• SUMMIT VIEWS

  The Wallowa Valley overlook is a breathtaking view of the valley where Chief Joseph and his people spent their summers. The communities of Joseph, Enterprise, Lostine and Wallowa are visible. The walk is just under 3/4 of a mile from the terminal, and takes the average person 15-20 minutes. The trip is relatively easy and the slope is moderate.

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  The short trip out to the Royal Purple overlook is an easy one. Royal Purple is a spectacular view of the Wallowa Mountain range. From here you can see many high peaks in the Wallowa Mountains. The hike takes less than 5 minutes from the terminal. From Royal Purple you have the option of returning to the terminal, or ascending to the summit overlook. This 15 minute portion of the trip has a steady incline to the summit, a walk which is negotiable by a majority of the guests.
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  Once you reach the summit overlook, you can see into the states of Washington, Idaho, and some claim across the northern panhandle of Idaho into Montana. After reaching the summit overlook area, you can proceed along the circular loop of the summit trails heading toward the valley overlook, while experiencing some great views of the Snake River Country. Or you may choose to return directly to the terminal.

   

  The summit area contains a variety of sensitive plant life and wildlife species. Please help us preserve and protect them by:

   

  - Staying on the designated trails at all times.

  - Feeding wildlife with approved foods.

  - Bringing all trash to receptacles.

ABOUT THE TRAM

The gondola is a Swiss-made tram, and was constructed in 1970 as the steepest vertical lift for a four passenger gondola in North America. It is powered by a 150 h.p. electric motor – and a gasoline engine auxiliary drive at the base, operating a single continuous loop cable 19,300′ in length. In just under 15 minutes you are taken from the bottom terminal at 4,450′ up to 8,150′ atop Mt. Howard which was named for Major General Oliver O. Howard who pursued the Nez Perce from here in 1877.

The map above is a guide of 2 1/2 miles of groomed trails at the tramway
summit, the views along the paths have been rated the best in Oregon and are truly spectacular. The walks along the paths also give the opportunity to experience a variety of very rare alpine flowers and plants.

• TRAM FACTS

  

  - Highest point off ground: 120 feet (between tower 4 and 5)

  - Lowest point off ground: 3 feet (between tower 17 and 18)

  - Highest tower: #4 at 74 feet - Cable length: 19,300 feet (nearly 4 miles long)

  - When constructed, this tram was the steepest vertical lift in North America.

  - There are 25 towers total, 3700 foot rise from base to summit.

  - When the tram was built in 1970, the original master plan called for more lifts and a ski area.