Minam State Recreation Area

Located off Oregon Route 82 approximately 15 miles northeast of Elgin in Wallowa County, Minam State Recreation Area provides convenient access to the Minam River and the scenic Wallowa & Grande Ronde Wild and Scenic Rivers system. The day-use boat ramp is situated just off Highway 82, making it an accessible put-in for kayakers, canoeists, and motorboats. The site also features a walking trail, restrooms, and the nearby Minam Store for supplies or information about guided river trips.

The recreation area serves as a gateway to excellent paddling opportunities in eastern Oregon. From this launch, paddlers can access the Minam River and connect to the larger Wallowa River system, which flows toward the Grande Ronde River corridor—a scenic stretch popular for fishing and multi-day river adventures. The park is generally open year-round and offers 22 primitive campsites for those planning overnight trips, making it a practical base camp for extended paddling excursions.