Joseph, Oregon, a town nestled up against the Wallowa Mountains of Eastern Oregon, is named after Chief Joseph the Younger who was chief of the Nez Perce tribe and was born in the Wallowa Valley. He led his people in protest against the U. S. Government taking his tribal lands and being forced to live on a reservation. His plan was to lead his tribe on a long journey and cross the Canadian Border. He came within less than 40 miles of succeeding.
Today visitors flock to Joseph, Oregon for various reasons. The town is just a mile from popular Wallowa Lake where three trail heads go into the Eagle Cap Wilderness area. Another reason for visiting is the town has become an art center. The most famous art is the bronze sculptures cast at the three bronze foundrys in the town.
Jim Carson, Creative Commons
Bronze statues decorate Joseph, Oregon on every street corner. You can see other artworks by visiting the art galleries in town. The Aspen Grove Gallery has glass, bronze, watercolors, pottery, and oils. The Indigo Gallery has hand-fabricated jewelry and other art by local, national, and international artists. Kelly's Gallery focuses on bronze sculpture but has other art as well.
The Valley Bronze Gallery focuses on bronze sculpture cast in their own foundry. Here you can arrange for a foundry tour during the tourist season. You can find out more information about these tours by calling 541-432-7445.
Several events take place in Joseph Oregon each year.
Jim Carson, Creative Commons
In July is the Chief Joseph Days Rodeo held at the Harley Tucker Memorial Arena. It attracts major contenders from across the country. If you plan to attend this five-day event, book your overnight lodging in advance.
The 14th Annual Bronze Blues and Brews Festival will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2009.
The 2nd Annual Bigger and Better Bronze Bike Motorcycle Rendevous will be held August 21st, 22nd, and 23rd, 2009. There will be biker games, favorite bike contest, live music, and dance.
The Eagle Cap Extreme Mountain Sled Dog Race will be held January 15, 2009 through 17, 2009. The race begins at Wallowa Lake State Park south of town. For more information visit
Eagle Cap Extreme.
A WinterFest is put on each January by the Wallowa County Gamblers Snowmobile Club. For information about the 2009 WinterFest visit Wallowa WinterFest Events
Oregon, Creative Commons
So what's it like in Joseph, Oregon during the winter. Well, in one word, cold. But add to that lots of sunny days with snow on the ground and you have a winter funland for snowmobiling, dog sleding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
Summers are warm days with moderate to cool nights. The area usually has a long Indian Summer in the Fall. The rainiest time of year is in the Spring.
Nearby Wallowa Lake
Wallowa Lake
provides opportunities for all kinds of outdoor recreation year round. There are camping spots at Wallowa Lake State Park. Wallowa Lake Lodge has rooms and rustic cabins for rent. The Matterhorn Swiss Village has cottages for rent.
