With the opening of the gondola in 1970, Wallowa County added one of it’s most popular attractions. The 3700′ vertical ascent to the summit of Mt. Howard is a memorable experience. The exciting trip to the top of the mountain allows one to enjoy the 4000′ view as the gondola rises above Wallowa Lake Village and the blue waters of Wallowa Lake.
The gondola is a Swiss-made tram, and was constructed in 1970 as the steepest vertical lift for a four passenger gondola in North America. It is powered by a 150 h.p. electric motor – and a gasoline engine auxiliary drive at the base, operating a single continuous loop cable 19,300′ in length. In just under 15 minutes you are taken from the bottom terminal at 4,450′ up to 8,150′ atop Mt. Howard which was named for Major General Oliver O. Howard who pursued the Nez Perce from here in 1877.
