Wallowa Mountains

The Wallowa Mountains are a rugged mountain range in northeastern Oregon noted for steep peaks, alpine basins and glacially carved valleys. The range includes high summits, a network of trails and extensive wilderness areas important for recreation.

The range was shaped by uplift and extensive Pleistocene glaciation that created its present cirques and lakes; human use has included seasonal grazing, small-scale logging and, more recently, outdoor recreation and conservation management. The area also has long-standing significance for Native peoples of the region.

The mountains sit in far northeastern Oregon, within Wallowa County, with the small towns of Joseph and Enterprise at the range foothills; the terrain rises sharply from the surrounding high desert and river valleys.

• Highest point: The highest summit reaches 9,838 feet and provides alpine views and winter snowfields well into summer.

What to See #

• Eagle Cap Wilderness: A federally designated wilderness area covering the high country of the range that contains the bulk of its trail network and backcountry lakes.
• Wallowa Lake: A large glacial lake at the southern foot of the range, roughly 3.5 miles long, that serves as a popular base for recreation and boat access to surrounding trails.
• Sacajawea Peak: The range's highest summit, rising to 9,838 feet, which is a common objective for hikers and peak-baggers.