Joseph Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the northeastern corner of Oregon, the charming city of Joseph offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, artistic inspiration, and small-town charm. Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, including the majestic Wallowa Mountains and the serene Wallowa Lake, Joseph is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

One of the main attractions in Joseph is the Wallowa Lake State Park, a haven for boating, fishing, and hiking. The crystal-clear waters of the lake are perfect for swimming or renting a paddleboard to explore its tranquil shores. For those seeking a more adventurous experience, the Wallowa Mountains offer a plethora of hiking trails, from gentle strolls to challenging treks that reward hikers with breathtaking vistas.

Aside from its natural wonders, Joseph is also renowned for its vibrant arts scene. The city is home to numerous art galleries, showcasing the works of local artists who draw inspiration from the surrounding landscapes. Visitors can immerse themselves in the creativity of the region by exploring the vibrant art scene, attending art festivals, or even taking part in workshops to learn new artistic techniques.

To delve into the rich history and culture of the area, a visit to the Wallowa County Museum is a must. The museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that tell the story of the region's Native American tribes, pioneers, and early settlers. Visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the area's heritage and the challenges faced by those who shaped its history.

After a day of outdoor adventures and cultural exploration, Joseph offers a variety of dining options to satisfy any palate. From cozy cafes serving locally sourced ingredients to upscale restaurants showcasing the flavors of the Pacific Northwest, there is something for everyone. For a truly unique experience, visitors can even indulge in a farm-to-table meal, enjoying the freshest produce straight from the surrounding farms.

Alternative names: Population: 1.1 thous.Area: 0.88 mi²Elevation: 4206 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 45°21'5"N, 117°13'44"W

Location

OregonUnited States

Contact

Website

Social media

Add

Joseph Top Attractions

Joseph Attractions - What to See and Explore

Joseph offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Josephy Center for Arts and Culture, Iwetemlaykin State Heritage Site, Wallowa Lake, Alvin M. and Betty Josephy Library of Western History and Culture. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum
Josephy Center for Arts and Culture
The Josephy Center for Arts and Culture is a community-based arts center located in Joseph, Oregon, United States. It hosts monthly exhibits, a variety of workshops, classes, film showings, and guest speakers.
Park
Iwetemlaykin State Heritage Site
Iwetemlaykin State Heritage Site, a public park in the U.S. state of Oregon, is on the south edge of Joseph, along Oregon Route 351. Its name comes from the Nez Perce place name, Iwetemlaykin, which means "at the edge of the lake".
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Wallowa Lake
Wallowa Lake is a ribbon lake 1 mile south of Joseph, Oregon, United States, at an elevation of 4,372 ft. Impounded by high moraines, it was formed by a series of Pleistocene glaciers.

Library
Alvin M. and Betty Josephy Library of Western History and Culture
The Alvin M. and Betty Josephy Library of Western History and Culture is a private, non-circulating SAGE-affiliated library located in Joseph, Oregon, United States. It is located on the second floor of the Josephy Center for Arts and Culture.
Museum
First Bank of Joseph
The First Bank of Joseph, at 2nd and Main Sts. in Joseph, Oregon, is a 25-by-91-foot historic building that was built in 1887. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
Romanesque architecture
Dr. J.W. Barnard Building and First National Bank of Joseph
The Dr. J. W. Barnard Building and First National Bank of Joseph, at 12 - 14 Main St. in Joseph, Oregon, is a pair of historic adjacent buildings sharing a common interior wall. They were built by investment of physician Dr. J. W. Barnard, rancher Ludwig Knapper, and banker Frederick Scribner. Each building is 25 by 60 feet in footprint.

Day trips

Joseph – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Joseph, it's worth seeing attractions such as: National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center (Baker City), Maxwell Lake (Eagle Cap Wilderness), Ice Lake (Eagle Cap Wilderness).

44 milesSW
Museum, Natural history museum, History museum
National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, Baker City
The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center is a 23,000-square-foot interpretive center about the Oregon Trail located 6 miles northeast of Baker City, Oregon on Oregon Route 86 atop Flagstaff Hill.
11 milesSW
Natural attraction, Lake
Maxwell Lake, Eagle Cap Wilderness
Maxwell Lake is a tarn located in the Eagle Cap Wilderness of Northeastern Oregon. It is situated near the North Minam Meadows and is 16 aerial miles from the town of Lostine, Oregon.
8.7 miS
Natural attraction, Lake
Ice Lake, Eagle Cap Wilderness
Ice Lake is a small freshwater lake at 7,900 feet on the south skirt of the Hurwal Divide within the Eagle Cap Wilderness region in Wallowa County, in northeastern Oregon, United States.
49 milesSW
Museum, History museum
Baker Heritage Museum, Baker City
The Baker Municipal Natatorium, located in Baker City, Oregon, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Baker Heritage Museum, previously the Oregon Trail Regional Museum, is now housed in this building.
9.9 miS
Natural attraction, Lake
Aneroid Lake, Eagle Cap Wilderness
In common with many of the neighboring lakes in the Eagle Cap Wilderness of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest in Wallowa County, Oregon, Aneroid Lake is nestled in an example of a cirque valley with large tarn scoured out of the mountain side by glacial movements during the Pleistocene.