Wallowa Lake, OR

Tucked right against the base of the Wallowa Mountains at the southern tip of the lake, Wallowa Lake is a small, scenic pocket just a short drive from Joseph. Life here revolves around the outdoors, with trailheads leading straight into the Eagle Cap Wilderness, a bustling state park marina, and classic summer cabins dotting the shoreline. While the warm months bring a steady stream of campers, boaters, and visitors to the local tramway and eateries, the community quiets down considerably once winter rolls in. For anyone looking to live here, everyday errands and groceries mean heading five miles north into Joseph, but having crystal-clear water and alpine trails right in your backyard is hard to beat.