Wallowas name comes from the Nez Perce Wa-Lc-Wah, the name of the tripod used to support fishing nets. Needless to say, youre entering fishing territory of the highest magnitude. 

The community sits 45 miles out of La Grande on Highway 82 and is often called the gateway to the valley.

Wallowa is also famous for its Old Time American Fourth of July celebration, complete with parade, barbecue and all the usual Independence Day traditions.

Modern Wallowa County is proud of its multi-cultural beginnings and the town of Wallowa is host to two important cultural experiences. The annual Tamkaliks Celebration is held each July at the Wallowa Band Nez Perce Trail Interpretative Center along the Wallowa River on Whiskey Creek Road. It features Native American dancers, vendors of art and cultural products, and an annual friendship feast. 

Another cultural treasure that is being showcased more each year is the remote community of Maxville, the multi-cultural site of a logging town.  An information center in Wallowa is now open. Find out more at www.maxvilleheritage.org

The Wallowa History Center houses historical artifacts from nearby Lostine, Promise, Maxville, Troy, Flora and Bartlett. The center is on East First Street. Although it is only open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesdays in the summer, volunteers will be glad to open the center for tours on request. Call (541) 886-9695 or email walhistory@gmail.com

The road up to Little Bear Creek Campground features a trailhead for both hiking and horseback riding, begins in Wallowa.