They call it the
“Switzerland of Oregon” and when I heard that I was skeptical.I’m talking about Joseph, Oregon,
located in the Northeast corner of the state, about 400 miles east of
Portland.I’ve been to
Switzerland and to think there is anything like that here in Oregon took a
leap of faith.Well, let me
tell you, this is the Switzerland of Oregon.With the 10,000 foot snow packed
peaks of the Wallowa mountains rising just to the south of Joseph and the
Wallowa lake sitting like a sapphire at their feet, this place is just
spectacular!
But
let me back up.We’ve been
hearing about Joseph for several years.We enjoy attending art festivals
and there are several in Portland.In these we’ve admired bronze sculptures and learned that many are
cast in Joseph, which has become the bronze-casting center of the U.S.
with several foundries.As a
result Joseph has become something of an art colony despite its remote
location near famous Hells Canyon recreation area.We’ve wanted to visit the area for
a long time and finally did over a recent four-day weekend.
Downtown Joseph, Oregon Click for enlarged view (29 KB)
With
our dear friends Russ and Moe we drove to Joseph a couple weeks ago after
Labor Day.We mapped out our
coarse using Russ’s laptop and new Maps and Street 2005 software with GPS
– wow, is this cool – surprisingly detailed and fun to watch as the GPS
tracks you as you drive.The
route took us east on Highway 86 through the scenic Columbia Gorge (Lewis
& Clark Territory), Hood River (windsurfing capital), Pendleton (on
the weekend of the famous Pendleton Roundup Rodeo), La Grande (gateway to
the Blue Mountains), and then off Hwy 86 north on a state route to Joseph,
about 90 miles from La Grande.Then the beautiful Wallowa valley opened up to us like a fairy tale
kingdom in the high plains. It was breathtaking as you could see forever
in any direction.At the very
end of the valley lies Joseph.
Lake Wallowa, Oregon Click for enlarged view (60 KB)
We
checked in to the Bronze Antler Bed and Breakfast, which Moe found
from her research.There are
several choices of lodging – but, without a doubt, the Bronze Antler is the
best Bed and Breakfast we’ve ever stayed at. The owners, Heather
and Bill, are retired military health care professionals. Their
care-giving careers showed through because we received fantastic service in their
friendly atmosphere.Heather’s “always within reach” fudge brownies and oatmeal cookies
are to die for and Bill doesn’t mind accommodating special diets in his
repertoire of scrumptious breakfast feasts.They bought the 1906 bungalow in 1998
and meticulously remodeled it to provide three roomy upstairs bedroom suites
each with private baths; downstairs is the large living/dining room,
kitchen, and owner’s suite.The view from the dining room table of the mountains placed them in
the top ten scenic views from a bed and breakfast in the
country.
Bronze Antler Click for enlarged view (34 KB)
Over
the next couple days from our base in Joseph, we took several road trips
to the surrounding area.We
drove up to a scenic overlook of Hells Canyon – the deepest gorge in North
America (a full 1000 feet deeper than the Grand Canyon).This is simply awesome!We also went to Imnaha, a very
little town, during their annual Rattlesnake and Bear Feed and
Parade.Our plans were to
drive up to the junction of the Snake and Imnaha rivers but we had to stop
at Imnaha because overnight rains damaged the road further up the
line.But the parade (albeit
short) and festival were worth it.On Friday we did our shopping and browsing through the several
galleries and shops of Joseph.The bronze foundries offer tours showing the rather complicated
casting process.
Hells Canyon, Oregon Click for enlarged view (42
Downtown Imnaha, Oregon Click for enlarged view (45 KB)
KB)
At
the end of Wallowa Lake there is a tram (hanging gondola) that goes to the
top of Mount Howard (elevation 8,150 feet) from which sweeping views are
had of the mountains and the lake and valley – another feast for the eyes.
Here is where everyone takes a turn at being Julie Andrews. Actually, the
lake and state park located on the south end is quite a summer vacation
center with many camp and motor home sites and lodging of wide variety
along with restaurants and kiddy activities
Wallowa Lake Tram Click for enlarged view (41 KB)
Overall, what a
surprise!!And what a great
trip! Traveling with good friends is always fun - this is a trip that
we’ll talk about for years to come, and imagine it’s nearly in our
backyards.
Tip: For dinner, Russell’s
At The Lake is the best restaurant we’d found – the fresh Trout was
wonderful.Restaurants
outside of the Lake and Joseph area are just so-so.
Facts about the area:– a
high plain that means in the fall and spring the nights can get quite
chilly.However,
temperatures in the summer can reach 100º F. Wallowa Lake elevation –
4,441 feet, 5 miles long and 1 mile wide and 283 feet deep!
Wallowa Mountains Seven Devils Click for enlarged view (25 KB)
Joseph, Oregon is fairly
remote but can be accessed from the north Spokane, WA (4 hour drive) and
from the east Boise, ID (4.5 hour drive) as well as from the west Portland
(6 hours).This part of the
world is so scenic that the long drive passes quickly and there is
something to see around every bend.
Specials!
