The Wallowa–Whitman National Forest is used for hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and other recreational activities.
Anthony Lakes Ski Area is within the forest.
 The ski area is 40 miles (64 km) northwest of Baker City and 45 miles (72 km) southwest of La Grande.
 It has groomed slopes for alpine skiing and snowboarding and trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
The forest also has many miles of trail specifically designated for snowmobile use.

The forest has 52 developed campgrounds and 9 day-use picnic areas.
Most campgrounds are open from May to October.
The Forest Service also operates five rental cabins.
Hikers have the choice of 66 trails, with vista points along many of the routes, and 26 interpretive sites.
The national forest has seven areas where visitors can enjoy swimming, power boating, rafting, canoeing, and kayaking.
There are numerous fishing streams, and hunting is allowed during specific seasons.
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife regulates hunting and fishing activities on national forest land.

Some forest activities require permits.
The type of permit and its cost depends on the specific recreational activity.
A Northwest Forest Pass is required for parking at some high-use trailheads.
The cost is $30 for an annual pass or $5 for a day pass.
The Forest Service uses the permit revenue for trail maintenance.
Permits are also required for firewood cutting, Christmas tree harvesting, and mushroom gathering.
A special permit is required to raft on the Snake River.

The forest is home to the annual Eagle Cap Extreme Dog Sled Race, a three-day race that qualifies winners for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race and the Yukon Quest  race in Alaska and Yukon Territory.
It is also home to the Wallowa Lake Tramway.
The Wallowa–Whitman National Forest is used for hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and other recreational activities. Anthony Lakes Ski Area is within the forest.  The ski area is 40 miles (64 km) northwest of Baker City and 45 miles (72 km) southwest of La Grande.  It has groomed slopes for alpine skiing and snowboarding and trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The forest also has many miles of trail specifically designated for snowmobile use.
The forest has 52 developed campgrounds and 9 day-use picnic areas. Most campgrounds are open from May to October. The Forest Service also operates five rental cabins. Hikers have the choice of 66 trails, with vista points along many of the routes, and 26 interpretive sites. The national forest has seven areas where visitors can enjoy swimming, power boating, rafting, canoeing, and kayaking. There are numerous fishing streams, and hunting is allowed during specific seasons. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife regulates hunting and fishing activities on national forest land.
Some forest activities require permits. The type of permit and its cost depends on the specific recreational activity. A Northwest Forest Pass is required for parking at some high-use trailheads. The cost is $30 for an annual pass or $5 for a day pass. The Forest Service uses the permit revenue for trail maintenance. Permits are also required for firewood cutting, Christmas tree harvesting, and mushroom gathering. A special permit is required to raft on the Snake River.
The forest is home to the annual Eagle Cap Extreme Dog Sled Race, a three-day race that qualifies winners for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race and the Yukon Quest  race in Alaska and Yukon Territory. It is also home to the Wallowa Lake Tramway.
Wallowa–Whitman National Forest