Wallowa Lake Tramway facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wallowa Lake Tramway |
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Tramway from top of Mount Howard with Wallowa Lake in the background
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| Overview | |
| Status | Operational |
| Character | Recreational |
| Location | 59919 Wallowa Lake Highway Joseph, Oregon |
| Country | United States |
| Coordinates | 45°15′49″N 117°10′51″W / 45.26355°N 117.1809°W |
| Termini | Mount Howard |
| Elevation | lowest: 4,450 feet (1,360 m) highest: 8,150 feet (2,480 m) |
| No. of stations | 2 |
| Construction begin | 1968 |
| Open | 1970 |
| Operation | |
| Carrier capacity | 4 |
| Operating times | mid-May until early October |
| Trip duration | 15 minutes |
| Technical features | |
| Aerial lift type | Mono-cable gondola detachable |
| Line length | 19,300 feet (5,900 m) |
| No. of support towers | 25 |
| Installed power | 150 h.p. |
The Wallowa Lake Tramway is an exciting cable car ride located near Joseph, Oregon. It's found in the beautiful Wallowa-Whitman National Forest in the United States. This amazing tramway is named after Wallowa Lake, which is nearby.
The tram takes you on a journey from the valley floor all the way to the top of Mount Howard. As you go up, you'll reach an elevation of about 8,000 feet (2,400 m) above sea level. From this high point, you can see incredible views of the Eagle Cap Wilderness area and the rest of the stunning Wallowa Mountains.
Contents
History of the Tramway
When the Tramway Was Built
The Wallowa Lake Tramway was built in 1968. It officially opened its doors for visitors to ride in 1970. It has been a popular attraction for many years.
Important Moments in Tramway History
In June 1992, there was a small problem with the tramway. All the passengers were safely helped off the lift and flown down the mountain by helicopter. Luckily, no one was hurt. This was the first time such an event happened with the tram.
Later that same year, the tramway was used in a different way. It helped transport firefighters to the top of the mountain. They were working to put out a forest fire. In 1999, the owners of the tram thought about making it bigger. They wanted to add a winter resort, but this plan did not happen.
How the Tramway Works
The Ride to the Top
The Wallowa Lake Tramway uses 25 tall towers to hold up its cables along the route. The tram rises about 3,700 feet (1,100 m) straight up! It starts at an elevation of about 4,200 feet (1,300 m) near the lake.
At the very top of the gondola ride, you'll be at an elevation of 8,150 feet (2,480 m). Here, you'll find Oregon's highest restaurant, called the Alpine Grill. The tramway usually runs from May through October. It used to open on weekends in the winter for people who enjoyed skiing and snowshoeing.
Fast Facts About the Gondolas
Each gondola can hold four people. The one-way trip to the top takes about 15 minutes. This tram is known as the steepest four-person gondola in all of North America. It ends at the 8,256 feet (2,516 m) peak of Mount Howard.
Exploring at the Summit
The tram operates on a large area of land, about 115 acres (0.47 km2), which is leased from the Forest Service. This is done through a special permit for national forests.
Once you reach the summit, you can see amazing wildlife and beautiful wildflowers. These flowers grow in an alpine meadow. From the top, you can even see parts of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho! There are also two miles (about 3 km) of hiking trails for you to explore.
