Hello there,
We are the Hurley Family. JO Paddle has been a family business since its inception in 2018. The Nichols Family first envisioned the business and began operations in August 2018. In mid-2020, the Shoffner Family took over the business, and developed and expanded it with their creative vision into the experience it is today.
As of January 2025, we are privileged to take the reins and continue the legacy of JO Paddle. Like the Shoffners and Nichols before us, we share a deep love and appreciation for Wallowa County, where Matthew’s family has lived for over 25 years. Our vision is to share the peace and beauty that makes this place special with visitors, along with the tight-knit community of other families and businesses that call Wallowa County home.
Wallowa County is one of a kind, offering majestic views, wilderness trails, rural small-town pace of life, and a sense of belonging. Whether you are a short-term visitor or a returning traveler who just fell in love with Wallowa County, we think you would agree—there is just something about this amazing place and the memories that it offers.
We hope you enjoy your Glacier Clear Adventure as much as we enjoy offering such a unique experience to you. If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Have a Beautiful Day!
ABOUT US
Wanting to make your vacation to Swiss Alps of Oregon a magical one? Well, you have come to the right place here at JO Paddle (Joseph Oregon Paddle). We strive to provide our guests with exceptional, family-friendly service—we treat you like one of our own.
At JO Paddle we love to greet our guests with a smile, because we are so excited to be able to offer such a unique experience. Wallowa Lake itself is a breathtaking ribbon lake 1 mile south of Joseph, Oregon. The crystal-clear, deep blue lake sits at an elevation of 4,372 ft, and was formed by a series of Pleistocene glaciers that carved out the high moraines surrounding it.
JO Paddle specializes in providing a one-of-a-kind recreational experience where our guests can explore Wallowa Lake above AND below the surface—an amazing and unique adventure.
Our guests can choose from a guided Glacier Clear Nighttime Tour or our Glacier Clear day rental of Kayaks or Stand-Up Paddle Boards, or both—making your trip to Wallowa Lake an A+ life adventure!
The wildlife is magnificent. Deer, Eagles, Osprey, and several varieties of ducks and geese are great to observe above the surface; but JO Paddle gives you a completely new view below the surface of local fish and car size boulders, among many other hidden treasures.
And—who knows—you may see “Wally” The Wallowa Lake Monster, for a true mythical adventure!
Our Glacier Clear Adventure is suitable for all skill levels. Children 30 lbs. and up are welcome to enjoy our day rentals, and ages 5 and up for our guided tours.
Each Kayak seats up to 2 guests, with a max. total load of 425 lbs.
We deliver rentals and start tours at the North end of Wallowa Lake.
Please be on time to your start time for rental(s) or tour.