11 can’t miss things to do in Joseph Oregon
Joseph, Oregon is a charming cowboy town tucked away in eastern Oregon, and it’s one of my favorite places to visit in the Pacific Northwest! Known for its abundant western charm, the area is also the gateway to the Wallowa Mountains, and features world class hiking and fishing in the stunning Eagle Cap Wilderness. The region is also home to unique events like the Chief Joseph Days Rodeo, and fantastic lodging, dining, and window shopping opportunities along main street. It’s a family-friendly pacific northwest vacation destination that’s perfect for outdoor adventure lovers and western enthusiasts alike. In this blog post we share 11 can’t miss things to do in Joseph, Oregon.
Why should you trust us? We’ve been to Joseph several times, and have been to ALL of the places mentioned in this blog. Below we’re sharing our favorite things to do, eat, and see in Joseph, Oregon.
Welcome!
We’re Gwyn and Ami. Based in Spokane, Washington, we’re your guides to the Pacific Northwest and beyond!
We’re adventure travel experts, and our blog is all about helping you find the best hikes, weekend getaways, and national park adventures in the United States and abroad. You can find more on Instagram @gwynandami.
Fun fact: Eastern Oregon is the least visited region of the state of Oregon! Although Joseph is a popular tourism destination, it still feels a bit like a “hidden gem” relative to the rest of the state. Let’s keep the region beautiful by being good visitors and stewards of this charming community and the beautiful wilderness that surrounds it.
The best things to do in Joseph Oregon
Below we share a roundup of 11 can’t miss things to do in Joseph Oregon. Before we dive in we also share our thoughts on the best time of year to visit Joseph Oregon, how to tread lightly and be a good visitor, and what to pack!
When is the best time of year to visit Joseph Oregon?
We’ve been to Joseph in late spring, summer, and early winter, and have loved visiting in every season! However, if I had to pick a single season to visit it would be summer. Summer is the most popular time to visit, and if you want to hike it’s the best season to come to Joseph. Many of the high alpine hikes the region is known for aren’t melted until July (or even August). In winter and spring you’ll find fewer crowds and more budget friendly off-season prices. If you time it right, the spring wildflowers are beautiful! Fall can be tricky to time, with early season snow being common in the mountains.
Chief Joseph Days Rodeo is held in July, and is the town’s signature event. This is a great time to visit, but I’m told it can also be a BUSY time to visit!
How to be a good visitor: tips for visiting Joseph Oregon
Joseph is a small town and, in my experience, they welcome visitors with open arms. Let’s keep it that way! Below are a few tips for being a good visitor, both in town and on the trails.
Drown all campfires
Whether you’re camping at Wallowa Lake State Park, boondocking on public land, or planning a backcountry backpacking trip, please be sure to practice fire safety. Follow campfire safety recommendations, and be sure to completely drown ALL embers when you leave camp.
Leave no trace on trails AND in town
The Eagle Cap Wilderness is a stunning environment characterized by high alpine lakes, delicate meadows, and stark ridges and mountains. Visitors here should be prepared to pack out EVERYTHING they pack in– including human waste, and all organic food items (YES, even apple cores, orange peels, and nut shells!).
“Leave no trace” extends to town, too. If you visit Lake Wallowa be sure not to leave trash in the parking lot, and to pick up any litter you see. Let’s work together to keep Joseph beautiful for decades to come! This goes a long way in ensuring that visitors are still graciously welcome in this remote corner of the state.
Support local businesses
In the past, Joseph’s economy was dominated by agriculture and timber, but these days bronze art and tourism are huge economic drivers for Joseph. The businesses along main street rely on tourism dollars to stay afloat in a heavily seasonal economy (summer is by far the most popular time of year to visit), and your dollars go a long way! You can support the local businesses of Joseph by shopping along main street and visiting some of the locations mentioned in this guide to Joseph, Oregon.
Drive slow, and watch out for deer in and around town
Joseph has a large local deer population, and deer often roam around downtown Joseph. This is especially true in the evenings, and early mornings! Drive slowly to respect both humans and wildlife when visiting Joseph.
