Wallowa Lake State Park and area

Wow is the word that first comes to mind when describing this area.  As you leave the small village of Joseph, it is only a couple of miles until you go around a bend in the road and there sits Wallowa Lake.  It is not a large lake but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in beauty.  This is an alpine area and, although I am sure it is breath-taking in winter, I’ll confine my visits to the warmer months.

Russ took these photos from the south end of the lake.  There is a county park with picnic tables, swimming area, boat launch, restrooms, and a bus stop!  During the summer you can catch a shuttle for $1.50 at one of several stops around the lake and go to Joseph or Enterprise. 



Yes, it really is that clear and pristine.  If you look closely near the bottom of the next photo, you can see the rocks on the bottom of the lake.



The Wallowa State Park has both camping and day use areas at the north end of the lake.  The day use is adjacent to the campground so it is easy to walk through and enjoy both areas.

A small herd of deer inhabit the park.  We noticed two does and three yearlings that seemed to hang together and another doe who was always a ways off form the others.  There is also a fine buck that roams around and beds down near a small viewing platform.  He is totally unafraid of humans and just goes about his business as if you were not there.



I think Russ caught him with a mouth full of grass!  Next day, he was walking through the campsites – eating again!  Just like a guy!


I think he was telling us to quit interrupting his breakfast.

We have a great campsite on an outside loop, with a hill and then nothing but forest in the back.  Very quiet.



We are just kicking back and enjoying this wonderful area.

 



Tonight I caught Russ in an indiscretion!  I thought I was married to a real outdoorsman.  He tried to hide it but I caught him using egg cartons and fire starter to get the campfire going.



And then to ad insult to injury, he didn’t even use a real match!  Can you imagine?



But the end result was worth it so I guess it’s okay.



Meanwhile, the steaks were sizzling on the grill.  Don’t ask me about the meat I tried doing over the fire a night or two ago!


And although it looks like the tablecloth is on fire, I assure you we are a safe distance away, enjoying our steak and tater and basking in the warmth of a warm fire.


Life is definitely good!

Join us here tomorrow, same time (if I can find internet, that is), same station, for a visit to the charming village of Joseph and a visit to the grave of the Old Chief Joseph…and coming soon, it’s spawning time and the river if FULL of salmon.