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

How's the Weather?
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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

  Precipitation

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)

 
 Utilities

Electricity Pacific Power and Light and Clearwater Power Co.
Bottled Gas Enterprise and Joseph
Telephone Verizon