We just wrapped up five days in Joseph, Oregon, and while I would argue you need to spend at least that much time in the area, any time you can get in Joseph is worth it!
With our five days, we were obviously able to do more than what you can pack in one weekend in Joseph Oregon, but that just means we can pick and choose the best of the best for you to enjoy!
Continue reading to see the perfect weekend in Joseph, Oregon — including hiking options for all levels.
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A Weekend In Joseph, Oregon At A Glance
- Where To Stay | Kokanee Inn
- Things To Do | Wallowa Lake, Sunset Reflections at Knight’s Pond, Hike Slick Rock Falls, Downtown Joseph
- What To Hike | Knight’s Pond, Slick Rock Creek Falls, Maxwell Lake
- Where To Drink | Free Tasting at Stein Distillery
- Where To Eat | Dinner at Stubborn Mule, Cinnamon Roll At Cheyenne Cafe
Arriving To Joseph, Oregon
- Where To Stay | Kokanee Inn
- Our Full Review | Why We Loved The Kokanee Inn
If you’re visiting Joseph, Oregon from Portland, it’s a good six hour drive from the city. With that said, when you arrive, it will likely be dark.
Head straight to your accommodation and settle in. We recommend the Kokanee Inn, where you can enjoy a bubbly water (included in your stay) on the terrace!
Most of the town shuts down around 9:00 PM, so be sure to grab something to eat and beverages before getting into town!
If you get into town before sunset, head down to Wallowa Lake to catch sunset over the water!
Morning One | Breakfast & Slick Rock Creek Falls
- Breakfast | Included in Your Kokanee Inn Stay
- Trailhead | Hurricane Creek | 45.311467, -117.307484
- Fee | $5 or free with NWF Pass or NP Pass
- Hike Duration | Plan for 4-5 hours with drive time and swimming in falls
Madeline, the owner of the Kokanee Inn, spends her time each morning making a wonderful homemade breakfast. And these breakfasts aren’t your average eggs and bacon style meals.
She whips up bison breakfast tacos, frittatas, and other incredible dishes. Breakfast is served each morning from 7 AM – 9 AM and is the perfect way to start your day!
After breakfast, pack your day pack with lots of water and make your way to Hurricane Creek Trailhead.
Here you’ll be jumping on Hurricane Creek Trail, but only hiking 3 miles out to Slick Rock Creek Falls. We found this hike to be the perfect intro into the Eagle Cap Wilderness, and truly couldn’t believe how it opens up about a mile in.
If you want to avoid chafing while still swimming, be sure to bring a swimsuit to jump in the falls. Jay brought just a change of undies, while I changed completely.
The falls provide a great place to sit back and take it all in before returning the same way you came back to the trailhead.
With both of us having skin cancer, we recommend wearing a sun hoodie while hiking in Joseph!
Afternoon | Swim At Wallowa Lake
- Coordinates | 45.334768, -117.218609
- Fee | Free
- Kayak Rentals | Jo Paddle
A weekend in Joseph Oregon wouldn’t be complete without a dip in Wallowa Lake. Pictures of Wallowa Lake are what initially made us want to visit Joseph!
After seeing photos, I was a bit concerned the colors in the images wouldn’t be true. But holy smokes, they are.. and the water is incredible.
Wallowa Lake is a glacial lake, and the water is crystal clear. Don’t let the glacial lake scare you, the temps were sitting at a refreshing mid-sixties when we visited in June!
Hanging out at the lake is a perfect way to escape the heat. We sat and hammocked, fished, swam, and just took in the view for hours on multiple occasions during our time in Joseph.
Dinner | Stubborn Mule Saloon
- Coordinates | 45.35083, -117.229503
- Price | $15-20 per person
- Opening Times | Closed on Monday and Tuesday
When I say you need to eat here, you really need to eat here! This place is incredible.
The portions are huge, the flavor is amazing, and the atmosphere is everything you would think an Eastern Oregon saloon should be.
Jay got one of the burgers and ordered the full version since we had a fridge and stove at the Kokanee Inn, and he only ate half the burger! It was literally a foot long!
My Reuben was divine, and I too had enough leftovers for a second meal! My mouth is watering writing this right now.. you really need to eat there!
Keep in mind, they’re open at least till 8:00 PM Wednesday – Sunday, but closed on Monday and Tuesday.
*If you’re visiting on a Tuesday, head to Slack and enjoy a not-so-average Taco Tuesday menu!
READ MORE | Where To Eat in Joseph, Oregon
Sunset | Knight’s Pond
- Pond Coordinates | 45.338772, -117.227719
- Parking Coordinates | 45.342981, -117.223894
- Walking Coordinates | 45.340872, -117.229345
- Cost | free
Walking to Knight’s Pond is the best way to walk off your massive meal at Stubborn Mule! Walk down Main Street, continue straight at the curve on South Main Street.
From there, continue walking down South Main Street until it ends at a gate! Go through the gate, and enjoy the open views of the mountains as you continue to Knight’s Pond.
We arrived just before sunset to the most magical lighting at Knight’s Pond and the entire place to ourselves!
