Goings On in Joseph Oregon

Wondering about what things to do near Joseph Oregon?  How about swim in the Blue Hole of the Upper Imnaha River?  Bill & I took a midday off with visiting friends to drive out to the Indian Crossing trailhead on the Upper Imnaha River.  It was a 90-degree day and a dip in the Blue Hole sounded like a good idea.

The Indian Crossing trailhead is about an hour's drive from Joseph Oregon on the Wallowa Mountain Loop Road portion of the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway.   From the Indian Crossing trailhead it's about 2 miles along a very flat trail, winding through brush, forest and open areas.  The Upper Imnaha River is visible for most of the hike and very beautiful.

As for the Blue Hole, it's a wider, deeper area in the river just perfect for swimming.  That is, if water at 58 to 60 degrees doesn't bother you!  After a minute or so of wading, the water's perfect for a quick swim.  It's a great place to cool off at the beginning, middle or end of a hike along the Upper Imnaha River.

If you're looking for a romantic getaway Oregon style, then a hike in the Wallowas is a good opportunity for some "twosomeness" without much (if any) interruption.  Not many hikers out here.  And the Blue Hole is often deserted, especially midweek!