Panorama of Wallowa Lake circa 1920

Wallowa Lake is a natural lake one mile south of Joseph, Oregon. It was formed about 15,000 years ago by the activity of multiple glaciers in the area.

In 1918, shortly before this photo was taken, a small privately owned dam was constructed at the northern outlet of the lake, on the right side of this image. Used for irrigation, it was raised to a 35 foot high concrete dam in 1929. You can see the dam more clearly in detail view 1.

Today there is a small community at the south end of the lake, made up of vacation homes, lodging, restaurants, and other small businesses.

-- This photo is restored and printed by Old Oregon.