The Wallowa Lake Tramway, located near Joseph in Eastern Oregon within the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, is highlighted as the steepest four-person aerial gondola in the U.S. (or North America). This recreational tramway takes passengers on a spectacular 15-minute ride up a 3700-foot ascent to the summit of Mount Howard, reaching an elevation of over 8,100 feet. From the top, visitors can experience awe-inspiring panoramic views that may include four states, the Eagle Cap Wilderness, and the Wallowa Valley, and they can also enjoy approximately two miles of hiking trails and dine at the Summit Grill, known as the Northwest’s highest restaurant. The tramway typically operates from May to September, with occasional operations during winter for special occasions.

The crystal clear water of Wallowa Lake provides a unique opportunity to explore the lake in a glass-bottom kayak. JO Paddle is a wonderful, family-owned business in Joseph, Oregon. The kayaks are clear plexiglass rather than glass, but the view is quite spectacular. The clear bottoms allow you to have a clear view below the surface without the choppy, wind-whipped surface getting in the way. It was a neat experience.

Tuekakas, commonly known as Old Chief Joseph, was a leader of the Wallowa Band of the Nez Perce who lived from approximately 1785 to 1871. He was among the first of his people to convert to Christianity and initially supported peaceful relations with white settlers, even aiding in the establishment of a large Nez Perce reservation in 1855 that included the Wallowa Valley. However, his views changed drastically after the 1863 treaty, which significantly reduced the reservation lands, excluding their sacred Wallowa homeland, which he felt was a betrayal. Consequently, Old Chief Joseph refused to recognize this new treaty, condemned the United States, and resolved to remain in the Wallowa Valley with his band. He was the father of the later famous Chief Joseph.

We had a lot of snow recently, but the weather flipped, and we were looking at temperatures above 40 degrees Fahrenheit and sunny. We had to get out of the house to enjoy the beautiful winter weather, but no trails would be in any condition to hike.

We were driving around, doing a little shopping, when we approached the Aquarium of Boise. We both had the same thought and with a minor lane change, we pulled into the parking lot.

We have been to the Aquarium a number of times but never blogged about it. While small, it is a really neat place to visit. They have a variety of fish, reptiles, amphibians, and more. Occasionally, they walk around with one of the Iguanas or snakes to teach about the animal. Five of the exhibits allow you to put your hands in the water. In three of those exhibits you are easily able to touch the marine life in the exhibit.

Overall, the Boise Aquarium is one of its hidden gems. It doesn't look like much from the outside, and you don't expect much because it is an aquarium in Boise, but once inside, it exceeds your expectations. We love it.

The National Historic Oregon Trail is a significant route in American history that stretches approximately 2,170 miles from Independence, Missouri, to Oregon City, Oregon.

In the 19th century, particularly from the 1840s to the 1860s, the Oregon Trail was one of the main overland migration routes on which hundreds of thousands of American pioneers traveled westward. They sought new opportunities, land under the provisions of the Donation Land Claim Act, and to escape economic hardship in the East.

Travelers faced a grueling journey that could take up to six months. They navigated various terrains, including prairies, mountains (like the Rockies), and deserts, facing challenges like river crossings, diseases, and conflicts with Native American tribes.

The trail facilitated the settlement of the American West, significantly contributing to the expansion of the United States. It led to the establishment of many towns, the spread of American culture westward, and the displacement of Native American populations.