Wallowa County is home to some of Oregon’s most scenic and accessible rivers, offering opportunities for fishing, floating, wildlife viewing, and backcountry exploration. Below is a guide to major rivers in the area, along with parking and access information:

Wallowa River (Near Joseph, OR)

Description: Flows approximately 55 miles from the Eagle Cap Wilderness through Joseph to the Grande Ronde River. Popular for scenic float trips and steelhead & Chinook salmon fishing. A 10-mile stretch below Minam is designated as a State Scenic Waterway.

Management: Managed by BLM & Oregon Parks and Recreation; Wallowa-Whitman National Forest (Joseph District).

Parking & Access: Primary parking at Wallowa Lake State Park near the river mouth. Day-use parking is typically free with permit; overflow parking available (~$10/night).

Contact: Wallowa-Whitman National Forest (Joseph Ranger District) – (541) 426-5546

Imnaha River (Near Joseph, OR)

Description: A wild and scenic ~64-mile wilderness river running through deep canyons entirely within Wallowa County.

Management: Managed by USFS (Eagle Cap District) & BLM.

Parking & Access: Indian Crossing Trailhead parking: ~$5/day or Northwest Forest Pass required. Campground parking (~$6/night) available.

Contact: Wallowa-Whitman National Forest – (541) 426-5546

Grande Ronde River (Near Enterprise, OR)

Description: Originates in the Blue Mountains and flows ~210 miles into Washington. The lower section is federally designated Wild & Scenic and is well known for salmon and steelhead fishing.

Management: Managed by BLM & USFS.

Parking & Access: Access via multiple pull-outs and developed recreation sites. Parking varies—some free, others require fees.

Contact: BLM Baker Field Office – (541) 523-1256

Wenaha River

Description: A ~21.6-mile tributary of the Grande Ronde River, known for remote wilderness access and canyon scenery.

Management: Managed by USFS & BLM.

Parking & Access: Trailhead and dispersed parking available, often free at USFS sites.

Contact: Umatilla National Forest – (541) 278-3716

Minam River

Description: A pristine tributary flowing through the Eagle Cap Wilderness, famous for backcountry hiking, fishing, and the Minam River Lodge.

Management: Managed by USFS (Wallowa-Whitman National Forest).

Parking & Access: Limited trailhead parking (Minam River Trailhead). Wilderness permits required.

Contact: Wallowa-Whitman NF – (541) 426-5546

Lostine River

Description: Flows from the Eagle Cap Wilderness through the town of Lostine into the Wallowa River. Known for trout fishing and scenic valley access.

Management: Managed by USFS & ODFW.

Parking & Access: Access points near Lostine; roadside and small lot parking available.

Contact: Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife – (541) 426-3279

Bear Creek (Wallowa County)

Description: A smaller but popular creek for fishing and hiking access into the wilderness.

Management: Managed by USFS.

Parking & Access: Trailhead parking available; Northwest Forest Pass may be required.

Contact: Wallowa-Whitman NF – (541) 426-5546

Important Tips for Visitors

• Always check current river conditions and weather before visiting.
• Some areas require a Northwest Forest Pass or day-use fee.
• Practice Leave No Trace principles.
• Be aware of wildlife and changing water levels.
• Cell service is limited in many river areas.