Fall Season | Updated 2026 | Includes Times & Pricing September brings fall colors, crisp weather, festivals, and fewer crowds. It’s one of the most enjoyable times to visit Joseph, Enterprise, and Wallowa Lake.

⭐ Must-See Events (Plan Your Trip Around These)

September 2026

🚄High Country Outlaws Train Robbery

High Country Outlaws Train Robbery

Saturday, September 5th, 2026
10am-2pm  

Location

Elgin Train Depot, Elgin

Fees/Admission

Adults = $85 / Seniors 60+ = $80 / Youth, 3 to 16 = $40 (kids under 3 ride for free!)

Website

https://eaglecaptrainrides.com/book-online/

Contact Information

541.437.3652

🌳Juniper Jam Music Festival

Chamber Info: 

Date and Time

Saturday Sep 5, 2026
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM PDT

Saturday, September 5th, 2026
11:00am-10:00 pm

Location

Wallowa County Fairgrounds, Enterprise

Website

http://www.juniperjam.com/

Contact Information

Janis Carper; 541-426-3390

🫏Hells Canyon Mule Days

Celebrating Mules and Mule Skinners on the weekend after Labor Day. 

Chamber Info Here

Date and Time

Friday Sep 11, 2026 Sunday Sep 13, 2026

September 11-13th, 2026
Events all day and evening.

Location

All events will take place at the Wallowa County Fairgrounds, 668 NW 1st St., Enterprise

Website

http://www.hellscanyonmuledays.com/

Contact Information

Sondra Lozier; 541-426-3271 or 541-263-0104

🚃Minam Bonus Train Ride

Chamber Info Here

Date and Time

Saturday Sep 12, 2026
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM PDT

Saturday, September 12th, 2026
Departs at 10 a.m. and returns to Elgin at about 4 p.m.
 

Location

Elgin Train Depot, Elgin

Fees/Admission

Adults = $100 / Seniors 60+ = $95 / Youth, 3 to 16 = $50 (not recommended for kids under 3)

Website

www.eaglecaptrainrides.com/book-online

Contact Information

541-437-3652

2026 - Oregon's Alpenfest

Beer Brats, Live Music, Dancing, and Fun for all Ages! Date and Time

Wednesday Sep 16, 2026 - Sunday Sep 20, 2026 Website https://oregonalpenfest.com/

Bookloft 50th Anniversary Weekend

Join the Bookloft as we celebrate our 50th Anniversary. Events will include author readings, food vendors, music and more! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for updates!

Location - 107 E Main St Enterprise, OR 97828-1329

Date and Time Friday Sep 18, 2026 Sunday - Sep 20, 2026 

Website: bookloftoregon.net

Phone:(541) 426-3351

43rd Annual Wallowa Valley Arts Festival Opening Reception 

Celebrate the opening of Eastern Oregon’s premier art event with an unforgettable evening of art, music, and community.

Date and Time

Friday Sep 18, 2026
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM PDT

Location

Josephy Center, Joseph 403 N Main St

Joseph, OR 97846-5001  

Fees/Admission

$35.00

Website

https://josephy.org/event/wvaf-opening-reception-tickets-2026/

 Two Rivers Train Ride

The rushing rivers, wild flowers and dramatic landscape are highlights when the train departs from the Elgin Depot and follows the banks of the Grande Ronde River to Rondowa, where it is joined by the Wild & Scenic Wallowa River.

Date and Time

Saturday Sep 19, 2026
10:00 AM - 1:30 PM PDT
Location

Elgin Train Depot, Elgin 300 Depot Street, Elgin, Oregon 

tickets@eaglecaptrainrides.com   

Fees/Admission

Adults = $85 / Seniors 60+ = $80 / Youth, 3 to 16 = $40 (kids under 3 ride for free!)

Website

https://eaglecaptrainrides.com/book-online/

Contact Information

541.437.3652

43rd Annual Quick Draw

Join us for one of the most exciting and energetic traditions of the Wallowa Valley Arts Festival — the Quick Draw! This lively event invites festival artists to create a finished artwork in just 90 minutes, while guests watch the creative process unfold in real time.

