Ride the Wallowa Lake Tram 3,700’ up to Mount Howard for a short loop trail with spectacular panoramic views of the rugged Wallowa Mountains.

distance: 1.9 miles (loop)
elevation gain: 300 ft.
difficulty: easy
best season: July – September
parking pass: none

Located just south of Wallowa Lake and the town of Joseph, Oregon, the Wallowa Lake Tramway takes riders from the Wallowa Lake Valley floor (4,550’) to the summit of Mount Howard (8,150’). Tickets for the tram cost $31 for adults, with discounts for seniors, students, and kids under 11 (2016 rates).

The Nez Perce tribe lived in the Wallowa Valley for thousands of years before being expelled by General Howard (for whom this mountain is named) and his calvary. Chief Joseph led his people 1,500 miles before surrendering. His words still stir emotion about the wrongs committed to the native people during this time: “My heart is sick and sad. . . . From where the sun now stands, I shall fight no more forever.” Visit the Wallowa Band Nez Perce Trail Interpretive Center in Joseph, Oregon to learn more about the customs and culture of the indigenous inhabitants.

The ride to the top takes about 15 minutes, exiting near the Summit Grill and Alpine Patio restaurant. Resist the tempation to feed the Columbia and golden-mantled ground squirrels, chipmunks, and Clark’s nutcracker birds that frequently beg for food near the restaurant’s patio. They are wild animals that are much better off when left to feed on the plentiful grasses and seeds located here.

For the loop hike, take the trail next to the patio and stay right at all junctions. Known as the High Wallowa Loop National Recreation Trail, this loop hike has five designated viewpoints, with interpretive signs about the area.

In just 1/8 of a mile, a short side trail leads to the Royal Purple viewpoint, with outstanding views of the jagged high peaks of the Wallowas.

The alpine meadows on Mount Howard bloom in July and August, with several varieties of penstemon, red mountain heather, lance-leaf stonecrop, oval-leaf and alpine golden buckwheats, old man’s whiskers, field locoweed, fleabane, and alpine goldenrod. Wallowa penstemon and Greenmann’s desert parsley are rare plants found only in the Wallowa Mountains. Alpine wildflowers are easily damaged, so please stay on the trails to protect this fragile alpine environment.

Continue on the loop to the Summit Overlook, Highlands Overlook and to the Snake River Country and Seven Devils viewpoint, with views towards Hells Canyon and Idaho.

The Valley Overlook is perched high above the Wallowa Valley, including Wallowa Lake and the town of Joseph. A launch site for paragliding and hang gliding is located near the viewpoint.

Continue on the loop trail to return to the tram terminal.