What to pack for a trip to Joseph, Oregon
When visiting Joseph, Oregon my number one recommendation is to pack a cute western hat! I love western inspired hats from Will and Bear, which are high quality and will last a lifetime. You can use code ‘GWYNANDAMI’ to get 10% off orders!
Besides western wear (when in Rome, right?) , you’ll want to bring hiking clothing for any adventures outside of town. Specific clothing items will depend on the season, but see below for some essentials you should have on hand year-round!
Shop our hiking gear!
Not sure what gear you need to pack for your next epic hike? Check out our full 2025 hiking gear guide, which includes the best hiking gear for summer, winter, and year-round hiking.
Hiking essentials checklist
Below are our 6 major hiking essentials, which we almost always have with us on the trail!
- America the Beautiful Pass. An annual America the Beautiful pass covers your entrance fees at all national parks. It also covers fees at other federally managed public lands, such as forest service and BLM sites. This pass is a great investment for people who love national parks and outdoor recreation!
- Good hiking boots. Waterproof boots with good traction are essential, and a quality pair can last for years. We highly recommend Lowa’s Renegade hiking boots.
- Water and a water filter. We love the Katadyn BeFree 1.0 Liter Filter Bottle for water filtration, and usually use a Nalgene water bottle or a HydraPak Water Reservoir for water storage.
- Sun protection. We recommend the Sahara Sun Hoodie (for women and men), which is a sun shirt that offers UPF 50+ sun protection. For sunscreen we like Dermatone’s sport sunscreen and Skin Protector Balm (for winter).
- A headlamp. The Black Diamond Storm 400 Rechargeable Headlamp is lightweight, compact, waterproof, and USB rechargeable.
- A comfortable day pack. We recommend the REI Trail 25 (unisex), the Gregory Juno daypack for women, or the Gregory Inertia daypack for men.
11 can’t miss things to do in Joseph Oregon
Below we share a roundup of can’t miss things to do in Joseph, Oregon. Notably this does NOT include the Chief Joseph Days Rodeo. Although it’s one of the town’s signature events, it’s still on my bucket list!
Stay at the Kokanee Inn
If you’re spending the night in Joseph, Oregon you need to book a room at the Kokanee Inn! This adorable bed and breakfast stands out for its abundant charm, beautiful outdoor spaces, and amazing hospitality. The inn is pet friendly, has great accommodation options for families, and is within walking distance of both the lake and downtown Joseph. The Kokanee Inn is also perfect for a romantic getaway – I told my in-laws they need to book an anniversary trip here!
The Kokanee Inn provides free snacks, soda water, coffee, and tea throughout the day, as well as a generous home cooked breakfast in the morning. Breakfast is included. The rooms are small but well appointed, and the patio is perfect for relaxing in the evening or on hot days. You can enjoy views of the mountains from the property!
Take an evening walk through Iwetemlaykin State Heritage Site
Operated by Oregon Parks and Recreation, Iwetemlaykin State Heritage Site is a 62-acre park that offers several short, scenic trails of varying difficulty. It’s a great place for an evening stroll, and is pet and kid friendly. You’ll have beautiful views of the mountains. Please stay on trail to protect the native grasses, flowers, and meadows.
Enjoy a sweet treat at Blue Mountain Donut Company
Looking for a sweet treat in Joseph, Oregon? Stop by Blue Mountain Donut Company! Blue Mountain Donut is a small family-run business socializing in homemade yeasted donuts. Their fritters and cronuts are OUT OF THIS WORLD good, and they also offer take and bake pizzas. They offer a wide array of both classic and innovative flavors. I bet you can’t get just one!
Take a dip in Wallowa Lake
Wallowa Lake is a must-visit location in Joseph, Oregon. A must-stop spot is Wallowa Lake Park at the northernmost portion of the lake. This area has a boat launch and is a great location for swimming and paddling in summer!
Try a free tasting (and mini cocktails) at Stein Distillery
If you’re of legal age and you drink then Stein Distillery is a must visit stop in Joseph. Stein Distillery makes award-winning Whiskey and Bourbon in the heart of Wallowa County. They grow their own grains on a local farm and distill them in downtown Joseph at their micro-distillery.
