. The lake's water temperature varies but can be chilly even in summer due to mountain runoff.
5. Inflatable devices or pool toys may be used within the swimming area boundaries for added fun and relaxation.
6. The shallow end near the shore makes it safe for children under adult supervision.
7. There are no indoor pools; all swimming options are outdoors on natural freshwater bodies.

Boating
Visitors to this park in Oregon can enjoy a variety of boating options. The lake is open for both motorized and non-motorized boats, with two boat ramps available for public use. Boat rentals including paddleboards, kayaks, rowboats and pedal boats are offered by local businesses around the area. Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate that the lake is stocked annually with trout making it an ideal spot for fishing from your boat as well.
Fishing
Enjoy fishing in a pristine alpine lake, teeming with rainbow trout and Kokanee salmon. A valid Oregon license is required. The nearby Wallowa River also offers excellent steelhead runs seasonally. Fishing gear rentals are available locally for convenience.


Location
Wallowa Lake State Park is

Picnicking
Wallowa Lake State Park offers picnic areas with tables and grills, surrounded by stunning mountain views. Day-use fees apply.
Trails
1. Chief Joseph Mountain Trail: This challenging 11-mile trail offers stunning views of the Wallowa Mountains and valleys below, with a steep ascent to reach an elevation over 9,000 feet.

2. West Fork Wallowa River Trail: A moderate difficulty level hike that stretches for about 18 miles along the beautiful river valley offering scenic vistas and wildlife sightings.

3. Ice Lake Trail: An intense uphill climb spanning approximately eight miles leading hikers through alpine meadows towards a breathtaking glacial lake surrounded by towering peaks.

4. East Moraine Hiking Route: Easy three mile round trip route on flat terrain around the eastern edge of Wallowa Lake providing panoramic views across water body against backdrop of mountains.

5. Hurricane Creek Trial: Approximately five-miles long featuring cascading waterfalls, wildflower-filled meadows and snow-capped mountain landscapes; suitable for all skill levels but can be extended further into Eagle Cap Wilderness area if desired.

6. Aneroid Lake Loop: Moderate:to-difficult looped hiking path covering roughly twenty-one miles showcasing diverse terrains including forests, streams & high-altitude lakes while also passing historic mining sites.

7. Bonny Lakes Trails: Roughly nine:mile trek taking you up switchbacks before descending down to two serene subalpine Bonny Lakes nestled in forest setting ideal spot for camping or fishing.

8. Minam River Lodge: Accessible only via foot or horseback this remote lodge is located at end point six:and-a-half mile moderately difficult Minam River trail which winds its way alongside picturesque creek under canopy old-growth trees.

9. Hidden Peak Lookout: Short yet strenuous one-point-five mile offshoot from main trails leads adventurous climbers atop Hidden peak where fire lookout tower provides sweeping aerial view entire park region.

10. Mirror lake:Thornton lake trial: Longest most demanding thirty-three mileage journey traversing multiple ridges crossing several creeks and culminating at two pristine alpine lakes surrounded by rugged mountain peaks.
Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts can explore numerous trails, though some are quite challenging. Helmets and safety gear are strongly recommended.

The Chief Joseph Mountain Trail is a popular choice for experienced cyclists due to its steep inclines.

For those seeking less strenuous options, the Iwetemlaykin State Heritage Site offers gentle paths with stunning views of surrounding landscapes.

Remember that cycling on hiking-only trails or off designated routes isn't permitted; respect park rules to protect local wildlife habitats.

In winter months, biking may be limited due to snowfall - always check weather conditions before setting out.

Renting bicycles locally is possible if you don't have your own equipment but availability varies seasonally.
Birding
Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting various species like bald eagles, ospreys and red-tailed hawks. The park's diverse habitats attract many migratory birds too. Birding tours are also available for enthusiasts.

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Directions
1. If you're coming from Portland or other areas west of Wallowa County, start by taking I:84 East towards Pendleton.
2. Continue on I:84 until reaching Exit 302A for La Grande/Baker City/Highway 82.
3. Take this exit and merge onto Highway 82 heading toward Elgin/Wallowa/Lostine/Joseph.
4. Follow Highway 82 through Elgin and continue eastward into Wallowa County.
5. Once in Enterprise (about a two:hour drive from La Grande), turn right at N River St/Oregon Route 3 S/Main Street: signs will indicate "Joseph" as well.
6. Follow OR:3 South for approximately six miles before turning left onto Hurricane Creek Road/NF39 (look out for signage indicating "Wallowa Lake").
7. Continue along NF39/Hurricane Creek Road for about seven miles until it intersects with West Fork Wallowa River Road/NF64: take a slight right here.
8. Stay on NF64/West Fork Wallow River road as it winds its way up alongside the river valley; after around five miles, look out again for signs pointing to "WALLOWA LAKE" where you'll need to make another slight right turn.
9. After making that turn, follow this road all the way down into beautiful WAllowalake Valley-this should be your final stretch!
10. You'll soon arrive at an intersection where there's a sign directing visitors either straight ahead ("South Entrance") or left ("North Entrance"). Choose according to which part of the state park interests you most!

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Oregon State Parks

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