Things to do & places to visit in Joseph, Oregon, United States

Joseph city in Oregon, United States. Timezone: America/Los_Angeles, current date and time: Sunday, May 05, 2024, 5:58.

Top things to do (28)

Top places to visit (22 attractions)

5.0 Winding Waters River Expeditions & Day Tours (130 reviews)
- Wow! Just Do It!
Sunday: River Rafting & Tubing

I never kayaked, though was a bit familiar with white water in the East. This trip is for those who love being outside, in water, and love being active, not necessarily experienced. Everyone in my group used the duckies, which are optional and so exhilarating. The guides are very experienced, knowledgeable about history of the area, and devoted to assuring a safe and fun experience. The food was FANTASTIC. They prepare/ cook on site which was incredible. There was steak salmon sushi, great salads, and dessert. We saw eagles daily, some Big Horn sheep, and one river otter. Lots of birds and butterflies too. Penny and Paul are thoughtful and knowledgeable. I highly recommend Winding Waters. See more..
5.0 Valley Bronze Gallery & Foundry (86 reviews)
- Don't Miss This Tour!
Sunday: Art Galleries

The tour of the foundry was fascinating. I had no idea what all went into creating bronze sculptures! I would recommend t taking the tour first and then walk the main street of Joseph to see all the bronze statues. It makes you appreciate them even more. See more..
5.0 JO Paddle (25 reviews)
- Great time Kayaking on Lake Wallowa with JO Paddle.
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Boat Tours • Night Tours • Gear Rentals • Boat Rentals • Stand Up Paddleboarding • Kayaking & Canoeing

We had a fantastic time on Lake Wallowa. We did a three hour kayak experience from the north end with JO paddle. This family own business puts their heart and soul into providing you the best experience on the water. We enjoyed our time immensely and highly recommend this experience. At the end of our time on the water, the owner gave us numerous tips about other hikes and activities that we could do in the area. So the next time you’re in Joseph Oregon I would highly recommend that you rent kayaks or stand up paddle boards with JO paddle. We have rented kayaks in the San Juan Islands, Seattle Washington and other places and JO Paddle was by far the best experience we’ve ever had. See more..
5.0 Wallowa Paragliding (3 reviews)
- Paragliding over Wallowa Lake
Parasailing & Paragliding

We had a blast paragliding with Todd. We had a really great experience. We will definitely do it again. Todd took both my wife and me up. And we both found it to be fun, relaxing and quite incredible. See more..
5.0 Joseph Fly Shoppe (2 reviews)
- Best small town shop
Sunday: Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

Legit fly shop for the fisherman/woman, and adjoining jewelry store is run but the other half of this husband wife duo and outside is Shadow, the trusty steed the owner rode in on. Absolutely perfect for this town. Excellent service. The family was talking about the visit here for months afterwards. We adore this place. See more..
4.5 Wallowa Lake Tramway (500 reviews)
- Wallowa Lake Tramway
Trams • Observation Decks & Towers

I made the reservations online months before our stay at Wallowa Lake. I received a phone call the day before advising due to the heat tram rides for the day were canceled. The customer service person was quickly able to rebook us for Friday and received an email reminding us of the date change. We were staying within five minutes of the tramway so we walked and were one of the first people up that day. Everyone: the ticket booth person, tram workers, and summit grill hostess were very gracious and kind. The ride up was incredible. We were able to see the waterfalls we hiked the previous two days, the lake, the towns of Joseph and Enterprise. The ride itself was very quiet and over before we knew it! The trails at the top of Mt. Howard were well maintained with interesting interpretive signs and many signs regarding the fragility of the flower. which many people ignored unfortunately. This is a must DO! I suggest going early in the morning before the crowds. See more..
4.5 Wallowa Lake State Park (257 reviews)
- Excellent campground.
Sunday: State Parks

I went in October…it was crisp fall-like weather. Stayed in a yurt. Great experience for my disabled family. Loved it, so much that I’m Moving to joseph. In just over a week. The yurt was warm, clean and suitable for at least six people. The heater and air purifier were a bonus, and they worked fine. The rangers were knowledgeable and courteous, allowed me to check in a few hours early. Points for that! Next day the deer came to investigate enforce.. they came so close begging for food they nuzzled my wife’s hand and sons arm. incredible. My son was enthralled and amazed. He too was hooked. Bathrooms were clean. Shower was sufficient. It’s a campground shower, So, it had its detractors. But was clean and hot. Definitely going back. Great time is the off season. Been there in the summer months. Not a spot, site or yurt to be had. Will ever go in peak season again. See more..
4.5 Joseph Branch Railriders (89 reviews)
- Great Even in the Rain and Fog
Sunday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Rail Tours

We reserved our tickets to ride in early June about 4 weeks in advance, not knowing it would be raining all day during our visit with fog that completely obscured the nearby Wallowa Mountains. No matter. This was such a fun experience! Our almost 3 yo daughter loved the ride, and so did mom and dad! It was so much fun riding the rails and the electric assist made the uphill return easier, though it wasn't completely necessary. The staff are all top notch and made our entire experience so memorable! I can only imagine how much fun this would be on a clear day! See more..
4.5 Eagle Cap Wilderness (43 reviews)
- Even day hikes into the Eagle Cap Wilderness are satisfying
Sunday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Equestrian Trails

