Oregon has stunning scenery and breathtaking views to spare, but most people never get to take in the views from the top of a mountain. As Oregonians we love to hike, but many aren't up for hiking steep trails or climbing Oregon's tallest peaks. Enter the Wallowa Lake Tramway in Northeast Oregon. This four passenger gondola will do all the hard work as it hauls you up to the peak of Mount Howard, affording you breathtaking views of mountains, valleys, lakes and forests without you ever having to break a sweat.

Wallowa Lake Tramway - Panoramic Views Of Oregon's Wild Side

Built in 1968, the Wallowa Lake Tramway has been carrying hikers, adventure seekers and sightseers from a 4,450 foot elevation up to 8,150 feet for almost sixty years. Today it remains North America's steepest four passenger gondola, and one of Wallowa County's top attractions.

Located six miles south of Joseph, Oregon (a five and a half hour drive from Portland), the Wallowa Lake Tramway is an amazing way to get outdoors and experience nature without having to do strenuous hiking or mountain climbing.

As the gondolas carry you up the side of Mount Howard, you'll get stunning views out the gondola windows of the forest, mountains, Wallowa Lake, and the surrounding mountains. This area is rugged, serene, and absolutely breathtaking.

How long does it take to ride up the mountain in the gondolas? It's a fifteen-minute trip each way.

While the ride up and down is pretty, after getting off the aerial tram at the top of Mount Howard, people are often surprised by how the views open up and become even more spectacular.

From the top, visitors can see the Eagle Cap Wilderness and the rugged peaks of the Wallowa Mountains, as well as views of Snake River country. Parts of Washington and Oregon are also visible from the top, and on a clear day some people claim to see all the way across the northern panhandle of Idaho, and into Montana!

There's not just one viewpoint at the top of Mount Howard: there are two miles of unshaded hiking trails for people to wander.

This is one of those spots where you'll definitely want to bring your camera to capture photos, as well as binoculars to take in all the stunning scenery.

Will I have to wait in line long to ride the tram? The Wallowa Lake Tramway has the capacity to carry 140 passengers per hour. There are nineteen tram cars, and a new car launches every ninety seconds. Lone people who visit often get a car to themselves, even though each car can carry up to four people.

Grab A Bite To Eat At Oregon's Highest Restaurant

At the upper terminal of the Wallowa Lake Tramway, there's a restaurant with a casual vibe and good views from the patio. The Summit Grill serves sandwiches, chili, and homestyle soups from 10:30 AM to 3 PM daily, and beverages including beer from local breweries from 10 AM to 3:30 PM daily. Some people take the tram up just to get a bite to eat, while others enjoy having a filling meal after a day of hiking and taking in the views. The restaurant sits at 8,150 feet, making it the Pacific Northwest's highest restaurant (and one of the coolest).

Fun Fact: The cable that hauls the gondolas up the mountain is 19,300 feet in length (almost four miles long)!

Wallowa Lake Tramway Fun Facts

• The tramway is located in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, and operates through a special national forest permit.
• Along the tramway route, twenty five towers support the tram's cables.
• When riding up the tram, the lowest point the gondolas are suspended off the ground is three feet, and the highest point they're suspended is 120 feet.
• The gondolas once carried fire fighters up Mount Howard to fight a forest fire.
• From bottom to top, passengers riding the tramway will gain 3,700 feet in elevation!

Wallowa Lake Tramway Information

• Location: 59919 Wallowa Lake Hwy, south of Joseph, Oregon
• Open Dates: The tramway is usually open from mid-May through September each year, though the exact dates change from year to year.
• Tramway Operating Hours: In May, June, and September, the tram runs from 10 AM to 3:30 PM. In July and August the tram runs from 9 AM to 4:30 PM.
  • Please note that the tramway operating hours are different than the restaurant operating hours.
  • Pro tip: If you want to have time to walk around at the top and take in the views, plan to arrive at least two hours before close to give yourself plenty of time.

• Are pets allowed on the gondolas at the Wallowa Lake Tramway? No pets are allowed.
• Get more information on the official Wallowa Lake Tramway website.

Ticket Prices For The Wallowa Lake Tramway

You can get your tickets in advance here, or buy them on the day of your visit at the ticket booth.

Ticket cost:

• Adults (18-64): $50
• Seniors (65+): $47
• Military (ID needed): $47
• Students 12-17 (ID needed): $30
• Youth (4-11): $25
• Ages 3 and under ride free.

Considered one of Oregon's Seven Wonders, the Wallowa Mountains are towering, rugged, and beautiful. Whether you're taking them in from a distance, hiking through the wilderness at their base, taking photos from a kayak in Wallowa Lake, or having your breath stolen by sweeping views at the top of Mount Howard, the Wallowas are a can't miss destination. Every Oregonian should make the journey to the Wallowa Mountains at least once, and on that trip, take a ride up North America's steepest aerial tramway.

Looking for more interesting things to do near Mount Howard and the Wallowa Lake Tramway? Check out nearby Joseph Oregon (13th most beautiful small town in the US), grab a bite to eat at The Cheyenne Cafe or The Dog Spot, and rent a glass bottom kayak to tour Wallowa Lake.