Wallowa County County
This rather isolated area was claimed by the Chief Joseph band of the Nez Perce as its hunting and fishing grounds. The Nez Perce used the word “wallowa” to designate a tripod of poles used to support fish nets. In 1871, the first white settlers came to Wallowa County crossing the mountains in search of livestock feed in the Wallowa Valley. The area had been part of Union County since 1864, but it was carved from that county in 1887 by a legislative act.
Mapped Location
Wallowa County: The mapped location is an approximation and should not be used for navigation or wayfinding.
Information
General information on Wallowa County
- Feature Type: County
- County Seat: City of Enterprise
- Established: Friday, February 11, 1887
Official, historical, colloquial and alternative toponyms for Wallowa County
A brief list of names that this geographic feature has been named
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Wallowa County | Official |
A Selected Bibliography of Wallowa County, County
A compilation of essential readings detailing the history, geography, and culture of the region.
Heritage of the Wallowas life as it was by Ethel Halsey Scott
Ethel Halsey, daughter of Bill Halsey (born 1873) and Vergie Bell Pinkley (born 1886), was born in the early 1900s. She tells of her life with her husband, Noel Scott, and her children and extended family and friends and neighbors, weaving these with the history of the Wallowa, Oregon area
iii, 153 pages : illustrations ; 23 cm
Non-circulating [ 1 ]
This valley (Wallowa Valley) by Lola Hopkins
Lola Hopkins, the "Grandma Moses" of Wallowa County, and now historian of Wallowa Valley advises. "Don't start writing a history when you're seventy-seven." Perhaps others shouldn't, but we are grateful that she did. She probably said something similar at sixty-five when she taught herself ink drawing. An accurate account of the history of one of Oregon's most beautiful areas. Surrounds the pioneer beginnings in this county.
174 pages : illustrations ; 22 cm
Non-circulating [ 1 ]
Nature rambles in the Wallowas sketches of the natural history of northeastern Oregon by Elmo Nall Stevenson
Elmo Nall Stevenson’s Nature rambles in the Wallowas: sketches of the natural history of northeastern Oregon explores the profound ecological richness and thoughtful human appreciation of the dramatic, high-altitude landscapes of the state's northeastern corner. The narrative illustrates how the demanding yet majestic environmental realities of this alpine topography—defined by the sheer granite peaks of the Wallowa Mountains, deep glacial valleys, and vibrant, diverse biological zones—encouraged a deep, localized ecological awareness. By detailing the careful observation and natural history of the region's unique flora, fauna, and geological formations, the text highlights how developing a profound respect and scientific understanding of this rugged wilderness was essential for sustainable interaction with the land. Ultimately, the account demonstrates that collaboratively documenting these biological networks and fostering a patient, community-driven stewardship of the Wallowas were vital steps in cultivating an enduring cultural and environmental heritage that harmonizes with the awe-inspiring realities of the Pacific Northwest's interior alpine ecosystems.
100 pages including plates : illustrations, map ; 23 cm
Non-circulating [ 1 ]
Wallowa County
- Alder (historical)
- Armin (historical)
- Bartlett
- Chico (historical)
- Copper (historical)
- Eden
- City of Enterprise
- Eustis (historical)
- Evans
- Flora
- Fruita
- Grossman (historical)
- Grouse
- Imnaha
- Imnaha River Woods Development
- City of Joseph
- Lewis
- City of Lostine
- Maxville
- Minam
- Paradise
- Promise
- Troy
- City of Wallowa
- Zumwalt
Political Boundaries
Last updated: 2025-09-23