OR 82 is part of the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway.

[2] OR 82 is the main route from remote Wallowa County to La Grande which serves as a transportation hub, providing access to main roads such as Interstate 84 (I-84) and US 30.

It also sees extra tourist traffic in the summer, which mostly consists of travelers to Wallowa Lake, which is south of Joseph.

OR 82 begins at an intersection with U.S. Route 30 (Adams Avenue).

Once out of Island City, it curves northeast and passes through Imbler, Elgin, and enters Wallowa County at Minam.