Nestled In Oregon's Wallowa Mountains Is A Charming City With Hiking, Kayaking, And Scenic Exploration

One of the best reasons to visit Oregon is to explore the great outdoors. While the Beaver State has its fair share of quirky cities and towns, many of the best attractions revolve around nature. From Crater Lake National Park to the John Day Fossil Beds, the state is teeming with green spaces and outdoor activities. One fabulous place to experience the best that Oregon has to offer is in the small city of Halfway.

According to legend, the city's name was established in 1887 when a new post office was built, as it was located halfway between the towns of Cornucopia and Pine Town. Today, the best way to find this hidden gem is to head east from Baker City, an underrated base for outdoor adventure. Or, head south from Joseph, Oregon's scenic "Little Switzerland." No matter how you get to Halfway, you'll be enchanted by the scenery from the moment you arrive.

Halfway is tucked into the southeastern corner of the 2.4 million-acre Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. As such, it's close to all kinds of rugged activities, from hiking scenic mountain trails to kayaking nearby waterways. Thanks to its remote setting, you'll feel completely removed from the overwhelming hustle and bustle of modern life. So, let's take a step back and see why you should go all the way to Halfway.

As you travel on the Cornucopia Highway towards Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, you'll start to run into various peaks, including Cornucopia Peak, Granite Mountain, Truax Mountain, and Red Mountain. During the summer and early fall, these sites are perfect for hiking and exploration. In the winter, they become a snow-packed playground for all kinds of activities. If you manage to summit any of the mountains, you'll be treated to some of the best views in the Pacific Northwest.

Another reason for Halfway's notoriety is that it's situated along Hell's Canyon, which stretches for 125 miles to the Oregon-Idaho border. It's deeper than the Grand Canyon, making it the deepest canyon in North America. The canyon is also full of marvelous natural beauty, including hiking trails and the Snake River, which is perfect for kayaking and other water sports. The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest is also brimming with paddling routes. While you can explore the canyon by car and on foot, one of the more unique options is to take a guided llama tour, operated by family-run Wallowa Llamas. These tours can last up to six days, taking you through the canyon and the nearby Eagle's Cap Wilderness Area. If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind experience, nothing really compares to traveling on rugged terrain with Oregon's fluffiest pack llamas by your side. 

But Halfway is more than just a base camp for scenic exploration. The town itself has a historic and laid-back charm. If you decide to weave your way through its streets, you'll almost swear you've traveled back in time to a simpler era. Some of the highlights in Halfway include the Main Place Cafe and Grill, which also operates a hotel, Wild Bill's & Co bar and grill, and the Old Pine Market in Heritage Square.

Thanks to its proximity to the Idaho border, the easiest way to get to Halfway is to fly into the Boise International Airport (BOI), which is about three hours away by car. Alternatively, if you're flying into Portland International Airport (PDX), the trip is roughly five and a half hours. However, if you're planning a road trip to see all of Oregon's "seven wonders," you can easily add Halfway to your itinerary.

As far as lodging goes, Pine Valley Lodge offers charming Old West-inspired accommodations on Halfway's Main Street. There are also a few vacation rentals nearby. If you'd prefer to stay closer to the mountains, head to Cornucopia Lodge, which offers easy access to hiking trails in the summer and ski slopes in the winter. For total immersion in nature, you can reserve a spot at one of several nearby campgrounds.

When planning your vacation, keep in mind that each season offers its own adventures. As we mentioned, winters get snow and ice, making Halfway and the surrounding area perfect for snowmobiling, skiing, snowboarding, and playing in the fresh powder. For kayaking and enjoying the water, summertime is best. There are also tour companies, such as Tributary Whitewater and Hell's Canyon Adventures, that offer excursions like whitewater rafting, fishing, and jet boat rides.