A Trail-With-Rail Through a Stunning Landscape
The Joseph Branch Trail Consortium, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Enterprise, Oregon, is developing a non-motorized trail alongside the existing railroad tracks within the publicly-owned Wallowa-Union Railroad Authority corridor. Starting in Elgin, Oregon, the trail will wind through the Grande Ronde and Wallowa River valleys, terminating 63 miles later in Joseph, Oregon. Along the way, the goal of this trail-with-rail is to connect the small towns of Elgin, Minam, Wallowa, Lostine, Enterprise, and Joseph by offering residents of all ages and abilities a safe and accessible way to get outdoors to recreate, commute, and exercise away from the ever-busier roads and highways.
Currently, the first trail section and pocket park trailhead are complete in Elgin, Oregon, and construction of the second trail section is underway in Wallowa, Oregon. These first two trail sections lie within the city limits of the aforementioned towns and are ADA compliant and accessible to all!
Thank you for visiting our site to learn more! The Joseph Branch Trail Consortium (JBTC) strives to be as informative and transparent as possible. We welcome and want to hear your questions, comments, concerns, and ideas for the trail. Please use our contact page form or email info@josephbranchtrail.org to connect with the JBTC team.
Your support and advocacy for this project is what fuels this effort! If you are in favor of this trail-with-rail connecting communities in our beloved corner of Northeast Oregon, be sure stay up to date on our progress by receiving our monthly newsletter. And please consider making a tax deductible gift or filling out our volunteer interest form to support the “Little Trail That Could” today!
Here’s what Weiser River Trail Founding Board Member, Ron Hundahl says about his experience with their trail project:
“When we started planning the Weiser River Trail in 1998, there was opposition from some people that users would trespass on adjacent land, cattle would be harmed, and property vandalized. But it's been 25 years now and none of that has happened -- we've not had one instance of trail users vandalizing adjacent property or hurting livestock. Today, the children and grandchildren of some of those early opponents are now riding and using the trail. And realtors listing property tout the proximity to the trail as a selling point."
The Joseph Branch Trail-With-Rail
Provides a safe route for all people in our communities, especially children, to ride bicycles, walk, and recreate
Improves transportation safety by offering an alternative route away from vehicle traffic
Provides accessible opportunities for recreation to improve the health of people with disabilities or other conditions that limit access
Provides an almost flat trail for recreational opportunities including biking, hiking, and horseback riding
Connects the Nez Perce National Historic Trail with the Wallowa Nez Perce Homeland Project in Wallowa, Oregon
Connects to ODOT's Wallowa Lake Pedestrian/Bike Trail and the Enterprise Wildlife Refuge & Fish Hatchery
Proposed Trail-with-Rail Route Map
The Very First Trail Section is Now Open!
Following unanimous approval from the Wallowa-Union Railroad Authority (WURA), a $142,000 grant from the Oregon Parks & Recreation Dept., and a $192,000 grant from the Oregon Dept. of Transportation, the first trail section is complete! We celebrated the ribbon-cutting on June 15, 2024. This first short section runs from the Elgin Pocket Park Trailhead across from the Elgin train depot out along the railroad tracks near the Grande Ronde River to the city limits. Please stop in Elgin and walk the new trail section! And be sure to sign up for our e-newsletter or become a donating member to stay up-to-date on all the progress we are making, because 2024 is shaping up to be a BIG year for this Rail-with-Trail.
Questions? Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page, or contact us.
Business Members & Project Partners:
