The Joseph Canyon Viewpoint is at a highway pullout along Oregon High way 3. The pullout is approximately 30 miles north of Enterprise. Oregon and 11 miles south of the Oregon-Washington line.

The privately owned Joseph Canyon is an example of the canyon-bottomland environment where the Nez Perce people lived in winter. Archeological potential is high in the canyon bottom. Some old ranch buildings visible in the canyon bottom may be historic. Future archeological inventory and documentation is recommended.

Surrounding stands of timber are primary candidates for harvest, since this area is not affected by the salmon recovery program. Joseph Creek is designated a wild and scenic river.

The pullout is owned by the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. There is a right of way across the site held by the Oregon Department of Transportation. The site is on the designated and signed Nez Perce (Nee-Me-Poo) National Historic Trail. The far viewshed and the canyon bottom, which are privately owned, are used for grazing.

MANAGEMENT ISSUES

• There are no restrooms at this heavily used rest stop.

• There is potential for timber harvesting in this area.

• The bottom of the canyon and much of the viewpoint are privately owned.

ACTION PLAN

• The Park Service will continue to work with the Forest Service to install new interpretive panels.

• The Park Service will develop agreements with public agencies and private landowners to protect the viewshed.

• Agencies will work in partnership to enhance the site. The overlook and wayside sign will be placed slightly below the brow of the hill to remove them from highway noise; restrooms will be added.