Hells Canyon Scenic Byway
Wallowa Lake, OR

Beautiful Wallowa Lake was shaped by glaciers which covered this region three to seven times. The 2,000 foot thick Bennett Glacier scoured the West Fork of the Wallowa River for almost 20 miles, creating Wallowa Lake and leaving nearly perfect examples of lateral and terminal moraines around the lake. Mule deer wander in the vicinity year round. At six miles in length, Wallowa Lake is a playground to water skiers, jet skiers, and paddle-boaters. Go-carts and miniature golf are popular pursuits on shore. Take a tramway to spectacular views atop the 8,300-foot summit of Mt. Howard, on the edge of the Eagle Cap Wilderness. Two miles of hiking trails at the top of the tram ride provide incredible views into three states. This area was part of the ancestral homelands of the Wallowa Band of the Nez Perce. A monument to Old Chief Joseph rests at the north end of the lake.