High Wallowa Trail

The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest is a 2.3-million acre area that extends from the Blue Mountains and Wallowa Mountains in Oregon down to the Snake River in Idaho. More than 500,000 visitors enjoy the forest each year and partake in activities like hiking, camping, fishing, horseback riding, bird-watching, and much more. 

One such hiking trail to try in the forest is called the High Wallowa Trail, and the trailhead is near Joseph, Oregon. This trail stretches for 1.2 miles, and your dog can accompany you for your trek if they remain on a leash and you clean up after them as you go.

To reach the summit of the mountain, you will take the Wallowa Tramway. The trail is often referred to as the Wallowa Tramway Summit Trail because of this, and it will cost you $35 to ride the tram to the top. On the tram, you'll get astounding views from all angles. Once you reach the top, there's a 1.2-mile hike you can complete with even more magnificent views!

The High Wallowa Trail consists of one main loop and two optional spurs you can also hike. One spur takes you to the Royal Purple Overlook, and the other takes you to the Northern Overlook. Most visitors choose to complete the entire trail and both spurs, which makes for a 1.2-mile trip.

The Wallowa Tramway is the steepest vertical lift for four passengers in North America, so those with a fear of heights should be prepared. The tram is open from May to September, but note that it can get quite cold at the top even in the warmer months.

There are restrooms located at the tramway building at the base of the tramway station, but there aren't any along the hike. Visitors should bring plenty of water as well as waste disposal supplies.

You and Sparky will get a real thrill out of this dog-friendly hike in Oregon!