Majestic Peaks of Mount Howard
Adventure Destination

Majestic Peaks of Mount Howard

Explore Mount Howard's scenic viewpoints via the Wallowa Lake Tramway. Offering hiking trails with panoramic views, this area is well-suited for birdwatching. Accessible primarily by tram, the summit offers solitude outside peak seasons. Ideal from late spring to early fall.

Scenic Tram Ride8.5/10Moderate
Photo Gallery

Category

Scenic Tram Ride

Typical Duration

1-2 hours

Difficulty

Moderate

About This Adventure Destination

Located in the breathtaking Wallowa Mountains of Oregon, Mount Howard offers a unique panorama of jagged peaks and sweeping valleys. This stunning location is renowned for its 360-degree views that capture the essence of Northeast Oregon’s rugged beauty. Named after the late judge and journalist Morton M. Howard, this peak stands out as a remarkable feature of the area, offering visitors a chance to connect with nature’s splendor. While exploring the mountain, you may encounter wildlife such as deer and various bird species that thrive in this alpine environment. The Wallowa Lake Tramway, one of the oldest tramways in North America, takes you up to the summit, offering a scenic ride with expansive views of the graceful landscape below. Visitors are treated to walking trails that lead to spectacular vistas, coupled with the sweet scent of alpine flora, making it a sensory delight. Historically, the Wallowa Valley holds cultural significance as the homeland of the Nez Perce people. Their heritage is interwoven with the land, enriching the experience of those who wander these trails. From historical richness to natural beauty, Mount Howard provides an exceptional and memorable adventure for those seeking nature’s wonders.

Editorial Assessment

Known for its panoramic views and unique tramway, Mount Howard is a striking destination, though more localized compared to globally iconic sites.

Majestic Peaks of Mount Howard

Adventure Guide to Majestic Peaks of Mount Howard

1

Experience Majestic Peaks of Mount Howard

  • Special Features:

    Explore Mount Howard's scenic viewpoints via the Wallowa Lake Tramway. Offering hiking trails with panoramic views, this area is well-suited for birdwatching. Accessible primarily by tram, the summit offers solitude outside peak seasons. Ideal from late spring to early fall.

  • Visitor Tips:

    Best time to visit is during Late Spring to Early Fall. Bring adequate water, appropriate outdoor gear, and camera.

  • Directions:

    Mount Howard, Oregon 97846, USA

2

Exploring Near Joseph, Oregon

  • Local Insights:

    Offers direct access to top trails, protected natural reserves, and picturesque viewpoints across Joseph, Oregon.

  • Visitor Tips:

    Check local regulations, trail conditions, and weather before heading out.

3

Photography and Wildlife

  • Special Highlights:

    Watch for native wildlife including Deer, Eagles.

  • Visitor Tips:

    Arrive in early morning or late afternoon for the softest lighting and quieter trails.

Reviews

S
Sheryl Henderson3 months ago

We did not expect so much snow at the top of the mountain at the end of May. It was beautiful even though we had to make our own Trails as they are not marked well when they're covered in snow.

C
Clean Slate Dirty Tiresa year ago

The air is thin, but the views are amazing.

E
Evander Hixson2 years ago

Beautiful view.

I
Isaac Baldock2 years ago

Fantastic views fun hiking.

D
DeEtte Fisher3 years ago

My. Howard is an absolute must when visiting Wallowa Lake! You take an amazing tram ride from the village at the head of the lake. It takes you from an elevation of 4400’ to 8150’ in 15 minutes. The ride up has spectacular views of the lake and Wallowa Mountains! At the top, there are over 2 miles of hiking trails with gorgeous views of the mountains and the towns of Joseph and Enterprise in the beautiful valley.

Nearby Adventures

Bookable Experiences

Gondola to Mt. Howard: A Birds‑Eye Pass over Wallowa Lake3.82 mi
Joseph, Oregon

Gondola to Mt. Howard: A Birds‑Eye Pass over Wallowa Lake

The Single Day Pass on the Wallowa Lake Tramway lifts riders 3,700 feet in a historic gondola to Mt. Howard for 4,000‑foot views on North America’s steepest vertical lift.

3.82 miView Trips & Details →
Steelhead Among Basalt: Five Days in the Roadless Wallowa & Grande Ronde4.56 mi
Wallowa, Oregon

Steelhead Among Basalt: Five Days in the Roadless Wallowa & Grande Ronde

A guided, multi-day fly-fishing immersion pursuing aggressive wild steelhead in the roadless, federally designated canyon of the Wallowa and Grande Ronde Rivers.

4.56 miView Trips & Details →
Pedal the Valley Floor beneath the Wallowa Mountains6.82 mi
Joseph, Oregon

Pedal the Valley Floor beneath the Wallowa Mountains

A 2-hour, 12-mile round-trip pedal through the Joseph–Enterprise valley, this original Joseph outing by Joseph Branch Railriders showcases mountain views and easy terrain for a low-to-mild effort.

6.82 miView Trips & Details →
An Hour on the Rails Beneath the Wallowa Peaks6.82 mi
Joseph, Oregon

An Hour on the Rails Beneath the Wallowa Peaks

A short, 6‑mile round trip railride from Joseph that packs mountain vistas, pine corridors and pastureland into a one‑hour outing—useful for visitors who need a memorable adventure that fits a tight schedule.

6.82 miView Trips & Details →
Three Hours Through the Wallowa: A River Escape from Minam to Howard Creek6.91 mi
Wallowa, Oregon

Three Hours Through the Wallowa: A River Escape from Minam to Howard Creek

A 3-hour, 20-mile round-trip railbike through a timbered canyon along the Wallowa River — this guide lays out the route, midpoint rest, and what to expect on the shorter Minam option.

6.91 miView Trips & Details →
Wing Ridge Camp: A Small-Group Hiking Experience Out of Joseph, Oregon7.20 mi
Joseph, Oregon

Wing Ridge Camp: A Small-Group Hiking Experience Out of Joseph, Oregon

A hiking program titled Wing Ridge Camp • Small Group based in Joseph, Oregon and operated by Wallowa Alpine Huts — a concise guide to what the listing explicitly covers.

7.20 miView Trips & Details →