Oregon's 'Little Switzerland' Is A Hidden Gem With Scenic Mountains And Recreation

Oregon is a renowned playground for nature lovers, with its diverse coastal landscapes, lush forests, and mountain ridges. While Oregon's popular tourist attractions, such as Crater Lake National Park — the deepest lake in America — and Harris Beach, draw millions of visitors each year with their jaw-dropping scenery, smaller off-the-beaten-path towns provide a local vibe for travelers who love the outdoors. One such place is the quaint city of Joseph. This hidden gem sits at the base of the Wallowa Mountains, and these dramatic peaks earned the spot its nickname "Oregon's Little Switzerland." With roughly 1,200 residents, Joseph packs incredible outdoor recreation into one tiny package, from hiking trails to the pristine Wallowa Lake, perfect for swimming, fishing, and kayaking, plus a walkable, artsy downtown.

The Nez Perce tribe called Joseph home for centuries, building prosperous communities along the shores of Wallowa Lake. Settlers trickled in during the 1830s, but the discovery of gold soon flooded the region with prospectors. The Nez Perce people were forced to cede their ancestral land, and despite fierce resistance led by Heinmot Tooyalakekt, also known as Chief Joseph, the conflict came to an end in 1877 when he was captured while trying to reach Canada. The town of Joseph was officially incorporated in 1887, and the arrival of the railroad in 1908 boosted the town's economic growth.

The easiest way to get to Joseph is by flying into Lewiston–Nez Perce County Airport (LWS) in Idaho, which is about a two-hour drive away. Alternatively, visitors can fly into Boise Airport. The trip takes roughly four hours by car, but several airlines offer nonstop service daily, and car rentals are available directly from the airport to Joseph.

Joseph might be small, but its proximity to Eagle Cap Wilderness within the 2.4 million-acre Wallowa-Whitman National Forest gives visitors access to hundreds of miles of hiking trails winding through mixed forests and mountain ranges. The 15.6-mile Ice Lake Trail takes hikers through rocky terrain before opening up to the stunning Ice Lake, and despite being a tough trek, it's the most popular hike in Joseph on AllTrails, with a 4.7-star rating. Hikers can explore several other trails in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, though some trailheads require a $5 Northwest Forest Pass for parking.

The best way to experience Joseph's wilderness without breaking a sweat is by taking the Wallowa Lake Tramway, which operates from May through September. This 15-minute gondola ride lifts you 3,700 vertical feet to the 8,150-foot summit of Mount Howard, where you'll see breathtaking views of Wallowa Lake and the rugged peaks of Eagle Cap Wilderness from above. Once at the summit, the easy 1.6-mile Wallowa Tramway Summit Trail offers well-marked paths with mountain range views, and Summit Grill, the Northwest's highest restaurant, provides the perfect spot to refuel while taking in the scenery.

Back at ground level, Wallowa Lake State Park offers access to the glacier-formed Wallowa Lake, the perfect spot for fishing, swimming, kayaking, and boating. The day-use area and camping sites stay open year-round, but Wallowa Lake Marina, which handles watercraft rentals and fishing licenses, only operates from mid-May through September. Visitors can also spot wildlife including deer, eagles, osprey, and ducks from a distance, and with picnic tables and other amenities throughout the park, it's great for bringing the whole family.

If you're an art lover, downtown Joseph's Main Street will grab your attention with its shops, galleries, and cafes housed in historic buildings. While exploring downtown, look out for the seven bronze sculptures that earned the city the title "Bronze Capital of the World." Completed in 2002, the project showcases the work of local artists. History buffs should visit the Wallowa County Museum, housed in the historic 1888 First Bank of Joseph building. The museum displays exhibits from the pioneer era, with the ground floor serving as the Nez Perce Room. The museum is open from May through September and offers private tours during the off-season by reservation. Admission fees range from $2 to $6, with free entry for children under 6.

Iwetemlaykin State Heritage Site remains open year-round as protected ancestral land of the Nez Perce tribe. Adjacent to the site is the Nez Perce National Historical Park, which features Old Chief Joseph's gravesite. If you're up for a more physically demanding experience, Joseph Branch Railriders offers a two-hour round-trip journey that challenges riders to pedal rail bikes along a historic railroad route, making it a fun and active way to explore the area.

Once you've worked up a sweat, it's time to fill your stomach. Cheyenne Cafe, located in the heart of Joseph, serves hamburgers, sandwiches, French toast, and pancakes for breakfast and lunch. Arrowhead Chocolates is highly rated on Tripadvisor as a top spot for something sweet, featuring handmade chocolates and truffles. Stubborn Mule Saloon & Steakhouse also serves flavorful dishes at affordable prices. If you're craving even more natural beauty in Oregon, Yachats is another overlooked coastal city worth adding to a quiet-escape itinerary.