🌤 Weather at Wallowa Lake State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26–61 °F | 44–80 °F | 25–71 °F | 18–39 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Joseph, 6 mi away, elevation 4,184 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏔️ Wallowa Lake State Park – The Complete Guide – Updated 2025
Oregon’s Little Switzerland
🏅 Official Guide: Wallowa Lake State Park — Nestled at the foot of the Wallowa Mountains in northeastern Oregon, this glacial lake park offers aerial tramway rides, alpine wilderness access, and a rich Nez Perce cultural heritage.
Wallowa Lake is a stunning glacial lake of remarkable clarity, cradled in a U-shaped valley carved by ancient glaciers. Known as “Oregon’s Little Switzerland” for its dramatic alpine setting, the park sits at 4,400 feet elevation at the southern end of the lake, with the jagged peaks of the Eagle Cap Wilderness rising directly behind it.
Wallowa Lake Tramway
The Wallowa Lake Tramway is the steepest four-passenger gondola in North America. In just 15 minutes, it carries riders from the valley floor (4,450 ft) to the summit of Mount Howard (8,150 ft) — a vertical rise of 3,700 feet. At the summit, a network of short alpine trails provides sweeping 360-degree views of the Wallowa Mountains, the Eagle Cap Wilderness, and the Snake River Canyon in Idaho.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Adult Ticket | $39 (round trip) |
| Child (4–11) | $27 |
| Season | Late May through September |
| Hours | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (last ride up) |
| Summit Trails | 5 short loops totaling ~2 miles at the top |
| Summit Café | Lunch menu available at the top |
Chief Joseph & the Nez Perce Legacy
The Wallowa Valley is the ancestral homeland of the Wallowa Band of Nez Perce, led by Chief Joseph (Hin-mah-too-yah-lat-kekt), one of the most famous Native American leaders in U.S. history. In 1877, the U.S. Army forcibly removed the Nez Perce from this valley, triggering the legendary 1,170-mile fighting retreat known as the Nez Perce War — one of the most extraordinary military campaigns in American history.
The grave of Old Chief Joseph (Chief Joseph’s father) rests at the north end of Wallowa Lake, marked by a simple monument. The annual Tamkaliks Celebration in nearby Wallowa brings Nez Perce descendents back to the valley each July for traditional dancing, drumming, and storytelling.
Eagle Cap Wilderness Access
The park serves as a major gateway to the Eagle Cap Wilderness, a 360,000-acre alpine wilderness containing over 50 mountain lakes, glacial valleys, and the highest peaks in NE Oregon (including 9,838-ft Sacajawea Peak). Popular backcountry trails departing from the park area include the Lakes Basin Loop (27 miles) and the Ice Lake Trail (7 miles to a stunning alpine lake at 7,900 feet).
Cabin & Yurt Rentals
| Type | Sleeps | Rate/Night | Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rustic Cabin | 4–5 | $50–80 | Bunk beds, fire ring, no plumbing |
| Deluxe Cabin | 4–6 | $85–140 | Heated, kitchenette, restrooms nearby |
| Yurt | 4–5 | $60–90 | Canvas-walled, wooden floor, fire ring |
Campground sites (210 total) include full-hookup, electric, and tent-only options. Reserve via Oregon State Parks.
Planning Your Visit
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 72214 Marina Lane, Joseph, OR 97846 |
| Coordinates | 45.2780° N, 117.2170° W |
| Elevation | 4,400 feet |
| Day-Use Fee | $5/vehicle |
| From Portland | ~5.5 hours (via I-84 and Hwy 82) |
| Nearest Town | Joseph, OR (6 miles north) |
| Phone | (541) 432-4185 |
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Iwetemlaykin State Heritage Site (a short drive away) or Wallowa Lake Highway Forest State Scenic Corridor (a short drive away).
🏔️ Ready to discover Oregon’s alpine gem?
Ride the steepest gondola in North America and explore Eagle Cap Wilderness at Wallowa Lake.
Explore More Oregon State Parks
Wallowa Lake State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Oregon. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Oregon guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
⛺ Camping at Wallowa Lake State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 121 full-hookup sites (36 pull-through, water available mid-May-Sep 30), 88 tent sites w/ water nearby (many cannot fit RVs, paved parking, generators prohibited), 3 group tent areas (up to 25 people/6 vehicles, 1 small self-contained RV allowed as cooking unit), non-reservable hiker/biker camp |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 2 yurts only, no cabins; hard-sided heated one-room structures, sleeps 5, futon and bunk bed, coffee table, electrical outlets; guests bring own bedding/supplies; no smoking, appliances, cooking or candles inside; Yurt 18 pet-friendly, Yurt 19 is not; 2 sites wheelchair accessible |
| Pets | Leashed (max 6 ft) or voice-controlled pets welcome; off-leash area near marina; not allowed in swim areas or buildings; Yurt 18 pet-friendly (Yurt 19 is not); horses not permitted on park property |
| Reservations | oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com or 800-452-5687, up to 6 months in advance; hiker/biker sites first-come, first-served |
| Special sites | 3 group tent areas; non-reservable hiker/biker camp; overflow vehicle parking $10/night; RV dump station |
| Season notes | Open year-round; winter (Oct-May 18) water shut off to individual sites, only B Loop and back of D Loop restrooms heated, frost-free spigot at site D17; open flame ban in effect as of Jul 17, 2026 |
Camping questions about Wallowa Lake State Park
Can you camp at Wallowa Lake State Park?
121 full-hookup sites (36 pull-through, water available mid-May-Sep 30), 88 tent sites w/ water nearby (many cannot fit RVs, paved parking, generators prohibited), 3 group tent areas (up to 25 people/6 vehicles, 1 small self-contained RV allowed as cooking unit), non-reservable hiker/biker camp.
How do you reserve a campsite at Wallowa Lake State Park?
oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com or 800-452-5687, up to 6 months in advance; hiker/biker sites first-come, first-served.
Are there cabins at Wallowa Lake State Park?
2 yurts only, no cabins; hard-sided heated one-room structures, sleeps 5, futon and bunk bed, coffee table, electrical outlets; guests bring own bedding/supplies; no smoking, appliances, cooking or candles inside; Yurt 18 pet-friendly, Yurt 19 is not; 2 sites wheelchair accessible.
Are pets allowed at the Wallowa Lake State Park campground?
Leashed (max 6 ft) or voice-controlled pets welcome; off-leash area near marina; not allowed in swim areas or buildings; Yurt 18 pet-friendly (Yurt 19 is not); horses not permitted on park property.
Source: stateparks.oregon.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Wallowa Lake State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in Oregon state parks and on most ocean beaches but must be leashed except in designated off-leash areas.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash no longer than 6 feet required in developed park areas
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are allowed on most ocean beaches under direct control; western snowy plover nesting areas restrict pets March 15 - Sept. 15; leash required on the beach at some parks (e.g. Cape Lookout)
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Designated pet-friendly yurts and cabins at many parks (South Beach has 14 pet-friendly yurts, Tugman 8); maximum two dogs and/or cats; $10 per night pet fee
- Pet fees statewide rule
- $10 per night for pet-friendly yurts/cabins; no pet fee for day use or campsites
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets prohibited at Dabney SRA, the Trail of Ten Falls at Silver Falls, and Shore Acres; off-leash areas at Stub Stewart, Willamette Mission, Elijah Bristow, Cottonwood Canyon and LaPine
Are dogs allowed at Wallowa Lake State Park?
Pets are welcome in Oregon state parks and on most ocean beaches but must be leashed except in designated off-leash areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via stateparks.oregon.gov. More: Oregon state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Wallowa Lake State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
