Where to Stay in Joseph, Oregon
We did it guys. We survived our first family vacation, a road trip complete with long stretches of driving - with a one year old, no less. A play by play of what we did for a week with a one year old (which mostly involved outdoor activities interspersed with naps and meltdown management and also early bedtimes) is probably not all that interesting. But the parts of Oregon we visited most certainly were interesting and I want anyone who is considering a similar trip to have all the information they need to plan it. In the course of a single week, we drove along six of Oregon’s Scenic Byways and through nine National Forests. But the scenery was not the only thing I loved. As I was planning this trip, I was struck by just how many cute places there were to stay in both the Wallowas and John Day Fossil Beds areas of Oregon. Today I am sharing all the cute places in Joseph, mostly so I can file the list away for next time we go there. I will be sharing a similar list for the expansive John Day area, along with the best activities to do while you’re there. I’ll wrap it all up with big ole budget post. If there’s specific information you would like about either area, ask away and I will try to include that in the future posts.
So, without further adieu, where to stay in Joseph, Oregon.
I’ll start with the spot we stayed. After literally hours of research, we decided to spend two nights in the Cozy Camper at The Depot, a collection of unique lodgings on two acres set against the backdrop of the beautiful Wallowa Mountains. It all began when a mother and her two daughters purchased and restored an old train depot and caboose, which they converted into a tiny home. The property now has a restored camper, tipi, and yurt for rent, as well. We loved our stay here, the friendly hosts, and the unbelievable sunsets. The outdoor shower was pretty great, too. In non-Covid times they offer onsite yoga and a rotating list of classes. Harrison enjoyed helping to feed the chickens one morning. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind place to stay near Joseph or Enterprise, this might be your spot.
The other place I seriously considered for this trip was the Jennings Hotel in downtown Joseph. Built in a historic, brick building, each of the 12 rooms are unique and beautifully decorated. This makes sense given that the Jennings’ artist in residence program means that each room was thoughtfully designed by a different artist. I was also tempted by the onsite sauna and the shared kitchen and library space is just lovely. Eventually I decided that this is probably not the ideal location for a family vacation with a toddler, but if we return sans child or with a less screamy version of our son, I would love to stay here.
Speaking of places we couldn’t stay with a toddler, this lovely bed and breakfast should be high on your list if you’re looking for a romantic spot for a weekend getaway. The gardens are a highlight, as is the gourmet breakfast, often prepared with local ingredients.
Another local bed and breakfast, Kokanee Inn is inspired by the gorgeous scenery right outside its doors and each room or suite is named after the innkeepers’ favorite mountains. With flexible spaces and a slightly more relaxed setting, Kokanee Inn has options to accommodate families or groups.
Home Rentals
Home rentals through a service like Airbnb or VRBO can also be a great option, especially for families. There were several tempting options in or around Joseph and Enterprise. These are a few that stood out:
The Urban Duck and the Swan’s Nest House are a pair of houses next to a small pond in Enterprise.
Cabins and Camping
In addition to our two nights at The Depot, we started our vacation with two nights of camping at Wallowa Lake State Park. It is in an absolutely gorgeous location, ideally situated next to the lake with easy access to the Marina in summer months. The campsites are roomy, trails from the campsite lead directly to the Eagle Cap Wilderness, and deer roam freely through the campground.
If you just can’t manage camping, there are also plenty of nearby cabins for rent through Wallowa Lake Resort and Flying Arrow Resort.
We decided that splitting our time between the lake and the town was just the right mix for our time in Joseph. Nothing is too far apart, but it was nice to focus the first part of our trip around the lake and the latter part of our time in the Wallowas in town. Whatever you decide, you will have a wonderful time. Up next, I'll share some of the can’t miss activities for your trip.