Spokane, Washington to Joseph, Oregon – The Bronze Foundry City

204 miles, 5.5 hours

This is a beautiful drive on U.S. Highway 195 through the plains of eastern Washington, changing to Wash. Highway 129/Ore. 3 at Clarkston, Wash., through the beautiful mountains of far northeastern Oregon. The road is slow but gorgeous as it winds down into a canyon and back up again, emerging in Enterprise, Ore. where it is short drive into Joseph and Wallowa Lake.



Here are a few highlights to look out for along the way:

Scenic Snake River (mile 107)
Stop in Clarkston for good views of the mighty Snake River as it heads for Hell’s Canyon on the Oregon Idaho border.

Enterprise – and New York Richie’s (mile 192)
Continue to Enterprise. It is the Wallowa county seat and has a well preserved 1909 courthouse in the center of town. Walk two short blocks to 215 W. Main Street for the best Italian food this side of New York at New York Richie’s – you also get the colorful “Richie” who uses his mother’s real Italian recipes. Be sure to see his Viper (car).

Joseph – foundries and sculpture (mile 199)
A short drive takes you to several internationally known bronze foundries gracing Joseph Ore., with life-size bronzes dotted around town and the “Swiss Alps of the US” for a backdrop.

Wallowa Lake and Lodge ... and tram ride (mile 206)
Continue through Joseph on Ore. Highway 82/351 to Wallowa Lake and the Wallowa Lake Lodge. A pristine view of the whole lake from the lodge or cabins. The tram ride to the top of Mt. Howard with its vistas of several states is not to be missed.