You cannot see the top of the tramway from the bottom. The ride up the mountain lets you view the glacier carved lake from high above it. At the top of the mountain there are lots of trails plus bunches of chipmunks and other critters. The restaurant was nice also. Plus the oldest tree in America...
I had the good fortune to be in the Wallowa mountains on a clear day in June of 2013. By chance I found out about the tramway to the top of Mt. Howard from a fellow traveler at a historical marker on the way into Enterprise. I am so happy I paid my monies and went to the top. Absolutely gorgeous views of the Wallowas, Oregon, and the Sawtooths in Idaho. I was also extremely fortunate to run into a ranger up there that knew the history of the area, and all about the plants and animals. He was very knowledgeable and willing to answer my many questions.There are some pretty gentle hiking trails at the top. The good thing is if you are not much of a hiker, you don't have to walk far to enjoy the view when you are at the top. I easily was able to spend 3 hours at the top and could have stayed longer if time had of permitted.
Well, I always feel sick riding up the tram, but that's just me. It is amazing, especially when you get on top and can see for miles. Don't go if you have trouble walking on uneven ground. There are about two miles of trails on top. Take a sweater, as it can be cool even when it is hot down below! The price has gotten a little spendy, but you must do it at least once.
While staying in Joseph the wife and I took the tram to the top of the mountain. The ride and view were fabulous. It is a 13 minute ride each way. We hiked all the easy trails on top for a total of about 2 and one half miles. The trails offer a great variety of views. The chipmonks are cute little beggars but you are asked not to feed them which we didn't. This is a must do when in North Eastern Oregon.
We enjoyed both the tram ride and the walks up on the top of the hill. The views are spectacular in every direction and the walks are well marked and enjoyable.
OK, it's a bit expensive, and that's the only reason I didn't give it full marks. We went just a few days after Labor Day, and the experience was great. There weren't lines at all, and the ride to the top only takes about 13 minutes. Have your camera ready during the ride for the best views of the lake. Once at the top, there are trails that I'd normally consider easy, but with the elevation, can be more challenging than normal.The view is simply beautiful, and at near the tree line, includes dramatic windswept trees. Despite the signs saying not to feed the ground squirrels, they have clearly been fed, and may climb onto your lap or backpack if you are sitting down. There are also lots of chipmunks and birds, but they are not as brave.Tips: Bring water and wear good walking shoes if you want to do the trails. The trails are well-maintained, but still not good for light sandals or flip-flops.
A fun ride up, and beautiful at the top. You can see forever! Be sure to walk all the paths if you can.
Hiking the trails was well worth the ride! The views are stupendous, and fearless wildlife entertaining.
Bring your own animal appropriate chipmunk food as the kids can't resist them and the environment police have shut down the good food packets that were available previously. The oily food at the Summit Restaurant is not appropriate for any kind of animal but tastes good with excellent servers. We got two day passes. Be aware there is some excessive documentation required to get the second days tickets that will slow things down but is apparently in answer to some accountants wit.Very nice folks doing the work getting you on an off the lifts!
Riding up this Swiss made gondola was super exciting for me~ Sunning scenery! We had perfect weather & the hiking up at the top was easy. Don't know how scary it would be if it was a windy day, but I'm thinking it would have been a little.