Wallowa County has 53 lakes covering an area of 2,449 acres. It is also blessed with 3,100 streams totaling 5,600 miles in length. It is no surprise that Wallowa County’s Indian name means “Land of Winding Waters.”
 
Population of Enterprise is 2,020, with an elevation of 3757’.
Population of Joseph is 1,100, with an elevation of 4191’.
Population of Lostine is 250, with an elevation of 3363’.
Population of Wallowa is 885, with an elevation of 1941’.
 
Wallowa County Climate ~

A mountain range encircles the more populated centers of the county protecting the valleys from severe weather impacts of regional storms. Summers are warm and pleasant. Extreme temperatures in the high 90°-100°’s are typical for short periods in late July and August. The major portion of precipitation emerges in late spring and fall. Light snow can be expected in the valleys by late November and recurs periodically until April. Brief heavy snow may occur in the valleys from November to February. Heavy snow occurs at the higher elevations; which produce snow packs that often remain year around on high mountain peaks of the Eagle Cap Wilderness.
 
Agriculture is a cornerstone of the economy with livestock production, particularly cattle and calves. Crops are those requiring a shorter growing season. Average season ranges from 80 days in Enterprise to 120 days in the Imnaha River Valley. Major crops are barley, wheat and hay, alfalfa.

The natural beauty and slower pace of life in Wallowa County have attracted a growing number of artists and craftsmen, making art another key industry in our county. There are a growing number of bronze foundries in the county along with a unique art community in the frontier town of Joseph. Many of the art galleries and foundries feature the old west and nature.

For tourist, visitor and resident, Wallowa County offers unlimited opportunities for recreation. Wallowa County has been called the “Switzerland of America”, and is the gateway to the Hells Canyon Recreation Area, Eagle Cap Wilderness Area and Wallowa Lake.

See the current weather forecast for Joseph at http://www.josephoregonweather.com/

Recreation ~

Recreation activities in Wallowa County include hunting, fishing, boating, swimming, water skiing, hiking, camping, backpacking, horseback riding, pack trips on horseback, white-water float trips, photography, sightseeing, golfing, snowmobiling and winter skiing (down-hill and cross country), tours through the bronze foundries, museums and shopping the many art galleries, gift stores and specialty stores. Wallowa Lake is the site of the steepest gondola ride offered in the US.

Events ~
 
Don’t miss the numerous year round activities in Wallowa county: Wallowa Valley Festival of Arts, Oregon Mountain Cruise Car Show, Wallowa Mountain Quilt Guild Show, Mountain High Broncs & Bulls, Wallowa Resources' Watershed Festival, Lostine Flea Market, Independence Day Fireworks Celebration, TamKaLiks Celebration (Nez Perce Pow-wow & Friendship Feast), Chief Joseph Days, Bronze Bike Motorcycle Rendezvous, Hells Canyon Mule Days and Quilt Show, Nez Perce Art in the Wallowa. Just to name a few!  More events can be found on the Wallowa County Chamber website: http://www.wallowacountychamber.com/