Hells Canyon Scenic Byway
Visitor Services

Service Description Service Description
Bicycle/Pedestrian Facilities

Bicycle/Pedestrian Facilities

Distances between destinations make pedestrian activity impractical along much of the byway, except along Hwy 351 around Wallowa Lake. Most of the local pedestrian activity occurs in the... More information on Bicycle/Pedestrian Facilities 		Camping

Camping

Camping is offered in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest at Two Color Guard Station. To reserve a campground there, go to Recreation.gov: + [Two Color Guard... More information on Camping
Food

Food

There are numerous opportunities to stop to grab a bite to eat, such as in the communities of Baker City, La Grande, Wallowa, Enterprise, Joseph, and several others.

 Gasoline

Gasoline

Stop to fill up in Baker City or La Grande before starting on your trip. Several communities along the byway, including Jospeh, Wallowa, and Richland, offer the chance to refill your gas tank.
Information

Information

Visitor Centers are located at: * Wallowa Mountains Visitor Center * National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center at Flagstaff Hill * Nez Perce Interpretive Center near Wallowa * La... More information on Information 		Lodging

Lodging

Lodging is offered in the town of Minam.

NOTE: The America's Byways® website is federally funded and cannot promote commercial businesses. This data may not be complete or up to date. The National Scenic Byways Program is not responsible for the quality of your travel experience. See the right column on the Byway Overview page for local contact information.

Special Considerations

  • There are no services between Joseph and Halfway. Make sure you have plenty of gas before leaving these two communities.
  • You can drive the byway in about six hours, but to really enjoy it, you will need a few days. We recommend you reserve lodging accommodations prior to your trip.
  • Before starting out, take notice of the travel times as well as mileage between stops and keep your fuel tank as full as possible.
  • If you plan to hike, ski, snowmobile or otherwise explore off the main byway routes, pick up detailed maps at local information centers.
  • Be prepared for temperatures that vary as much as fifty degrees as the day wears on.
  • Remember to take along your camera, extra film, binoculars, a picnic or snack foods, plant and wildlife guides, first aid kit, drinking water, blanket, and jackets.

Restrictions

Wallowa Mountain Loop USFS Road 39, between Joseph and Halfway, is closed from November through February due to heavy snow.

Seasons

Best Time to Drive

Late May to October is the best time to drive the byway. From May to June, you'll see spectacular snow-capped mountains, lush green hills, wildflowers, and trees in bloom. Newborn animals are everywhere in the fields and mountains.

High Season

July and August are the busiest months on the byway due to recreation season.

Road Conditions

To find up to date information about the road conditions along Hells Canyon Scenic Byway, please visit the FHWA listing of web sites for more information.
Oregon