Rider airlifted after Wallowa County motorcycle crash

By Griffin Beach on Monday, September 7th, 2026 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News

WALLOWA COUNTY – A Canadian man had to be airlifted to a hospital following a motorcycle crash on Oregon Highway 3, 12 miles south of the Oregon/Washington border, but officials pointed out it could’ve been much worse had the driver not been wearing protective gear.

The Wallowa County Sheriff’s Office said they received the call of a motorcycle crash at around 10 p.m. Saturday, and responded along with Wallowa County EMS and the Enterprise Fire Department. Life Flight was called in and landed at Joseph Canyon Overlook before transporting the 60-year-old Alberta man to a hospital in Lewiston.

A preliminary investigation indicated the man was traveling southbound when he struck a deer.

Authorities noted the man was wearing a helmet and protective gear “likely contributed to reducing the severity of his injuries and may have been instrumental in saving his life.”

They said the investigation into the crash is ongoing.