Wallowa Lake Tramway

Wallowa Lake Tramway

Wallowa Lake Tramway
4.5
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  • Heather S
    6 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Snowy trails, gorgeous views
    My photos didn't do justice. I went last weekend on opening day and It was pretty busy. I planned to hike but wasn't prepared for how much snow was still covering everything. I'm not even sure where the trails were! I should have brought my spikes and would have been able to explore a little more. I did have a nice bowl of chili at the summit grill and enjoyed as much of the view as I could. And it is pretty awe-some. Ticket was $50 but I enjoyed the tram ride and opportunity so the cost was worth it. People who spen a lot of time hiking or skiing might not be as impressed. Also the town of Joseph is darling. I poked around in a few shops and was also amazed how they live with those glorious mountains as their backdrop all the time. Really a beautiful area.
    Visited May 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written May 31, 2024
  • tumbleweedchris
    Richland, Washington1,048 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Overpriced But Beautiful
    The Tramway seems to be one of the must do attractions in the Wallowa Lake area. We paid the $50 for the ride up and back on America's steepest cable cars. The ride is pretty and reasonably long (5-10 minutes, I'd guess). At the top, you can take short hikes to a variety of viewpoints. The viewpoints in early June had quite a bit of snow on the trails, which made a couple of the viewpoints unreachable. We were still able to see the views on the mountain range side of things. The lake side was pretty snowed in. If all the views were open, it'd probably take 90 minutes or so to see. If you eat at the restaurant, it'll tack on another hour or so. It's a lovely set of views, but $50 a person is a tough pill to swallow. Especially when I've been to similar attractions in tourist Meccas like Gatlinburg for less. I'd recommend it but I don't love the price point.
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 2, 2024
  • Margaret K
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful scenery and cute town
    This was a return trip to the Joseph, Oregon area, passing through for a few nights camping with our trailer RV. This visit, we stayed at Lake Wallowa State Park Campground. The sites are well situated and have tent camping mixed in with RV hookup sites. Lots of shade. Short hike to the lake marina amenities as well as the aerial tramway - which I also recommend!
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written July 10, 2024
  • Bonnie W
    7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Eye Candy!
    What a treat to take my husband to the Oregon Alps! We hiked the 2.5 mile loop taking in all the breathtaking views from each direction. Enjoyed breathing in the Alpine Air, watching the chipmunks and a delicious beer in the sunshine on the patio.
    Visited August 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written August 23, 2024
  • Sandy879
    85 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wallowa Lake Tramway
    What a wonderful way to get to the top (the tram). The hikes are short and views beautiful including mountains and the lake. We walked the entire, easy path of 2.5 miles. Highly recommend. We did not eat at the Summit restaurant as someone must have called in sick and the single person was working the entire room and register. We waited at our table for quite a while without an order being taken and decided to leave. I think the meal we had in Joseph was probably better anyway.
    Visited August 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written August 24, 2024
  • Quest08595101800
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Just the 3 of us
    This was a great time we saw bird's, deer and chipmunks. The views were amazing it was a cool day with the possibility of rain, we did dress for that though. When we finished our hike, we went back to the top shack and had some beer and lucky for us there was a guy playing guitar what a treat! All I thought about was snowboarding down the mountains!!! We will be back again soon
    Visited August 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written August 26, 2024
  • VanetaRogers
    Columbus, Ohio63 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    If you're in Joseph, do this!
    My husband and I ascended the mountain on the Tramway and had a fantastic time! Worth every penny! My husband is wary of "things that dangle" (like Ferris Wheels and such), but he mustered up the courage to do this and rode it like a champ! The people there are so friendly and helpful - my husband left his sunglasses on the tram car on the way up and one of the workers found him and gave them back!! Once we reached the top, we walked on the loop trail part way and got photos of the views (wow!). We also spend time just sitting and taking in the vistas - there are benches every once in a while -- and we also enjoyed the ground squirrels. Be forewarned that it is windier and cooler up there on top of the mountain (and the day we went, it was also sunnier up there!). After walking the trails, we had a snack (that we brought with us) and sat at a picnic table (there are a few located near the tram entrance/exit that you can use). There is also a cafe and a little gift shop - we saw someone buy their kids T-shirts there because they were brave and made it up the tramway! We didn't do the cafe, but it looked like it was very basic (we waited and had lunch down at the Wallowa Lake Lodge!) - so we cannot really review the cafe. But we highly recommend the Tramway!
    Visited August 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written September 3, 2024
  • Zoe D
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Best view of the Wallowa-Whitman NF!
    If you ever visit the Wallowa Lake area, this is a must. The Tramway is in walking distance from the campground, and it's hard to believe that in such a short time you can be (approximately) 8,100 feet high. The gondola trip up was a nail-biter for those who are nervous of heights, but absolutely stunning. We were super hungry, so hit the Summit Grill for a quick bite and a brew before exploring (service and food were excellent). It's breezy so bring something warm, and get ready for the astonishing views from the well maintained trails. This adventure is worth every dime!
    Visited September 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written September 16, 2024
  • Cynthia F
    4 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth Considering
    The service was very good. However, having traveled many of the mountainous regions in the Western United States, the views were okay, but nothing spectacular. The relatively short trail at the top was well maintained.
    Visited September 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written September 30, 2024
  • Doretta L
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    So beautiful, brought tears to my eyes.
    We were awe struck by the beauty. It felt like you could touch the tops of the trees and see the surrounding mountains at what felt like "eye 'level". Wish we could go up and down more than once because there is so much to see and gasp at in this wilderness. Nice casual restaurant on the top with very good food and a friendly wait person. Sat out on the deck on a sunny afternoon, guitar playing in the background-heaven on earth.
    Visited August 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written December 12, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Kate C
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023
The cost of the tram ticket was definitely worth it for amazing views of the mountains from the 8,100 ft. summit of Mt. Howard. If you can, try to go on a clear day so you can see the Seven Devils peaks and appreciate the many other peaks surrounding Mt. Howard. The 2 mile loop at the top is relatively easy, although there are some places with a bit of an incline and one viewpoint with stairs, so hiking poles may be helpful for some people. There are also a few picnic tables to have a lunch or snack, and there is the Summit Grill restaurant, although that can get crowded. To save time, buy your ticket in advance online and then you can print out your confirmation or show the QR code. Wonderful experience!
Written July 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

