Random Mountain Town of the Week

April 30, 2025

Welcome back to Random Mountain Towns!

This week’s Random Mountain Town is….

Joseph, Oregon!

Fast Facts about Joseph:

  • Population: 1,198 (2023)

  • Nickname: “Little Switzerland of Oregon"

  • Elevation: 4,193 feet

  • Year Founded: 1880

  • Distance to Closest Larger City: 240 miles to Boise, Idaho (4 hour drive).

Homes for Sale in Joseph:

Zillow: As of late April 2025, Zillow reports the average home value in Joseph, Oregon to be $489,984.

Click on each to see the full listing!

62730 Hurricane Creek Rd, Joseph, OR 97846 | MLS #287146616 | Zillow

This 2426 square feet Single Family home has 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. It is located at 62730 Hurricane Creek Rd, Joseph, OR.

www.zillow.com/homedetails/62730-Hurricane-Creek-Rd-Joseph-OR-97846/109165991_zpid

60020 Wilderness Rd, Joseph, OR 97846 | MLS #24227627 | Zillow

This 1368 square feet Single Family home has 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. It is located at 60020 Wilderness Rd, Joseph, OR.

www.zillow.com/homedetails/60020-Wilderness-Rd-Joseph-OR-97846/235954682_zpid

60989 Old Ski Run Rd, Joseph, OR 97846 | MLS #641752709 | Zillow

This 2880 square feet Single Family home has 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. It is located at 60989 Old Ski Run Rd, Joseph, OR.

www.zillow.com/homedetails/60989-Old-Ski-Run-Rd-Joseph-OR-97846/449870113_zpid

Famous People from Joseph:

Chief Joseph

  • Leader of the Wallowa band of the Nez Perce tribe and his ancestral lands were in the Wallowa Valley near present-day JosephKnown for his diplomacy and wisdom

  • The town was named in honor of him.

Margaret Osborne duPont

  • Tennis star of the 1940s and 1950s born in Joseph.

  • Won 37 Grand Slam titles. (doubles and singles)

Closest Ski Resort:

  • Ferguson Ski Ridge is right outside of Joseph. It has 8 runs and 2 lifts.

  • Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort is a larger ski resort just over 2 hours away by car.

    • It has 21 runs on 1000+ skiable acres

Events in Joseph:

Eagle Cap Extreme Sled Dog Race:

  • An An Iditarod qualifier held in Joseph.

Mountain High Broncs and Bulls Rodeo:

  • An action-packed rodeo in Joseph.

  • Held in mid-June.

Hiking Near Joseph:

Joseph, Oregon, is a gateway to some incredible hiking in the Eagle Cap Wilderness and the surrounding Wallowa Mountains. Here are some popular hiking trails near Joseph, with a mix of difficulty levels:

Here are some other popular trails in the Joseph area:

  • Hurricane Creek Trail: Offers scenic mountain views and access to Slick Rock Gorge (up to 6 miles roundtrip). A Northwest Forest Pass is required.

  • Iwetemlaykin State Heritage Site Trail: A smooth, easy 1-mile loop great for nature walks and wildlife viewing near Joseph.

  • East Moraine Trails: (No single official link, but you can find information by searching "East Moraine Community Forest Joseph Oregon" on platforms like AllTrails or local hiking groups). Offers various loops for hiking, horseback riding, and biking just outside Joseph.

  • East Fork Wallowa Trail to Aneroid Lake: A moderate to strenuous 13-mile roundtrip hike to a beautiful lake.

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