Set amidst the stunning backdrop of the Wallowa Mountains, the entire area is part of the ancestral homeland of the Nez Perce Tribe, and is a sacred place to the Nez Perce Tribe, the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. "Iwetemlaykin" is the Nez Perce name for this area of the Wallowa Lake basin. Pronounced ee-weh-TEMM-lye-kinn, the name translates to "at the edge of the lake." The property is adjacent to a Nez Perce National Historical Park, site of Old Chief Joseph Gravesite and Cemetery.
Short trails with spectacular views of the Wallowa Mountains pass Knight's Pond, a cool summer oasis and a peaceful respite for hikers. Look for spring and summer wildflowers during your walk. You also may catch glimpses of deer, fox, bear and raptors.
No. Iwetemlaykin State Heritage Site is a day use park only. Park is open during daylight hours.
Smoking is prohibited at this Site unless you are inside your personal vehicle.
Even if the park or trail looks empty, it’s important to leash your pet for their own protection and as a courtesy to others. Another hiker could be coming around the next bend.
In addition, leashing your dogs prevents them from tangling with wild animals and other dogs, getting lost, ransacking garbage, damaging plant life, dispersing invasive weed seeds, or being hit by a car. It also avoids a citation!
There are many hundreds of miles of trails and public lands in the county where your dog is permitted off-leash. For more information, see our Pets in Parks page.
Pets are welcome, but they must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet and kept under your physical control at all times. Horses are not considered pets and are not allowed in this park.
Due to the sensitivity of the area, we ask that all users stay on the trail. People and pets off the trail will spread invasive weeds throughout the park and may destroy sensitive habitat.
Please remember pack out trash and clean up after your pets. Pet waste disposal bags and garbage cans are at each entrance.
For more information, see our Pets in Parks page.
Opened in 2009. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department bought most of the property in 2007, using State Lottery dollars to fund $3.2 million of the $4.1 million purchase. The Oregon State Parks Trust, which holds the other share of the title to the land, paid the $900,000 balance with $300,000 donations from each of the following: The Nez Perce Tribe; the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.