My spouse and I did two day hikes into the Eagle Cap Wilderness - a hike up Hurricane Creek and one up the Joseph trail beginning in Lake Wallowa State Park. Hurricane Creek was a real highlight - the trail is relatively level (slowly goes uphill) and has wonderful scenery starting a mile up the trail. In contrast, the trail starting in Lake Wallowa State Park was extremely steep and had limited views in the short hike we took (about 1.25 miles). Still, it was fun to get out and hike through the forest. See more..
4.5 Josephy Center for Arts and Culture (31 reviews)
- Cultural Center of an artistic town
Sunday: Points of Interest & Landmarks

The Wallowa Valley is well off the beaten track but has been discovered a bit by a thriving arts community. Those that really gave birth to that have formed the Josephy Center which is a gallery/museum/teaching place for the arts. It is in a pretty modern ex-bank building that is quite attractive. The docents are helpful and friendly and the exhibits change. Plus they sent us to a great local coffee/tea shop in the area. Really glad we stopped. When in the valley you can see why the Nez Pearce were so pissed about getting kicked out! The sort of place you want to figure out how you could stay and live there. See more..
4.5 Wallowa Lake Marina Boat Rentals (30 reviews)
- It’s a great place !
Gear Rentals

The place is amazing , staff were friendly and helpful ! It was a great trip ! We will be back . It’s nice to see workers enjoying their jobs and being happy and helpful to everyone , it’s hard to find places where people truly enjoy their jobs. The boss was cooking for his crew looked like some amazing barbecue smelled delicious. See more..
4.5 Stein Distillery (16 reviews)
- Excellent whiskey, nice folks.
Spent < 1 hour Distilleries

Stopped at Stein Distillery while spending a few days in the Joseph area. Sample 3 of their products and was truly impressed with the quality. Bought a bottle of their single malt to bring home. Also got a quick tour of back area where the stills are located. Going back to the area again next year, this place will be one of my first stops. See more..
4.5 Wallowology Natural History Discovery Center (10 reviews)
- Interactive displays
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 AM Spent < 1 hour Science Museums

We are a Natural History museum in Joseph, Oregon. We invite visitors to explore and discover Eastern Oregon's lands and waters through exhibits, workshops, and evening presentations by scientists, artists and others! See more..
4.5 Wallowa Lake State Park (10 reviews)
- Great place to relax, swim, kayak
Spent 2-3 hours Parks
Excellent lake access, great place to relax, swim, kayak, picnic, etc., even in this time of the pandemic. See more..
4.5 Wallowa County Museum (7 reviews)
- Great little hime-grown museum
History Museums

What a little gem. Joseph is cute and this was a fun little museum about the local area history. The women there were both older ladies who had lived there all their lives. They were so engaging with my daughter. It’s a nice stop as you walk down the main strip in Joseph. See more..
4.5 Aspen Grove Gallery (2 reviews)
- Oldest Gallery in Joseph
Spent 1-2 hours Art Galleries
Mark Kortnik is a local artist who operates the Aspen Grove Gallery, the oldest gallery in Joseph. His gallery features all types of paintings and features spectacular paintings of Indians in the Wallowas. I spent an hour discussing art with Mark while my wife was across the street getting a massage. The next day, my wife and I visited the gallery and spent two hours studying the artwork, deciding on one of Mark's paintings to grace the entrance hall of our home. We spent 3 days in Joseph and the purchase of a painting was one of the highlights of our trip. We appreciated that the Aspen Grove Gallery was open on a Tuesday and a Wednesday when over half of the art galleries in Joseph were closed, some closed for winter season when few tourists are in town. When we return to Joseph in 2016, we will be stopping at Aspen Grove Gallery to visit. By the way, the Gallery is next to Stein Distillery. See more..
4.0 Old Chief Joseph Gravesite (22 reviews)
- memorable stop
Spent < 1 hour Monuments & Statues

My grandfather often told stories of Chief Joseph. I was grateful to pay tribute the memory of this leader. See more..
4.0 Iwetamlaykin State Heritage Site (17 reviews)
- Peaceful and serene
Spent < 1 hour State Parks • Mountains • Hiking Trails

We were waiting for the rain to ease up and check this trail out. It's very easy not much to it. Very northwest style we are used to since we live in the Columbia gorge. Very kid friendly path. See more..
4.0 Bodywork Massage and Skin Studio (2 reviews)
- Very Nice Massage
Spent 1-2 hours Spas
I had a very wonderful experience with Trish and her theraputic massage. I would highly recommend this to anyone in need. Call or text 541-624-2000 See more..
3.0 Maxville Heritage Intepretive Center (2 reviews)
- didn't visit
Spent < 1 hour History Museums
We didn't visit as it was closed saturday and Sundays. Big mistake as that is when most people visit. See more..
JO Trolley Scenic Tours (0 review)
Historical & Heritage Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Bus Tours

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Simply Sandy’s (0 review)
Antique Shops
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