Wallowa Lake Tramway's
Mountain Biking Map and Information

Experience Overview

Wallowa Lake Tramway offers gondola transportation for you and your bike to the top of Mt. Howard at 8,150 feet. The scenic summit of Mt. Howard sits high above Wallowa Lake. Here you will enjoy several amenities, a scenic restaurant and miles of hiking trails with a multitude of breathtaking viewpoints. After enjoying a hike or delicious meal at the Summit Grill & Alpine Patio, you will depart on an easy but exciting 5 to 15 mile mountain bike ride off the Mt. Howard summit.

If you have never visited Wallowa Lake Tramway with the "BEST VIEWS IN OREGON", you will certainly enjoy this all new experience in our beautiful wilderness setting.

You and your equipment will be transported 1.8 miles and 3,700 vertical feet up the mountain in the comfort of the gondola cabin. At the top of the mountain you can take in views of Oregon, Idaho, Washington, beautiful Wallowa Lake, and the Wallowa Mountains before heading off on your downhill bike excursion.

The Mt. Howard trail system includes Wallowa Lake Tramway's service road, a five-mile ride with a moderate grade double track, where the trail will intersect with cross-country trails, gravel and paved county roads and paved state highways. Each route offers a variety of mountain biking alternatives. With such a variety in the system of roads and trails, there are routes for mountain bikers of all ages, physical condition and riding ability.

Bring your bike and explore the Tramway's miles and miles of exciting scenic trails that wind their way through the pine-covered hills, over glacial moraines, or along gravel and paved roads with breathtaking views of the Wallowa Mountains and Eagle Cap Wilderness Area.

While you're out on the trails, be sure and keep an eye out and your camera handy for the wildlife along the trail. Elk, deer, and game birds can often be spotted along the way, especially early in the morning and late in the day.

Bike Route Map & Legend


International Mountain Biking Association Code

  • 1. I will yield the right-of-way to other non-motorized trail users.
  • 2. I will use caution when overtaking another
  • 3. I will maintain control of my speed at all times.
  • 4. I will stay on trails.
  • 5. I will not disturb wildlife or livestock
  • 6. I will not litter.
  • 7. I will respect public and private property
  • 8. I will always be self-sufficient
  • 9. I will not travel solo in remote areas.
  • 10. I will observe the practice of minimum impact.
  • 11. I will always wear a helmet.
  • 12. I will always close all gates behind me.

Wallowa Lake Tramway Biking Trail Descriptions

Tour Route I

Described as the jewel of the Wallowa Valley, this route offers stunning views of the Wallowa Mountains, Wallowa Valley and Wallowa Lake. It combines a variety of both traditional downhill and Cross-country Mountain biking.

Mt Howard Drive A multi-use trail, and the eastern route down from the top terminal of the gondola, this route takes you to the county roads. It's a moderate sloped wide gravel road offering a double track experience with outstanding views of the Seven Devils, the Mt. Howard backcountry and Wallowa Valley. This trail is for intermediate riders due to the loose rocks, occasional ruts in the tracks and the steepness of the upper part of the trail. This trail has a 4000 feet vertical drop. This leg is 6.3 miles. - 1 to 1.5 hours.

Turner Lane A moderately downhill grade, gravel road connecting Mt. Howard Drive to RY Uphill. This leg is 2.8 miles. - 15 to 30 minutes.

RY Uphill Enter the blue gate. This trail is 1 mile of uphill terrain that becomes flat as it connects with RY Traverse. This leg is 1 mile. - 15 to 30 minutes.

RY Traverse This trail traverses the base of the moraine, parallels Wallowa Lake and intersects with Lake View Drive before the uphill section to the top of the moraine. More experienced bikers can continue along RY Traverse back to the Tram. Beware. The last section of RY Traverse is a very steep downhill trail with sharp technical turns. Less experienced riders should take the Lake View Drive route at the marked intersection. The RY Traverse and Lake View Drive trails may only be accessed from the blue gate at the end of Turner Lane. This leg is 2.9 miles. - 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Lake View Drive This trail intersects off of RY Traverse before the uphill section to the top of the moraine. The trail is downhill with some flat terrain which parallels Wallowa Lake along the top of the Lake's glacial moraine. Lake View Drive intersects Wallowa Lake Highway about 1 mile from the Tram. This leg is 2.6 miles. - 30 minutes to 1 hour. Tour Route I is approximately 13 miles, depending on routes taken.

Tour Route II

Divided into three legs, this route provides riders the opportunity to make this trip as long or as short as they may feel comfortable, with the possibility of touring the town of Joseph.

Leg I Tucker Down Road to Turner Lane to Liberty Lane to Imnaha Highway After riding down Mt. Howard Drive, this route is a downhill ride across gravel and paved roads to the Imnaha Highway. For those wishing a shorter trip, this makes a convenient pick up point. This leg is 2.7 miles. - 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Leg II Imnaha Highway to Joseph This state highway with light but higher speed traffic, offers an easy and direct route to Joseph from the county road system. The road is basically flat but rolling, boasting beautiful landscape views of the agricultural lands with the mountains as a scenic backdrop. Riders may wish to either terminate their ride at this point or take a break and explore the shops, art galleries, restaurants and other Joseph attractions. This leg is 2.7 miles. - 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Leg III Joseph Highway to Wallowa Lake Village (Tramway Parking Lot) This state highway with moderate speed traffic offers a road-like riding experience through the city of Joseph to Wallowa Lake Village. The road is moderately uphill for a short distance through the city of Joseph to the north end of the Lake. It is flat while traveling along the lake to Wallowa Lake Village. This leg is 6.2 miles. - 30 minutes to 1 hour. Tour Route II from the summit of Mt. Howard to the Tram parking lot is approximately 18 miles.

 Green = easiest route (Novice) Blue = more difficult (Ok Intermediate) Black (Advanced Expert)

     

Although neither Tour Route I nor II is difficult, Riders should have some previous off road biking experience.  Tour Route I offers a spectacular scenic ride across the glacial moraine on smooth trails and easy terrain (Note: The last part of RY Traverse is a steep and more technical trail for expert riders.  Less experienced riders should use Wiggins Way.)  The accent to the top of the moraine via Lake View Drive and R Y Traverse has a moderate 1.25 mile climb which requires riders to have some conditioning.  Those who tire before completing the uphill section can always walk their bikes. The scenic experience is well worth the effort. Remember, you will have the remaining part of the ride on smooth, flat or downhill trails.

In Case of Emergency

Wallow Lake Tramway staff and volunteers patrol Mt Howard Drive frequently and sweeps Route I( R Y Traverse and Lakeview Drive) on a ATV at day’s end – Please report any emergency or hazard to these patrollers.  Riders may also report incidents or hazards at the two emergency radio locations (1/3 and 2/3of the way down Mt Howard Drive.)  Cell phone contact at 541-432-5331-(Cell reception is very limited once you leave the top terminal until you reach the country roads).

When reporting an incident please report the following.

             1. Number of persons injured                        3. Who is accompanying injured

            2. Location and nature of injury                   4. Other questions ask by operator

The Yanke Family and Wiggins Family have graciously allowed us access across their beautiful properties. When riding near cabins and homes please avoid shouting or other unnecessary noise. Please respect their land and leave it as you found it.  Close all gates and remove all litter. 

Helmets are Required                 Please close all gates
©2008LBSITES, INC - WALLOWA LAKE TRAMWAY, INC