Stein Distillery currently produces about 200 barrels per year of Whiskey and Bourbon, as well as Vodka, Rum, and Cordials. They offer free tastings of their spirits, as well as a rotating menu of seasonal mini cocktails (and at just $6 they’re a steal!). They also offer distillery tours.
Visit Old Chief Joseph Gravesite
Located near Lake Wallowa is the gravesite of tıwi·teqıs, also known as Old Chief Joseph. This sacred site has been designated a national historic landmark. Old Chief Joseph was a Nez Perce leader who refused to sell his Wallowa homeland to white settler colonists. His legacy within the town is strong. You can read more about Chief Joseph here. Please be respectful of this sacred site when visiting. Visiting is free.
Hike the East Moraine trail for stunning views of Wallowa Lake
The East Moraine trail is located just outside of downtown Joseph and offers superb views of the lake and mountains. This hike is also relatively tame compared to many of the options in the nearby Eagle Cap Wilderness. It’s especially pretty in spring (May/June) when the flowers on the glacial hills are in full bloom!
Grab breakfast at the Tackroom Sip Shop
The Tackroom Sip Shop is a cozy and well-loved coffee spot located on Main Street in downtown Joseph. Tackroom is best known for espresso drinks, acai bowls, and all-day breakfast.
We enjoyed the fresh acai bowls, which were served in generous portions! You can choose from several tropical fruit bases like passionfruit, mango, and coconut. The bowls are topped with granola, fresh fruit, cocoa nibs, and other treats!
Stroll along Main Street
When visiting Joseph, take a stroll along the Main Street to soak in the western vibes, window shop, and enjoy local art. Along Main Street, admire large-scale sculptures that reflect the region’s wildlife, Nez Perce, and cowboy history. Main Street is also lined with cute locally-owned boutiques and art galleries, as well as several small inns, and most of the restaurants in town. Some of our favorite shops include Arrowhead Chocolates for locally made chocolates, Quickhatch Provisions for outdoorsy gear, and the Josephy Center for Arts and Culture.
Go backpacking in The Lakes Basin
Located in the Eagle Cap Wilderness, The Lakes Basin is an extremely popular backpacking and day hiking destination. If you can, I recommend planning an overnight trip to this stunning bucket list backpacking destination in the Pacific Northwest! Backpacking here does not require an advanced permit, but you do have to register your stay at the trailhead. Note that it does get busy in the summer.
There are several routes to choose from, which vary in length. We did a 2 night 3 day adventure, starting at the Two Pan trailhead. Our first night we spent at Moccasin Lake. On day two we summited Eagle Cap and then broke camp and hiked to Glacier Lake, where we spent our second night.
If you do an overnight visit please be sure to leave no trace and respect wilderness regulations.
Our top tips for leave no trace in Eagle Cap Wilderness and the Lakes Basin
See below for our top tips for leave no trace in Eagle Cap Wilderness and the Lakes Basin!
- No campfires are allowed within the various lake basin areas
- Campsites must be 100 feet or more from all lakes. Rangers informed us that it’s better to establish a new dispersed site on meadow as opposed to camping in existing bare spots near the lakes.
- Pack out everything you pack in, including organic matter
- Pack out or bury all human waste in a 6-8 inch deep cat hole.
One important note: 100 feet from a lake or water body is actually MUCH father than we thought. We were convinced we had nailed it when camping at Glacier Lake, but we checked Google Earth afterwards and discovered that we were camping only 60 feet from the lake (not the required 100 feet). All of this is to say — everyone messes up, but it’s important to learn from mistakes and do better for the future. This is a lesson we’ll be taking to heart for our next backpacking adventure!
Enjoy a day hike in the Eagle Cap Wilderness
In addition to many excellent backpacking routes, Eagle Cap Wilderness is full of excellent day hikes. The best hikes are challenging, but worth it! Our favorites include Maxwell Lake and Chimney Lake, as well as Aneroid Lake. Summiting Eagle Cap would also make for a fun, but long, day hike!
Final thoughts on the best things to do in Joseph Oregon
I hope you found our roundup of the best things to do in Joseph Oregon helpful! I love this stunning and remote corner of the Pacific Northwest, and I hope you do, too!
Looking for more Pacific Northwest adventures? See below for some of my favorite adventures in the Pacific Northwest!
