Wallowa County Information
Welcome! .
Wallowa County encompasses an area of
2,033,920 acres - 3.3% of the total area of Oregon and ranks
ninth among counties in area. Composed of high mountains, deep
canyons, and plateaus, the county lies in the northeast corner
of Oregon and almost entirely in the Grande Ronde River Basin.
Population
Wallowa County |
7,150 |
Enterprise |
2,020 |
Joseph |
1,085 |
Lostine |
230 |
Wallowa |
760 |
Imnaha |
100 |
How's the Weather?
Check Current Weather Conditions and Forecast
Wallowa County is the land of contrast in weather. High
circling mountains protect the valley from more severe storms
that cross this area. The mountains also intercept a
substantial portion of the moisture so the valley remains
comparatively dry. The majority of rain falls in the spring and
fall coming from dramatic thunderstorms which spread across the
valley. Heavy snow produces year round snow pack at the higher
elevations. Snow in the valley starts in late November and
continues through early April. Most snow melts within days with
snow remaining on the ground during January and February.
Temperatures
|
Highs |
Lows |
January |
34 |
14 |
April |
59 |
29 |
July |
84 |
42 |
October |
62 |
30 |
Precipitation
Wallowa County |
18.85 |
Enterprise |
13.26 |
City of Wallowa |
22.44 |
Principal Industries
Agriculture is one of the cornerstones of the economy. Crops
are limited to those requiring a shorter growing season as the
average season ranges from 80 days in Enterprise to 120 days in
the Imnaha River Valley. Major crops include barley, wheat and
alfalfa hay. Livestock production includes cattle and sheep.
Lumber and Timber products, another mainstay in the economy
serviced by a local mill produces everything from dimension
lumber to log homes.
Recreation is the fastest growing industry in the area.
Referred to as, "The Switzerland of America", Wallowa lake is
the second in clarity only to Crater Lake. Wallowa County is
the gateway to Hells Canyon national Recreation Area, Eagle Cap
Wilderness Area and Wallowa Lake. Here one can find the
steepest four passenger gondola ride offered in the US. Many
other outdoor activities are available regardless of season.
Art and the artist's community is Wallowa County's newest
industry. Supported by local foundries, sculptures are the most
popular art forms found. However, don't overlook painter and
other craftsmen creating beautiful displays in other media.
Education
Public schools are found in Enterprise, Joseph, Troy, Wallowa, and
Imnaha. The Seventh Day Adventist Church School is available
along with various day care centers. Eastern Oregon State
College is located 67 miles away in La Grande with services in
Wallowa County. Blue Mountain Community College is in Pendleton
and also has services here.
Hospitals/Medical Services
Wallowa Memorial
Hospital 33 Beds
Wallowa County Nursing Home 32 Beds
Pioneer Guest Home 29 Bed
Alpine House Retirement Center
4 Retirement Homes
9 Doctors
4 Dentists
2 Optometrists
Airports
Enterprise Municipal Airport/ Joe Spence, Owner/426-3562/3,900
foot elevation/2,800 foot hard surface runway/mechanic tie
down/80 & 100 octane fuel.
Joseph Airport/4,130 foot elevation/3,800 foot hard surface
runway/15-23 lighted beacon/tie down
Property Tax Structure (Estimates)
Lostine |
$11.1490 per $1,000 of assessed value
|
Joseph |
$14.3994 per $1,000 |
Wallowa |
$14.8390 per $1,000 |
Enterprise |
$16.0816 per $1,000 |
Imnaha |
$10.9168 per $1,000 |
Troy |
$9.3962 per $1,000 |
Utilities
Electricity Pacific Power and Light and Clearwater Power Co.
Bottled Gas Enterprise and Joseph
Telephone Verizon
|