Minam

State Recreation Area near LaGrande, Oregon, United States

Park Overview

Minam State Recreation Area makes the most of the picturesque Wallowa River, attracting anglers, boaters, rafters and those seeking solitude and simplicity.

The river links two park areas: the Minam Station boat launch just off Hwy 82 and a remote campground two miles upriver, just below the confluence of the Minam and Wallowa Rivers. This quiet campground is truly off the beaten path. You won't find flush restrooms or crowds; you will share the space with deer, bear, elk, and an occasional cougar and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. We recommend floating between the boat launch and campground; raft rentals are available at the nearby store.  

Located between the Wallowa Whitman and Umatilla national forests, the campground is gateway to miles of hiking trails. 

Seasonal Camping

  • 22 primitive sites with water, water is available Memorial Day through Sept.
  • Located two miles north of Hwy 82 on a primitive road
  • ADA accessible vault toilet
  • River access
  • Trails
  • Firewood for sale seasonally
  • Universal access: One site accessible to campers with disabilities.

Minam Station (year-round)

This boat launch is located at junction with Hwy 82. Amenities include:

  • Visitor information
  • Seasonal host
  • Coinless pay phone
  • Vault toilets
  • Trails
mdi-alert-outline General advisory
Effective Sep 25, 2024 – May 15, 2025
Water will be shut off to the campground beginning Friday, 9/27. The campground will remain open for overnight use through November or until snow makes the road unsafe for travel.

Day use areas near the boat ramp are open year-round. The campground will reopen in mid-March unless heavy snow and ice are still present. Water will be turned back on by memorial day weekend.
 mdi-white-balance-sunny Open for day use year round mdi-cellphone Call for info: 800-551-6949
Call for park info: 541.432.8855 Ext. 21 Current Conditions Directions Feedback

Amenities and features

Questions

mdi-help-circle-outline General

Can I have a fire while fishing along the Wallowa River?
  • Fires of any kind are not allowed along the Wallowa River
  • Campfires are allowed only in the overnight campground area in park provided fire pits. 
  • Fires must be put out if you leave the immediate area.
  • Campfires may be restricted or prohibited due to high fire hazard conditions.
  • Fires are not allowed in the day use areas.

 
What happened to the Minam Store?

The Minam Store owners purchased the Minam Motel and moved the store and boat business to that location.

Oregon State Parks purchased the Minam Store area and will be setting it up to become the Minam Station Visitor Center.  It will be run by volunteers.

  • They will be sharing information about the culture and history of the area.
  • Rules and regulations of water users while on the Wallowa River Scenic Waterway.
  • They will also answer questions about the park.

 
Are there boating /rafting rentals and equipment available?

Boater Services
The following is a partial list of local area businesses offering rafting-related goods and/or services.   This reference is provided for general information only.  OPRD does not endorse or assume liability for any business listed or absent. For information or to update this list, please call Wallowa Lake SRA at 541-432-8855
                                                                                                                                                          Updated 3/13

FOR RIVER INFORMATION:
BLM-River Station at Minam        541-437-5580
On the internet: www.rivers.gov

  • Angler’s Rest Inn and Shuttle Service - Elgin, OR     541-437-8982 

Vehicle shuttles   

Bed and Breakfast

  • Boggan’s Oasis - Anatone, WA at Hwy 129 Bridge     509-256-3372

Vehicle shuttles
Food and lodging
RV campground
Guide service

  • Joining Waters Raft Rentals and Shuttle Service -  Elgin, OR     541-437-1794        

Vehicle shuttles
Raft equipment rentals and sales
Licensed outfitter and guide services

  • Minam Motel - Minam, OR     541-437-1111

Raft and rafting equipment rentals and sales
Vehicle shuttles
Guide service

  • Troy Resort - Troy, OR     541-828-7773

Food, lodging, gas, propane
RV & tent camping
Wi-Fi, laundry, showers

mdi-help-circle-outline About Camping

Can I have a camp fire in the park?

 

  • Campfires are allowed only in the overnight campground area in park provided fire pits.  
  • Fires must be put out if you leave the immediate area.
  • Campfires may be restricted or prohibited due to high fire hazard conditions.
  • Fires are not allowed in the day use areas. 
  • Fires are not allowed on the banks of the Wallowa River Scenic Waterway 

 

mdi-help-circle-outline What's Allowed

Smoking: Is smoking allowed at Minam State Park or in the Recreation Area?

Smoking is prohibited at this state park and the surrounding park areas unless you are inside your personal vehicle.
For more questions, review our statewide FAQ

History

The land was purchased between 1964 and 1984 from private owners and by patent from the U. S. Government (Bureau of Land Management).

Brochures and maps

mdi-file-pdf-box Northeast Oregon campgrounds brochure and map

Photos