Northeastern Oregon

Northeastern Oregon is home to the deepest gorge in North America - Hells' Canyon - and the richest find of prehistoric fossils in the world - John Day Fossil Beds. Drive east from Portland along the glorious Columbia River Gorge and head almost to the Idaho border, but veer off in LaGrande onto Highway 82, part of the Hell's Canyon Scenic By-way and All-American Road. At the end of the line you'll find Joseph, a charming historic town that is now famous as a growing artists' colony of bronze foundries, art galleries, studios and other artistic pursuits. This picture perfect community is nestled into the Wallowa Mountains , an area of natural beauty and protected wilderness.

Day Tripping - Outdoor Winter Adventures
Ask your innkeeper about their favorite cross-country ski trails. You'll be invigorated by the outdoor air and spectacular scenery of northeastern Oregon.

Day Tripping - Foundry Tour and Town Walk
The town of Joseph is like a gallery and museum itself. It has the charm of a historic town with the addition of incredible bronze statues on the street corners. The larger-than-life horse - a replica from the statue of the horses running free that marks the location of the old Berlin Wall – is incredibly impressive! You can browse through several bronze art galleries and shops in town. But the most fascinating part is the hour-long tour of a bronze foundry to see how these pieces are formed from conception to completion. This is a fascinating art form and you will be amazed by the process. Tours usually begin around 10AM and you're advised to purchase tickets in advance. Ask Heather or Bill for their recommendations for tours.

Day Tripping – Hells Canyon Scenic Outlook Northeastern Oregon is bordered on the east by Idaho and separated by the spectacular Seven Devils Mountains and Hells Canyon. This is where the Snake River runs, a waterway famous for hell-raising rapids. As you head east out of Joseph, you'll drive through the northeastern foothills of the Wallowa Range. Venture off onto trails in the Eagle Cap Wilderness and you'll see why this area is known as the "Switzerland of America". To see the Canyon from above, take forest Road 39 and travel 16 miles to Forest road 3965. A short drive brings you to a breathtaking view at Hells Canyon Overlook. Savor the views, the wildlife and the fresh air. This is the deepest gorge in North America, so you won't be able to see the river. But you can definnitely enjoy the views.

Day Tripping – Close to Home
A pleasant walk or drive one mile south of your B&B takes you to the glacially formed Wallowa Lake. You can stop at the picnic grounds in the park near town to enjoy the views or take the road that continues along the eastern length of the Lake to the State Park where you can board a tramway to the summit of Mt. Howard. As you drive through the forestlands on the edge of the Eagle Cap Wilderness Area, you'll view the woodlands and glacier-carved valleys that make visitors compare this area to the European Alps.

Day Tripping –The Town of Imnaha
Head out of Joseph and meander along the country roads for about 35 miles until you reach the old town of Imnaha . Be sure to stop at the country store for a snack or just enjoy a walk around town. Be sure to check out the “rattlesnake” competition and find out which local will get the honors for this years biggest rattler. And if your timing is right, you'll be in town for the rattlesnake cook-off – this is not your typical barbeque!