Oregon is full of the most beautiful hikes in the country (not that we’re biased or anything), but this hike in the Wallowas just might the the most magnificent. Surrounded by the lush forests, glacial lakes, and the wide expanse of Eastern Oregon, the Wallowas are one of the state’s most resplendent treasures. Colloquially called the “Alps of Oregon,”  the Wallowa Mountains are breathtakingly beautiful; and what makes this area even more special is how very accessible it is. Case in point: the Wallowas Tramway Summit Trail, a 1.5-mile hike past a mountain summit that will take your breath away.

The Wallowas are one of Oregon’s most striking natural wonders.

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The range’s crown jewel is Mt. Howard, a 8,150-foot stunner.

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There are numerous hiking trails in the Wallowas, each offering thrilling views of the majestic mountains.

411Shirley/iStock via Getty Images Plus And the best part is, many of these mountain-top trails are incredibly accessible, clocking in between one and two miles long.

In fact, the Wallowas Tramway Summit Trail is an easy, 1.5-mile loop hike that explores the eponymous peaks.

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To access the trail, you’ll climb aboard the Wallowa Lake Tramway.

Vladimir Yanishak/Google Local The tramway runs seasonally, May through October, so plan accordingly! The other trails here are also accessible via the Wallowa Trailhead.

One of the area’s most popular attractions, the gondola ascends 3,700 feet into the Wallowas, to the summit of Mt. Howard.

Tegra Stone Nuess/Stone Collection via Getty Images This exciting ride allows explorers to sit back enjoy the pristine panoramas of the Alps of Oregon.

Wallowa Lake State Recreation Area truly is wondrous.

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Once you’ve stepped off the gondola, it’s time to tackle the trail.

Jimmy G/Google Local This short loop offers a 360-degree experience of the Wallowa Mountains.

You’ll marvel at the sublime scenes of Eastern Oregon’s unexplored mountains, canyons, and deserts.

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The Wallowas are a place that you’ll want to stop and stay awhile; happily, there are lots of places to go camping in Wallowa Lake State Recreation Area.

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The Wallowas are a must-visit experience for any adventure-seeking Oregonian.

Design Pics/Dan Sherwood via Getty Images And with a number of beginner-level trails, exploring these majestic mountains is easily within reach.

 

Natalie Allen/Google Local

Laura Ragsdale/iStock via Getty Images Plus

411Shirley/iStock via Getty Images Plus

And the best part is, many of these mountain-top trails are incredibly accessible, clocking in between one and two miles long.

Vladimir Yanishak/Google Local

The tramway runs seasonally, May through October, so plan accordingly! The other trails here are also accessible via the Wallowa Trailhead.

Tegra Stone Nuess/Stone Collection via Getty Images

This exciting ride allows explorers to sit back enjoy the pristine panoramas of the Alps of Oregon.

Jimmy G/Google Local

This short loop offers a 360-degree experience of the Wallowa Mountains.

mietta sibert/AllTrails

Jordan Siemens/Stone Collection via Getty Images

Design Pics/Dan Sherwood via Getty Images

And with a number of beginner-level trails, exploring these majestic mountains is easily within reach.

Have you explored Oregon’s Wallowas before? Did you know such a perfect place even existed?

To take your Wallowas hiking experience to the next level, be sure to check out this llama-led hike near Hell’s Canyon. And for an epic exploration in Oregon, the Hell’s Canyon Scenic Byway is a 200-mile tour de force, cruising past several of the state’s natural wonders, including the Wallowas, along the way!

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Address: Wallowa Lake Tramway, 59919 Wallowa Lake Hwy, Joseph, OR 97846, USA