If you don’t want to walk all the way down Main Street, there is a parking lot (coordinates above), but you’ll have a bit more of a hike with elevation gain and loss. With that said, the hike is still rated easy.
Either you go, the views are incredible here, and it’s a quiet spot in Joseph to just soak in the beauty.
Relax & Stay | Kokanee Inn
- Book Your Stay | Kokanee Inn
- Read Our Full Review | Kokanee Inn In Our Eyes
If you were able to secure a stay at the Kokanee Inn, head back to the inn and enjoy a fresh glass of bubbly water or some tea up on the deck!
There’s a propane fire pit and table top, and honestly, it’s a great place to relax with a book or some games!
When we stayed at the Kokanee Inn, the place was full both nights, and we never ran into issues with people up on the deck when we wanted to relax up there, too! There’s plenty of space for everyone to enjoy being outside!
Day 2 | Breakfast & Walk Around Downtown Joseph
- Breakfast | included with your stay, served from 7:00 – 9:00
- Parking Downtown | free
Both sides of Main Street are lined with free parking with no time limit. Which is great because walking around downtown Joseph is lovely.
Thanks to grants, state funds, and donations from local artists and the community, Joseph’s downtown has received a face lift – making it a top thing to do in Joseph.
The flowers, the multiple pieces of art work on every corner, the cute store fronts.. it’s all a step back in time and dreamy to walk through!
We suggest enjoying a slow morning at the Kokanee Inn, and then heading downtown to spend some time wandering through the streets.
By 11:30 Enjoy Free Whiskey Tasting
- Where | Stein Distillery
- Coordinates | 45.35784, -117.229539
- Opening Times | 11:00 – 5:00
- Cost | 4 samples for free, $7 cocktails
Okay, I know 11:30 isn’t drinking time for many people.. but hear me out. If you have to get on the road to return home today, you have to squeeze in your tasting before your lunch at Cheyenne Cafe (which closes at 2:00).
If you don’t have to drink right away, you can flop this with your lunch at Cheyenne Cafe before you hit the road!
Stein Distillery is located at the end of town, almost directly across from the “Welcome to Joseph, Oregon” sign.
This distillery offers free tastings up to four tastings per person, and has a wide selection of whiskey along with rum, vodka, and mixers.
While you can go in and do the tasting and leave, we recommend getting their sour mixed drink made with rum. It’s delicious!
Before 2:00 | Lunch at Cheyenne Cafe
- Coordinates | 45.354144, -117.230201
- Cost | $7 cinnamon roll around $16 main
- Opening Times | Everyday from 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM
We visited Cheyenne Cafe for a brunch, and both really enjoyed our dishes. I got the chicken fried steak, and Jay got biscuits and gravy.
What stole the show though was the cinnamon roll!
It’s apparently received national recognition for how yummy it is, and it’s easily one of the best cinnamon rolls we’ve ever had!
The cinnamon roll is a great appetizer to your main meal at Cheyenne Cafe.
This cafe serves breakfast all day long, but also has your typical diner-style menu for lunch. The place was filled with locals, and the breakfast food was great, so I can only imagine the lunch is as well!
Extra Time & Energy
Hike the Difficult Maxwell Lake
- Trailhead Coordinates | 45.258132, -117.384029
- Parking Fees | $5 or free with NWF Pass or NP Pass
- Mini Guide | Our Mini Guide To Maxwell Lake
- Current Conditions | All Trails Reviews
Located an hour’s drive out of Joseph on your way back to La Grande, Maxwell Lake is an alpine lake waiting for the adventurous hikers!
This hike should only be done late afternoon or early morning, as the direct sun is hot! And keep in mind, it’s rated difficult for a reason.
The first three miles of the hike are switchbacks uphill, then straight uphill for the last mile. And then you return the same way you came, meaning all downhill on the way back — which is harder than it seems!
You’ll need to plan for 5-6 hours for this hike. If you have the time, I highly suggest this hike, as it’s beautiful… but keep in mind, you’ll still be six hours out of Portland, so take that into account.
Drive To Hells Canyon Overlook
- Coordinates | 45.1239, -116.835246
If you have the time for a leisurely drive back home, take the scenic route out of Joseph that loops into Baker City.
On this route, you’ll pass by the Hells Canyon Overlook. While you can’t see the bottom of the canyon, the views are great.
This is a great thing to do in Joseph, Oregon, that doesn’t require hiking.
Hells Canyon is technically a deeper canyon than the Grand Canyon, but the drop isn’t as drastic, so it’s hard to grasp how big it really is!
We stopped and camped at the Hells Canyon Overlook, so if you’re traveling by van or on a road trip, keep that option in mind! It’s a beautiful place for sunset and sunrise!
What’s Next
We absolutely loved our time in Joseph, Oregon. In fact, we loved it so much we extended our stay in the area. Any amount of time in Joseph, Oregon is worth it, but if you can, we definitely recommend spending more than a weekend in Joseph.
To see more about why we loved this area of Oregon, check our posts below!
READ MORE | 10 Things To Do In Joseph, Oregon
READ MORE | 3 Hikes in Joseph, Oregon
READ MORE | 5 Things To Eat In Joseph Oregon
LEARN MORE | Our Complete Oregon Travel Guide