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    Halfway to Wallowa Lake

    • Length:
      77 miles
    • Difficulty:
      Extreme
    • Attributes:
      Extended Climbs, River Views, Rural
    Get directions to the start of this ride via Google Maps

    Elevation Chart

    Turn-by-Turn Directions (show)

    Start north on OR-86 E 5.5 miles (8899 meters)
    Slight left onto N Pine Rd 14.3 miles (22959 meters)
    Continue southwest on Nat for Dev Rd 39/Wallowa Mountain Loop 23.3 miles (37510 meters)
    Sharp right onto Lower Lick Rd/Nat for Dev Rd 140 2.2 miles (3535 meters)
    Slight left toward Nat for Dev Rd 39/Wallowa Mountain Loop 115 feet (35 meters)
    Continue straight onto Nat for Dev Rd 39/Wallowa Mountain Loop 0.5 miles (749 meters)
    Keep right at the fork 2.9 miles (4628 meters)
    Turn right at Nat for Dev Rd 3920 0.3 miles (479 meters)
    Turn left onto Lower Lick Rd/Nat for Dev Rd 3915 0.9 miles (1451 meters)
    Turn left to stay on Lower Lick Rd/Nat for Dev Rd 3915
    Continue to follow Nat for Dev Rd 3915
    		 2.6 miles (4108 meters)
    Turn left on Nat for Dev Rd 3905 1.1 miles (1838 meters)
    Turn left to stay on Nat for Dev Rd 3905 1.2 miles (2009 meters)
    Sharp right onto National Forest Development Rd 6 miles (9679 meters)
    Turn left on OR-350 W/Imnaha Hwy 2.3 miles (3752 meters)
    Head west on OR-350 W/Imnaha Hwy 5.5 miles (8908 meters)
    Turn left onto N East St 0.7 miles (1084 meters)
    Turn left on OR-351 S/Power House Rd 1.2 miles (1979 meters)
    Continue south on OR-351 S/Power House Rd 3.8 miles (6181 meters)
    • Region:
      Eastern Oregon
    • Nearby Cities:
      Halfway, Joseph

    This is one of the premier bike rides in the state in terms of both scenery and challenge. After a 10-mile downhill warmup coming out of the charming town of Halfway, a left turn begins a gradual 18-mile climb that only gets serious in the last eight miles. Following a picturesque creek, you’ll hardly notice the grade until you begin ascending into the heights. The hardy should take the three-mile side trip (uphill) to the Hells Canyon Overlook for unparalleled views. A thrilling descent to the Imnaha River awaits, followed by a 10-mile climb through thick forest, another steep downhill, and then a five-mile climb to Salt Creek Summit. Cruise down an extended descent (10 miles) before one last short climb up into the magnificent Wallowa Valley. Pedal into quaint Joseph on the north shore of Wallowa Lake, one of America’s most stunning settings at the foot of “America’s Alps.”

    Motorized Vehicle Traffic: Light

    Seasons: Summer, Fall

    Comments

    1. Did this as part of the 2008 Cycle Oregon. An EPIC ride for sure!

      Posted by pablitolaak on August 6th, 2009

    2. A note for self-supported bicyclists: it’s a good idea to carry a lot of extra water on this section or a water purification system. There are very few piped, potable sources on the route.

      Posted by allisonwildman on August 6th, 2009

    3. IF you catch it on a perfect day (and are in good shape) this is an awesome ride. I couldn’t imagine doing it without support though.

      Posted by pdxcyclingonline.com on August 25th, 2009

    4. This is the most scenic section of the Wallowa Loop. Two awesome climbs separated by the beautiful Imnaha river valley, lots of elk & deer. Did this as a solo 4 day self-contained tour starting in Joseph.

      Posted by lolopass on October 30th, 2009

    5. In my top ten for sure. Would like to try it in reverse sometime.

      Posted by cyclebear on February 19th, 2010

    6. Hwy. 39 is closed due to flood damage Spring 2010. http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2010/06/popular_wallowa_loop_road_clos.html

      Posted by Paul on July 5th, 2010

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