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Wallowa Lake Highway, Wallowa Valley, Oregon
Photo: Forest Service Northern Region · Public domain

Drives Oregon Eastern Oregon

Wallowa Lake Highway

OR 82, OR 351 · Elgin → Wallowa Lake

Leisurely55 mi1 hr 25 min3,800 ft climbHigh point ≈ 4,400 ftOne way
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The drive

OR 82 is the Wallowa Lake Highway. This drive goes east from Elgin, over the hill and down to the Minam and Wallowa rivers, through the canyon to Wallowa and Lostine, then up the Wallowa Valley through Enterprise and Joseph to the foot of Wallowa Lake, with the Wallowa Mountains ahead.

It's 55.3 miles and about 1 hr 25 min, rated Leisurely. The highway runs between the Blue and Wallowa mountains through ranchland, and it's part of the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway. The last stretch from Joseph to the lake is Highway 351.

Along the way

  1. Elgin
  2. Minam
  3. Enterprise
  4. Wallowa Lake
Elevation
3,800 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 4,400 ft
ElginWallowa Lake
Curves
Mostly gentle curves
ElginWallowa Lake
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • The last stretch from Joseph to the lake is Highway 351.
  • The route is part of the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway, with towns every few miles.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check ODOT TripCheck: road conditions.

Questions about this drive

How long does OR 82 from Elgin to Wallowa Lake take?

Elgin to Wallowa Lake is 55.3 miles and takes about 1 hr 25 min.

Is the Wallowa Lake Highway scenic?

Yes. It runs through the Wallowa Valley between the Blue and Wallowa mountains and is part of the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway.

Is the Wallowa Lake Highway twisty?

Not much. The drive is rated Leisurely.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.
Preview it in 3DFly the whole drive over satellite and terrain before you go.
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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Wallowa Lake Highway, from Elgin to Wallowa Lake