This Charming Town Is An Under-The-Radar Paradise In The 'Swiss Alps Of Oregon'

The awe-inspiring Swiss Alps often combine amazing scenery with quaint towns, creating little slices of heaven between the snow-capped peaks. Switzerland's nature has even inspired the names of beautiful places in other parts of the world, such as Bohemian Switzerland National Park, a hidden gem of Czechia. In the United States, there is a region known as the "Swiss Alps" of Oregon. Tucked inside this pristine, mountainous section of land is the small town of Joseph.

While tourism and population increases are causing some U.S. towns to lose their small-town spirit, Joseph has seemed to remain under the radar. A visit brings you close to scenic drives through peaks and valleys, outdoor adventures ranging from relaxing to challenging, camping, and unique activities related to the town's history. It may seem remote, but nearby Interstate 82 connects it to other parts of the state. Hells Canyon Scenic Byway incorporates part of this highway and Joseph as well. Therefore, Joseph is the perfect addition to a scenic road trip in Oregon.

Among the unique details of Joseph are its bronze statues. Businessman Glen Anderson set up a bronze foundry for local artists to use in 1982 and this medium has been a mainstay of the town's art scene ever since. Spot these bronze statues in downtown Joseph and in art galleries like Aspen Grove Gallery. The subjects of these statues include wildlife native to the region, cowboys, and Indigenous people. The statue of Chief Joseph (pictured above) on Main Street is also an important reminder of eastern Oregon's Nez Perce tribal history. Chief Joseph was a celebrated 19th-century Nez Perce leader who lived at a time when the Nez Perce were sadly pushed out of their homelands by settlers. Joseph's bronze foundry is now called Valley Bronze of Oregon and is open to the public.

For more glimpses into the history of this part of Oregon, head to the Maxville Heritage Interpretive Center (MHIC) in Joseph. Maxville was a town further north in Oregon and the MHIC works to keep the stories of its former residents alive. Logging was a major draw for Maxville and this line of work attracted indigenous, immigrant, and African American laborers. Descendants of these loggers helped create the MHIC.

Oregon is one of the top West Coast destinations for fun outdoor adventures, and Joseph is no exception. Joseph's railroad history dates back to the late 19th century and has created a unique means of exploration. Enjoy Joseph and its surrounding nature by booking a rail-riding trip with Joseph Branch Railriders. Pedal on railroad carts (some equipped with electric assistance) to get sweeping views of mountains, rivers, and untouched nature right from the town itself. You'll also hopefully spot wildlife like elk and birds.

To best take advantage of a Joseph Branch Railriders experience, check the organization's website for availability. The company only operates May through September and during these months, you don't want to arrive on a day that is already fully booked. It is also important to see which trip best matches your comfort level, as there are one hour and two hour round trip options. Regardless of the route you choose, you'll quickly see why a railroad cart adventure with Joseph Branch Railriders boasts a nearly five-star rating on Google and Trip Advisor.

A 10 minute drive south on Highway 351 out of Joseph takes you to Wallowa Lake State Park. This is one of Oregon's most enchanting natural gems with Switzerland-like views. Camping here is quite popular. You can book RV sites with full electric and water hook-ups, tent sites, and even yurts. Whether you camp here or just visit for a day trip, enjoying the beautiful water of Wallowa Lake is a must. Rent kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, or even motorized boats at this beloved state park.

Wallowa Lake State Park is right next to Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. Get a unique perspective on this part of Oregon by taking a ride on the Wallowa Lake Tramway. Just a 15 minute trip brings you 3,700 feet up to the top of Mt. Howard. Aside from amazing views, there is even a restaurant at the top of this mountain. Enjoy pub food and drinks at The Summit Grill while you take in the peaks and valleys below. However, keep in mind that the Wallowa Lake Tramway only operates from May through September. Book tickets online ahead of your visit.

Joseph is the perfect home base for an adventure through the Wallowa Mountains and Eagle Cap Wilderness, which are both part of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. Here you'll find hiking trails to mountain peaks like Sacagawea Peak and Matterhorn. Find access to both from the Wallowa Lake Trailhead at the southern end of Wallowa Lake. Chief Joseph Mountain is another notable peak to summit, and is closer to Wallowa Lake than Sacagawea Peak and Matterhorn. Get to this mountain's trailhead by driving past the Hurricane Creek campground. From the Hurricane Creek trailhead, take either Twin Creek or Thorp Creek trails to reach Chief Joseph Mountain.

If you plan to take on any of these strenuous, yet incredibly rewarding hikes, be sure to obtain a Northwest Forest Pass in order to park at any of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest parking areas. You'll need another permit for national forest camping, but you can get these at the national forest's trailheads.