LaurieB980
Portland, OR688 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Couples
We were so fortunate to get good weather on one day of the several days spent at Wallowa Lake!! It is not worth the money if the day is cloudy at all as the tram costs $45.00 for adults and $42.00 for seniors. We had excellent views of the valley on the way up and down, and the trails were so good at the top as one could see out over several sides of the Mt. Howard top. One of our group hikes with his friends and did the Eagle Cap area recently, an area we could see from the top of the mountain. The trips up and down each take almost 15 minutes, and the views from the tram are gorgeous of the lake, the farmed fields, and the mountains around that area.
Written August 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Brian J
Portland, OR185 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023 • Family
I'm sure the overhead and upkeep is considerable on this aged tramway. Not very many people taking the trip to spread the cost. So it ends up being one of the most expensive activities at Wallowa Lake, but it's a required part of a complete visit. Once at the top, spend some time one the short hikes and at the cafe.
Written July 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Cameron351
Grants Pass, OR39 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2024 • Family
Greedy company wants $50 per person to ride. I work hard for my money and refuse to pay those kind of prices.

We wanted to ride but the greed kept us from going.

Asked if there is a discount for eating at the restaurant and the answer was “No”
Written July 3, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Robynn Michelle
7 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023
We went on the Big Foot ride with my 6 year old and my mom, the ride was a nice length, leisurely and you felt you got your bang for your buck without feeling too long. Took three hours I believe, the staff are so friendly and personable and overall just lovely human beings. We were surprised to find some bigfoot across the river, shaking sticks at us, running up and down the banks and fishing with a big stick. My daughter was ecstatic that she most definitely saw a rare Bigfoot. ;) The open air cars are really a treat, the scenery is gorgeous, the food was tasty and it was a very laid back and pleasant experience.
Written June 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

planetexplorer007
Sunriver, OR64 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2021 • Couples
The cost of a ticket to the top is $36 per person. At the bottom there’s an old lodge that is now abandoned and collapsing. The ride up is depressing…it looks like the whole forest is dying…the trees look terrible. When you get to the top there’s a dusty crowded 2 mile track that circles the top of the mountain. There’s no trail to hike from the bottom to the top or visa versa. We had lunch at the restaurant at the top and it was nearly inedible except for the French fries. The service was painfully slow even though the place was only about a 1/3rd full. There’s better places to go and better things to do in this world…I wont waste my time or money in the Wallawa Lake area again…this ride epitomizes the whole place…if it every had a heyday its long gone now!!
Written July 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jasmine38Chichester UK
Chichester, UK1,979 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2022 • Couples
Initially thought it was a bit expensive at 40 USD each for the return trip but its quite a long ride - 1.8 miles taking around 15 minutes ew. There is also a 2.5 mile well maintained loop trail at the top with amazing views, as well as a very good cafe. We really enjoyed it and thought it was very worthwhile.
Written July 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Emily G
1 contribution
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2022 • Couples
The tram was wonderful as always and I had no complaints whatsoever! The restaurant on the top of the tram however needs some serious help. They are short staffed but the little amount of people seated the servers had weren’t even getting helped and were waiting 30+ minutes before even given drinks. There were plenty of open seating but they never seated us even after 30 minutes because I think the two servers couldn’t keep up. You could tell everyone that was already seated were very disappointed and complaining. We ended up leaving which ruined our day because that was the point of the day. An anniversary day up the tram, eat at the restaurant, and explore. We were so hungry we had to find a different place to eat and couldn’t even explore the top of the mountain. Complete waste of time and money.
Written August 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Helene M
19 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2021
I made the reservations online months before our stay at Wallowa Lake. I received a phone call the day before advising due to the heat tram rides for the day were canceled. The customer service person was quickly able to rebook us for Friday and received an email reminding us of the date change. We were staying within five minutes of the tramway so we walked and were one of the first people up that day. Everyone: the ticket booth person, tram workers, and summit grill hostess were very gracious and kind.
The ride up was incredible. We were able to see the waterfalls we hiked the previous two days, the lake, the towns of Joseph and Enterprise. The ride itself was very quiet and over before we knew it!
The trails at the top of Mt. Howard were well maintained with interesting interpretive signs and many signs regarding the fragility of the flower. which many people ignored unfortunately.
This is a must DO! I suggest going early in the morning before the crowds.
Written July 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

nisa j
Portland, OR1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2020
We went on the last day for public travel on the tram for the season. It was overcast in the morning so we waited until noon when it seemed the clouds were moving along. The trip up was amazing with great views of the lake. It's a 15 minute ride and was fairly smooth, no surprises. Staff were great. I was concerned about covid and whether staff would really adhere to the masking and social distancing... no worries at all! They were great, and I felt they were doing all they could to minimize risk. It made the trip so much more enjoyable overall. Hiking at the summit was incredible. The views and overall feeling of being on top of the world were well worth the price of a day trip. We hiked every loop and spent a little time just enjoying the quiet and wildlife. Wonderful day and excellent way to enjoy part of the Eagle Cap Wilderness.
Written September 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Wallowa Lake Tramway - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2025)

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