|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
The Wallowa Mountains are part of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest which is comprised of 2.3 million acres ranging in elevation from 875 feet in Hells Canyon, to 9845 feet in the Eagle Cap Wilderness. These forests are managed as sustainable ecosystems providing clean water, wildlife habitat and valuable forest products. The Forest extends from the Blue Mountains and rugged Wallowa Mountains down to the spectacular canyon country of the Snake River on the Idaho border. The Wallowa Lake Sate Park has been described as one of the most beautiful state parks in our country and may be Oregon’s best kept secret!
Home of the Nez Perce People – the town named after Chief Joseph their famous leader. Today, Joseph is known as an art town for many of its fine artists. Why they call this home is easy to understand; the natural beauty of the area is beyond words, a masterpiece in itself, a source of great inspiration. A thriving community of 1,300 the small town boast two foundries and a dozen galleries. Located just south of town is the scenic Wallowa Lake, access to the Eagle Cap Wilderness and Wallowa Lake Tramway that climbs to the top of 8,200 foot Mount Howard extending spectacular views of the Wallowas, Hells Canyon and Idaho’s Seven Devils.
Congress protected the cultural resources, historic, and archaeological sites of Hells Canyon by establishing Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. In doing so, they preserved this astoundingly beautiful area and also made it possible for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy boating, white water rafting, fishing, hiking and many, many other activities. Hells Canyon is an excellent place to spot soaring eagles, big horn sheep, the occasional bear and to experience the rugged beauty of the canyon. Famed Chief Joseph and his tribe of Nez Perce Indians lived in Hells Canyon. Plentiful wildlife for hunting and abundant food for themselves and their livestock made the Hells Canyon area ideal. They left evidence of their presence in petroglyphs and pictographs on the walls of the canyon.
|
|
|
 |
|
Hells Canyon Scenic Byway | | |
Wallowa Mountains | | |
Historic town of Joseph | | |
|
