Many parts of the state have become cosmopolitan, especially over the last 20 years. The easiest example to point to is Portland, which has a plethora of fine dining, professional sporting teams, art communities, and so much more. However, even places like Bend have developed into more of what major cities offer, such as music festivals with big names and white walled art galleries. Even much smaller communities like Canby, which used to be only farmland, now have fancy coffee shops that you used to be able to find only in the city. I was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, and it is still the place where I live and call home. But much has changed here over the decades. While that is not necessarily bad, looking back on all the changes is eye-opening. Oregon has a remarkably rich history, which is too rich to cover all of it here. One piece of Oregon’s history is that this is one of the states that took part in the Wild West. Despite many towns in Oregon developing to mirror major cities, some Oregon towns still keep the Old West alive.
Joseph, Oregon, is a small cowboy town out in eastern Oregon. You pass Pendleton and continue going east to get to the town that is a well-over 5-hour drive from Portland. I am weary to promote hidden gems in Oregon publicly, but this rural community is one that should be talked about. If you are thinking of taking your family to a unique, quiet destination, I recommend the town of Joseph. Now, this is a true cowboy town. There are no spas, no five-star restaurants, and no resorts. But that is one of the reasons why this little town is so perfect. Popularly known as the “Little Switzerland of America”, you will quickly see why once you arrive. The outdoor activities in this region are endless. While the snow is heavy during the winter, if you are someone who is into winter sports, then Joseph should be on your list of places to go. If you prefer summer activities, the hot desert heat will deliver things like swimming, kayaking, hiking, horseback riding, and much more.
Wallowa Lake is arguably the best, lesser-known lake in the United States. It is huge and carries a rich blue color to it. While safety precautions always need to be taken seriously, the current of the water is relatively mild compared to other lakes. The warm summer months also turn this lake into a temperature of almost bath water. Not to mention, you are surrounded by the Wallowa Mountains, which stunningly resemble the Swiss Alps. At the lake is the Wallowa Tram, which takes you right up to the top of the mountain. Up at the top of the Wallowa Mountains are hiking trails ranging from Beginner to Expert Levels. There is also a quaint restaurant up at the top of the mountain so that you can have lunch with a beautiful view. Also, Joseph is the Eagle Cap Wilderness, which is the largest wilderness in Oregon. Sitting at 361,446 acres, you can explore the lands of the Old Frontier. Zumwalt Prairie is another area worth checking out; it is a habitat for endangered ground-nesting birds.
Joseph’s main street has some cool places to check out, from restaurants to clothing stores. If you take a trip out to Joseph and are looking for a fun outing for the 21-and-over crowd, then you should go check out Stein Distillery. This place is easily one of the best establishments in Joseph, Oregon. With a Farm to Bottle method, everything they distill comes right from their own farm. With over 16 different products and an endless number of cocktails they can make in the distillery, you will want to pick up a few bottles for yourself to bring back home. The people who work there are very kind and super knowledgeable. Stein Distillery truly exemplifies the downhome, country feel that can be missed by living in a big city. Even if you are not looking for a drink, I would recommend taking a tour of their facility to see how they utilize their farm to create a truly exceptional product. Out of all of the unique, small towns in Oregon that are worth checking out, Joseph should be at the top of your list. From horseback riding to kayaking, this authentic cowboy town is certainly one to experience.
Alex is a devoted husband and father born and raised in Portland, Oregon. He is a professional artist, author, and advisor for both Yale and Harvard University’s arts departments. His book, ‘Selling Leonardo: The Art World’s Greatest Scandal’ is available wherever books are sold.