Eastern Oregon - Washington, Oregon and the Pacific Northwest - page 697

Even while Joseph feels more like Santa Fe than your typical backcountry Western
town, it has just enough boots-and-jeans street life to keep it from seeming completely
fake. And simply heading a few blocks out of downtown brings you back into beautiful
countryside - just a mile south is Wallowa Lake, a glacial basin flanked by gorgeous
towering peaks. Joseph is also a good base for exploring the region's many other recre-
ational highlights; there's even a tiny ski resort, Ferguson Ridge, about 8 miles away.
Public transportation services are the same as those for Enterprise.
Sights & Activities
The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest and the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area
are laced with mountain-biking trails, including the pretty, 10-mile Wagon Loop Rd; the
Redmont Trail Network has great single-track. When snow falls, the area is good for
cross-country skiing.
Valley Bronze FOUNDRY
( 541-432-7445; www.valleybronze.com ; 18 S Main St) Joseph is most noted for its cast-
bronze sculpture, thanks in part to Valley Bronze. Foundry tours are $15 per person and
by reservation only.
Wallowa County Museum MUSEUM
( 541-432-6095; 110 S Main St; adult/child 7-18yr $4/2; 10am-4pm Memorial Day-late Sep)
The Wallowa County Museum, housed in an 1888 bank building, is notable for its dis-
plays on local pioneer and Nez Percé histories; check out the 'ladies jail' out the back.
Festivals & Events
Chief Joseph Days CULTURE
( 541-432-1015; www.chiefjosephdays.com ; late Jul) Chief Joseph Days, held over four
days in late July, features a rodeo, Native American dancing and cowboy breakfasts.
Bronze Blues & Brews Festival MUSIC
( www.bronzebluesbrews.com ; mid-Aug) The Bronze Blues & Brews Festival sees good
jazz, microbrews and bronze sculptures on display.
Sleeping