Wallowa Lake has Swiss look

They don't call the Wallowa Lake area the Switzerland of the United States for nothing.

Mountains tower above and drop steeply into the large Northeast Oregon tarn, looking much like the Alps in the scenic European nation.

Wallowa Lake is hemmed in on three sides by the Wallowa Mountains, with the fourth side to the north of the glacial cirque valley dammed up by an ancient moraine of epic proportions.

The formation created by rocks and dirt falling off the end of a Pleistocene Age glacier stands at 1,210 feet high from the bottom of the lake to the top above it.

A small human made dam from 1917 helped increase the maximum depth of the lake some 30 feet to its current 299 feet with the average depth set at 161 feet.

The elongated 2.347 square mile lake boasts a length of 3.48 miles and it is 5,280 feet wide.

It is made up of almost pristine fresh and clear water, with some locals still drinking directly from it.

Recreational opportunities abound in the setting, with the easiest being a quick stop at Wallowa Lake County Park on the north end one mile south of the town of Joseph, which was named after the famed Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce tribe.

From here you can look across to the mountains, with the grassy and rocky moraine standing out to the left.

The park is for day use only and includes a few picnic tables and a boat ramp, from which anglers can set out in pursuit of sockeye salmon, Rainbow Trout, bull trout and lake trout.

Wallowa Lake County Park is also the launching point for a large annual fireworks show on the Fourth of July.

Among the mountains at the southern end of the lake that has a surface elevation of 4,372 feet is Wallowa Lake State Park.

Aside from a view looking back toward the north end of the lake and up at the mountains, this park has 121 full hookup camp sites and 88 tent sites from which you can get an even grander view at night.

Because of its elevation and its great distance from any light producing large cities, the sky is extra dark and brings out a countless array of the Milky Way Galaxy's stars as well as the visible planets of our solar system and other astronomical features.

Also available at the state park are a marina, a beach, two yurts to stay in, three group tent areas, hiker/biker camping, hot showers, toilets and a play area.

It also has picnic tables, including two group areas that can be reserved with one covered.

The state park runs one mile up the Wallowa River to the Little Alps day use area with one more group picnic setting nestled between the Wallowa's east and west forks.

Hikes into the Wallowa Mountains of the Eagle Cap Wilderness Area abound.

The state park is open all year, including for day use and camping.

In between the state and county parks on the east side of the lake you can find the start of a tram ride to the top of 8,150 foot Mount Howard with a stunning view well worth the extra time it takes -- plus a restaurant.

How to get there:

Take Highway 82 off of Interstate 84 in La Grande and head east on what is also known as the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway to the town of Joseph.  Take a right and head south on the Wallowa Lake Highway to the county park and on to the tramway base and the state park.

Call (800) 551-6949 for information on the state park with reservations available at (800) 452-5687.

For tram information, call (541) 432-5331 or look up info@wallowalaketramway.com.

The tram address is 59919 Wallowa Lake Highway, Joseph, OR 97846.

Text and photos by Tim Clinton.