Wallowa Lake: A popular destination at journey's end

Formed by glaciers some nine million years ago, its setting is sometimes cited by geologists as one of the most perfect examples of glacial moraines in the world.

Wallowa Lake five miles long, a mile wide and 283 feet deep  is the highest large lake in eastern Oregon at an elevation of  4,441 feet.

The foot or north end of the lake is only two miles from Joseph, and sports a launching area for boats, a small  park and swimming area. The annual fireworks display after dark on the Fourth of July draws thousands to top off the holiday.

Near the foot of the lake is the historic monument that marks Old Chief Joseph’s grave and the Iwetemlaykin State Heritage Site, a day-use area added to the Oregon State Parks system in 2009.

The head of Wallowa Lake just six miles south of Joseph is home to a resort community that comes alive during the summer when it plays hosts to a goodly share of the county’s visitors.

The biggest single visitor destination in Wallowa County is Wallowa Lake State Park,  which draws tens of thousands of campers every year. While not designed for those who are looking for a wilderness experience, the state park is perfect for families and RV-ers who appreciate a range of amenities with their outdoors experience. The park has 121 full hookups, 89 tent spots, one cabin, two yurts and a group tent site. It offers hot showers, a playground, marina and  interpretive programs in the middle of a resort area full of activities. Reservations are strongly advised and should be obtained far in advance for busy summer weekends.

The state park day-use area has picnic tables, barbecues, a swimming area and a marina with boats of all kinds for rent, as well as fishing supplies.

Not far from the state park is a world-class visitor attraction the Wallowa Lake Tramway. It offers a breath-taking gondola ride up the side of Mount Howard the steepest in North America carrying passengers up 3,700 feet to the mountains summit at 8,200 feet. There’s a small restaurant on top and many miles of trails to explore and an awe-inspiring view of the lake and valley below, as well as 26 mountain peaks.

Many groups congregate during the summer for group camp activities at the United Methodist campground, which hosts the Fishtrap Gathering writers conference, as well as a variety of youth camps.

The Wallowa Lake resort area offers all types of lodging from historic Wallowa Lake Lodge and rustic cabins  to modern condo accommodations. There is a wide variety of dining options from Hungarian food and seafood dinners to hamburgers and pizza.

Families will find many activities that appeal to children, including horseback riding, paddle boats, bumper boats, miniature golf and go-carts. There’s also a variety of gift shops to explore.

Hiking is a favorite family past-time. At  the south end of the Wallowa Lake highway is one of the county’s many trail heads into the Eagle Cap Wilderness, Oregon’s largest wilderness area.

Because of its end-of-the-road setting, Wallowa Lake is not a place visitors stop on the way to anyplace else, but a final destination for a vacation to remember.