Wallowa River at Wallowa Lake State Park - map

Nearest town is Joseph, OR

The Wallowa River runs from the confluence of its East and West forks at Wallowa Lake, through Northeastern Oregon to the Grand Ronde River. 

The Wallowa River has an exceptional diversity of species in part because it is a critical wintering habitat for bighorn sheep, elk, mule deer and whitetail deer. The river corridor is a sensitive wintering area for bald eagles. Visitors are able to enjoy an unusually long float season for a free-flowing river, from ice breakup in the spring to freeze up in the fall. Trips offer a rare multiple day float for those with beginner and intermediate skills. Kayaking, canoeing, and fishing are also popular. 

Help keep this river clean and healthy by adopting today! You can make a difference for this watershed and all who depend upon it.

About this State Scenic Waterway

The Wallowa River is a designated State Scenic Waterway from its confluence with the Minam River to its confluence with the Grand Ronde River (10 miles).

Oregon's diversity of river systems contributes richly to our quality of life. Oregonians decided to protect special waterways in 1970 when they voted two-to-one to establish the Oregon Scenic Waterways Program. The program seeks to balance protection and use through cooperation between federal, state, and local agencies as well as individual property owners and those who recreate along a waterway.  The program goals include:

• Protect the free-flowing character of designated rivers;
• Protect and enhance scenic and natural values, recreation, and fish and wildlife
• Protect private property rights; 
• Encourage other agencies to act consistently with the goals of scenic waterways

This river stretch was nominated by Bridget Tinsley, State Scenic Waterways Program, 541-388-6236