Joseph Canyon Viewpoint

The stunning vistas of Joseph Canyon can be enjoyed from the parking lot of Joseph Canyon overlook.

NPS

Quick Facts

Location:

45.835469, -117.263178

MANAGED BY:

Private Property, Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, Oregon Department of Transportation

Amenities

4 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto, Restroom, Scenic View/Photo Spot

Joseph Canyon is a 2,000 foot basalt canyon in northern Wallowa County, Oregon, and southern Asotin County, Washington. It contains Joseph Creek, a tributary of the Grande Ronde River which flows into the Snake River and then into the Columbia. Prior to European settlement, the Nez Perce used the canyon bottomlands as a travel corridor from summer camp sites in the Wallowa Valley to winter camp sites along the Grand Ronde and Snake Rivers. In the 1700s, the Nez Perce raised horses on the canyon grasslands. Beginning in the mid-19th century, pioneer settlers homesteaded in the area, grazing sheep and cattle and planting fruit orchards. However, the rocky terrain prohibited extensive agricultural production.
The canyon seen from the overlook was one of the winter homes of the Chief Joseph band of Nez Perce. Tradition holds that Chief Joseph was born in a cave along the east bank of the creek. 

Getting to Joseph Canyon Viewpoint

The Joseph Canyon Viewpoint is at a highway pullout along Oregon Route 3, approximately 30 miles north of Enterprise, OR, and 11 miles south of the Washington border.

Driving to Joseph Canyon Viewpoint

From Enterprise, Oregon turn north off U.S. Highway 82 onto U.S. Highway 3/First Street. Go 30 miles on U.S. Highway 3 towards Lewiston, Idaho. The entrance to the highway pullout is on the right.

Things to do at Joseph Canyon Viewpoint

Explore the Site

Joseph Canyon is privately owned. However from the Joseph Canyon Viewpoint, you can view the impressive scenery that was once the winter homes of Chief Joseph's band of Nez Perce. Joseph Creek that runs through the canyon is designated a wild and scenic river. The viewpoint includes interpretive signs of the canyon and the role it played as the winter homes of the Chief Joseph band and their journey from the area in 1877. There are also accessible vault toilets and RV and truck trailer parking.