Date and Time: Saturday Sep 19, 2026 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM PDT

Location: Mt. Joseph Lodge Gardens, Joseph 404 N. Main Street Joseph, Oregon 97846 Phone: 541-432-6000 

Website

https://josephy.org/event/the-43rd-annual-quick-draw-event/

Fall Foliage Two Rivers Train Ride

Enjoy the peak of the amazing fall colors as the train follows the banks of the Grande Ronde River to Rondowa, where it is joined by the Wild & Scenic Wallowa River. The ride continues a couple of miles up the Wallowa, then reverses direction for the return to Elgin. 

Date and Time

Wednesday Sep 30, 2026
10:00 AM - 1:30 PM PDT

Location

Elgin Train Depot, Elgin 300 Depot Street, Elgin, Oregon  97827 

Fees/Admission

Adults = $85 / Seniors 60+ = $80 / Youth, 3 to 16 = $40 (kids under 3 ride for free!)

Website

https://eaglecaptrainrides.com/book-online/

Contact Information

541.437.3652

👨‍👩‍👧 Family-Friendly Events

🎨 Art Walks & Gallery Events

📍 Downtown Joseph

🕙 Time: Daytime & early evening
💲 Cost: Free

• Local art galleries and studios open

• Great walking activity

🎥 Movie Nights at OK Theatre

📍 208 W Main St, Enterprise
📞 (541) 426-3044

🕖 Time: ~7:00 PM
💲 Cost: $5–$10

🎶 Live Music & Nightlife (September Highlights)

🎤 Terminal Gravity Brewing - click here

📍 803 SE School St, Enterprise
📞 (541) 426-0158

🕕 Time: Evenings
💲 Cost: Free

🎸 Stubborn Mule Saloon & Steakhouse - click here

📍 104 N Main St, Joseph
📞 (541) 432-6853

🕖 Time: Evenings
💲 Cost: Free

💃 Slack Drinks & Dining - click here

📍 8 S Main St, Joseph
📞 (541) 432-8888

🕖 Time: 7:00–9:00 PM
💲 Cost: Free

🍁 September Experiences (What Tourists REALLY Come For)

🍂 Fall Colors Begin

• Wallowa Lake

• Hurricane Creek Road

• Zumwalt Prairie

🕗 Time: Daylight hours
💲 Cost: Free

• Early fall color viewing

• Stunning photography

🚠 Wallowa Lake Tramway (Fall Views)

📍 59919 Wallowa Lake Hwy, Joseph
📞 (541) 432-5331
👉https://wallowalaketram.com/

🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
💲 Cost: ~$50 adults

👉 Best views of fall colors

🛶 Wallowa Lake (Quieter Season) - click here

📍 60060 Wallowa Lake Hwy, Joseph
📞 (541) 432-9115

🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
💲 Cost: Rentals $20–$100

• Fewer crowds

• Calm lake conditions

🚴 Hiking & Scenic Drives (Ideal Conditions)

📍 Eagle Cap Wilderness / local trails

🕗 Time: Daylight hours
💲 Cost: Free

• Cooler temperatures

• Excellent hiking

📅 Where to Find Updated Events

👉 https://business.wallowacountychamber.com/events/calendar

📞 Helpful Visitor Contacts

Joseph Visitor Center
📍 Joseph Visitor Information Area

Downtown Main Street (across from Slack Drinks & Dining, 108 N Main St)
📞 (541) 432-1015

Wallowa County Chamber of Commerce
📍 309 S River St, Enterprise
📞 (541) 426-4622

⚠️ Important Notes

• Alpenfest weekend = VERY busy

• Weather starts cooling

• Some seasonal businesses begin closing late month

🔥 Planning your trip?

Check out our favorite travel essentials, gear, and local recommendations:

What to Bring to Joseph Oregon: Packing List

Best Gear for Wallowa Lake (Boating, Hiking & Camping)

What to Bring to Chief Joseph Days Rodeo & Festivals

✅ Final Tip

September is one of the BEST times to visit because:
👉 Fewer crowds
👉 Beautiful weather
👉 Unique festival (Alpenfest)