Winding Waters River Expeditions is headquartered in beautiful Joseph, OR. All of our Snake River through Hells Canyon and Grande Ronde River rafting trips meet in Joseph. All of our Salmon River rafting trips meet in scenic Clarkston, Washington at the Holiday Inn, located along the Snake River.
Joseph, Oregon
Winding Waters River Expeditions’ Boathouse is headquartered in the mountain town of Joseph, a beautiful rural haven nestled in the foothills of the Wallowa Mountains of northeast Oregon. Both the Snake River through Hells Canyon and the Grande Ronde Rivers are located in this region. This area is rich in cultural and natural history. The landscape ranges from 9,838 feet (2,997 meters) above sea level (Sacagawea Peak) in the Eagle Cap Wilderness of the Wallowa Mountains to less than 1,400 feet (427 meters) above sea level in Hells Canyon. This wide-range of elevation results in a rich variety of wildlife species and ecosystem types. No stop-lights and only 1 fast food chain restaurant help keep this county of approximately 7,000 residents and 2.5 million acres a unique and well-loved treasure.
Prior to and following your rafting adventure with us, visitors can enjoy the scenic natural surroundings and the many shops and restaurants in Joseph. Home to a wide array of artists, Joseph’s downtown is graced with many beautiful bronzes. And be sure to visit the newly renovated Joseph City Park Playground, built by over 900 community volunteers in the spring of 2017 (that’s Todd, one of our guides, in the tan vest putting some final touches on the build).
Driving Directions
There are two main ways to get to Joseph year ’round: Highway 82 from La Grande (a scenic byway) and Highway 3 from Lewiston. In the summer only, one can take USFS Road #39 from Halfway. Any way you drive, you will not be disappointed as the scenery is beautiful. These roads are included in events like Cycle Oregon, a state-wide road bike tour of Oregon, and auto and motorcycle club tours. For approximate driving times, visit Google Maps.
Airports
The closest airport to fly into is in Lewiston, Idaho (Lewiston Nez Perce County Airport). Lewiston is located approximately 2 hours by car from Joseph. Alternative airports are in Walla Walla or Spokane, Washington, Pendleton, Oregon or Boise, Idaho. There are also small municipal airports in Joseph and Enterprise for private planes. If you would like to travel this countryside on your visit here, renting a car is your best option. For a SHUTTLE from Lewiston to Joseph, call Michele’s Car Service ((208) 305-5636).
Joseph Area Accommodations
The Wallowa County Chamber of Commerce has a comprehensive list of accommodations in the area.
Bed & Breakfasts |
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|---|---|---|
| Bronze Antler Bed & Breakfast | 309 South Main St. Joseph, OR 97846 |
(541) 432-0230 (866) 520-9769 Toll Free |
| Kokanee Inn Bed & Breakfast | 700 South Main Street Joseph, OR 97846 |
(541) 432-9765 |
Resorts & Lodges |
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|---|---|---|
| Eagle Cap Chalets | 59879 Wallowa Lake Hwy Joseph, OR 97846 |
(541) 432-4704 |
| Flying Arrow Resort | 59782 Wallowa Lake Hwy Joseph, OR 97846 |
(541) 432-2951 |
| Matterhorn Swiss Village | 59950 Wallowa Lake Hwy Joseph, OR 97846 |
(541) 432-4071 |
| Wallowa Lake Lodge | 60060 Wallowa Lake Hwy Joseph, OR 97846 |
(541) 432-9821 |
| Wallowa Lake Resort | 84681 Ponderosa Lane Joseph, OR 97846 |
(541) 432-2391 |
| Wallowa Lake Camp | 84522 Church Lane Joseph, OR 97846 |
(541) 432-1271 (866) 432-1271 Toll Free |
| Wallowa River Camp | PO Box 296 Enterprise, OR 97828 |
(800) 709-2039 Toll Free |
| Wallowa Lake Vacation Rentals | PO Box 296 Enterprise, OR 97828 |
(800) 709-2039 Toll Free (541) 426-2039 |
| Cabin Rentals at Wallowa Lake | (855) 432-0541 Toll Free (541) 432-0541 |
|
Hotels & Other |
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|---|---|---|
| Country Inn (formerly Melody Ranch) |
402 W. North Enterprise, OR 97828 |
(541) 426-4986 |
| Eagle’s View Inn & Suites | 1200 Highland Avenue Enterprise, OR 97828 |
(541) 426-2700 (855) 426-2700 Toll Free |
| The Jennings Hotel & Sauna | 100 North Main Street Joseph, OR 97846 |
theJenningsHotel@gmail.com |
| Ponderosa Motel | 102 S.E. Greenwood Enterprise, OR 97828 |
(541) 426-3186 |
| Wilderness Inn Motel | 301 W. North Enterprise, OR 97828 |
(541) 426-4535 |
| Wallowa Lake State Park Yurts |
72214 Marina Lane Joseph, OR 97846 |
(541) 432-8855 (800) 452-5687 Toll Free |
General Area Information
Wallowa County Chamber of Commerce
Summer Activities and Entertainment:
- Listing of Local Events, Wallowa County Chamber
- Watershed Festival: Enterprise, Oregon
- Chief Joseph Days Rodeo: Joseph, Oregon
- Wallowa Lake Marina: full-service marina at the lake offering boat rentals (including kayaks and pontoon boats), fishing licenses, and a store.
- Del Sol Wilderness Adventures: horseback riding, horsepacking, & hunting in the Eagle Cap Wilderness & Hells Canyon
Winter Activities:
- Listing of Local Events, Wallowa County Chamber
- Ferguson Ridge Ski Area
- Wallowa Alpine Huts
- Eagle Cap Extreme Sled Dog Race