Connecting Communities - One Trail Section At A Time
The Joseph Branch Trail Consortium, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Enterprise, Oregon developing a trail-with-rail alongside the existing railroad tracks within the publicly owned Wallowa-Union Railroad Authority rail corridor.
A driving goal of this project is to connect the small towns of Elgin, Minam, Wallowa, Lostine, Enterprise, and Joseph by offering residents of all ages and abilities a new, multi-modal transportation option that is a safe and accessible way to get outdoors to recreate, commute, and exercise away from the ever-busier roads and highways. To achieve this goal, we have begun by implementing small sections of the trail-with-rail.
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 each city, are ADA compliant and accessible to all!
2025 Fundraising Campaign & Raffle Happening Now!
Hitting our $30,000 goal will fund more than half a year of staff time, so your gift of any amount makes a BIG difference.
Most grants don’t cover day-to-day operating expenses, which is why we rely on this Year-End Fundraiser to cover those costs. Thank you!Check out the Raffle Items below, then make a gift to be in the running for everything from a rafting trip and 2-night stays, to a sauna, ski tune-up, or glass-blowing class.Thank you for giving what you can to support this trail that builds community and brings people together! P.S. New Raffle Prizes Added Every Week! Drawing is in January 2026!
The Community of Elgin is loving their new trail-with-rail!
June 2024
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!
A Trail-With-Rail Will benefit us all!
Provide a safe route for all people in our communities, especially children, to ride bicycles, walk, and recreate
Improve transportation safety by offering an alternative route away from vehicle traffic by increasin access and mobility choices alternative to Highway 82
Provide accessible opportunities for recreation to improve the health of people with disabilities or other conditions that limit access
Allow the public to connect to the iconic working landscape, magnificent mountain ranges and river valleys, with increased river access.
Provide an almost flat trail for recreational opportunities including biking, hiking, and horseback riding
Increase community development and bolster local economies by supporting small businesses.
Connects to ODOT's Wallowa Lake Pedestrian/Bike Trail and the Enterprise Wildlife Refuge & Fish Hatchery
Proposed Trail-with-Rail Route Map
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."
Business Members & Project Partners:
