Getting Oriented
Imnaha is a tiny ranching settlement on the Imnaha River, 30 miles east of Joseph at the end of Wallowa County Road 350. Hat Point Road starts at the Imnaha bridge and climbs east up Cow Creek to the canyon rim. The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest's Hells Canyon NRA office in Enterprise (541-426-5546) is the operations contact for the road and the Hat Point Lookout.
Hat Point itself is a manned fire lookout on the rim, staffed seasonally. The walk-up tower is open to visitors during daylight hours when the lookout is on duty; visitors are asked to call ahead to confirm.
Trail Overview
Twenty-four miles, out-and-back. The road climbs 5,500 feet from Imnaha (about 1,500 ft) to Hat Point (6,982 ft). The first six miles up Cow Creek are the steepest and tightest. Above the rim the grade eases and the road runs through ponderosa and Douglas-fir to the lookout. Most drivers run it in three to four hours round-trip from Imnaha, longer if they stop at Granny View Vista or McGraw Lookout viewpoint.
The surface is graded gravel that gets dusty in dry weather and slick in rain. Stock 4WD trucks and SUVs run it without trouble; passenger cars with low clearance can high-center on washboard ruts. Trailers and RVs are not advised.
Points of Interest
- Hat Point Lookout. A staffed fire lookout at 6,982 ft. The fenced overlook 100 yards east drops 5,400 ft to the Snake. The Seven Devils Mountains rise across the canyon in Idaho.
- Granny View Vista. A signed pullout at about mile 14 with a long view east into the canyon and a wheelchair-accessible interpretive trail.
- McGraw Lookout viewpoint. Side spur to a former lookout site partway up the climb with a different angle on the canyon.
- Saddle Creek Campground. Small Wallowa-Whitman campground a few miles before the lookout with vault toilets and no water.
- Hat Point Campground. Walk-in tent campground at the lookout itself, six sites, vault toilet.
Where to Camp
Saddle Creek and Hat Point are the two Forest Service campgrounds on the road. Both are small, primitive, and first-come. Dispersed camping is allowed on Wallowa-Whitman National Forest land along the upper road. The Imnaha Store and the Imnaha River Inn at the bottom of the climb are the only services in the village. Wallowa Lake State Park and the campgrounds along Forest Road 39 (the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway segment) are the closest developed alternatives.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip
- Confirm the road is open before driving. The Wallowa-Whitman Hells Canyon NRA office (541-426-5546) holds current status. The road typically opens late June and closes with the first snow.
- Air down for the washboard sections. Stock pressure rattles teeth.
- Carry water. There is no potable water at the lookout or campgrounds.
- The lookout is staffed seasonally; call ahead if you want to climb the tower.
- Allow for a full afternoon. The drive up takes longer than the road profile suggests because of the dust, the views, and the tight switchbacks.
- The Imnaha Store has fuel in summer but is not a guaranteed pump. Top off in Joseph before driving down.
