Nestled into the foothills of the gorgeous Wallowa Mountains is the charming town of Joseph, Oregon. This remote, artsy town is home to roughly 1,000 residents, and its tree-lined streets are full of unique shops and cafes, historic buildings, amazing bronze sculptures, and more. The town is surrounded by pristine natural beauty and incredible mountain silhouettes; it’s even known colloquially as the “Little Switzerland of America”.
Located in Wallowa County, Joseph is a perfect place for a day trip or weekend getaway.
Despite the town's small size, you'll find a plethora of unique local businesses, including art galleries, a bronze foundry, clothing boutiques, and more. Here's a photo of the local artisanal chocolate shop, Arrowhead Chocolates.
If you want to stay the night, you can book a room at one of the town's lovely inns or B&Bs. Here's a photo of the wonderful Bronze Antler Bed and Breakfast.
The surrounding area is full of stunning natural beauty and tons of opportunities for outdoor recreation. There's the Wallowa Mountains, Eagle Cap Wilderness, Zumwalt Prairie, Hells Canyon, and so much more. Right up the road is the breathtaking Wallowa Lake, which is a perfect place for boating, swimming, fishing, and more.
Joseph is a great lauching pad for all kinds of outdoor adventures, from hiking to white water rafting. Here's a photo of the amazing nearby Eagle Cap Wilderness.