Adventures
Sumpter Gold Dredge - Sumpter, Oregon
The Sumpter Gold Dredge (specifically Sumpter No. 3) is a massive, floating Yuba-style placer mining machine that now serves as the centerpiece of the Sumpter Valley Dredge State Heritage Area in Eastern Oregon. Operating almost continuously from 1935 to 1954, this 1,250-ton behemoth extracted gold by scooping up earth with 72 one-ton buckets, processing the material inside its 125-foot hull, and recovering gold flakes before expelling the waste. Although the dredge recovered approximately $4.5 million in gold, the company ultimately ceased operations in 1954 $100,000 in debt. Its legacy is visible for miles in the distinctive stacks of stone known as tailings, which spread across the Sumpter Valley, dramatically transforming the natural meadows along the Powder River. Preserved today as a monument to area mining and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971, the dredge offers visitors a glimpse into the industrial methods and environmental impacts of gold extraction.
Joseph Branch Railriders - Minam, Oregon
Joseph Branch Railriders offers pedal-powered rail bike adventures, considered one of America's most unique and memorable must-do experiences, taking visitors through Oregon’s majestic Wallowa Mountains. Riders cycle the scenery along historic rail lines, enjoying scenic journeys and connecting with nature in a special way in Northeast Oregon. The railriders operate from two unforgettable Oregon locations: Minam, where the journey twists through a canyon alongside the scenic tumbling Wallowa River with towering rock cliffs above, and Joseph, where riders enjoy a peaceful pedal through the valley at the base of the majestic Wallowa Mountains, taking in the views and fresh mountain air. These journeys utilize the historic Joseph Branch Railroad, which is a 63-mile line linking Elgin to Joseph and tracing the picturesque Grande Ronde and Wallowa Rivers.
Eagle Cap Excursions - Falls Colors Train
Embark on a journey through the dramatic landscape of northeast Oregon aboard the Eagle Cap Excursion Train. Operating from the Elgin Depot, this train offers scenic trips beside the Grande Ronde and Wallowa Rivers, following a section of the historic Joseph Branch rail line. As you ride, you'll journey back in time, discovering untamed territory and enjoying the sights and sounds while the train travels through rugged cliffs and timbered ridges. Whether you're a rail enthusiast, a nature lover, a history buff, or simply looking for a fun and relaxing way to experience the region's spectacular beauty, a trip on the Eagle Cap Excursion Train is sure to please.
Wallowa Lake Tramway
The Wallowa Lake Tramway, located near Joseph in Eastern Oregon within the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, is highlighted as the steepest four-person aerial gondola in the U.S. (or North America). This recreational tramway takes passengers on a spectacular 15-minute ride up a 3700-foot ascent to the summit of Mount Howard, reaching an elevation of over 8,100 feet. From the top, visitors can experience awe-inspiring panoramic views that may include four states, the Eagle Cap Wilderness, and the Wallowa Valley, and they can also enjoy approximately two miles of hiking trails and dine at the Summit Grill, known as the Northwest’s highest restaurant. The tramway typically operates from May to September, with occasional operations during winter for special occasions.
Wallowa Lake - JO Paddle’s Glass Bottom Kayak
The crystal clear water of Wallowa Lake provides a unique opportunity to explore the lake in a glass-bottom kayak. JO Paddle is a wonderful, family-owned business in Joseph, Oregon. The kayaks are clear plexiglass rather than glass, but the view is quite spectacular. The clear bottoms allow you to have a clear view below the surface without the choppy, wind-whipped surface getting in the way. It was a neat experience.