Okanogan: High Desert Landscapes, Lakes and Trails

Okanogan County is a high-desert region. Summers are generally dry, and winters are mild. When planning a trip, it’s worth considering the season: some activities at lakes are specifically associated with summer, while other offerings are characteristic of the winter months.

Lakes and Seasonal Activities

Conconully State Park has 5,400 feet of freshwater shoreline. Fishing is available at the Lower Conconully Reservoir and the Upper Conconully Reservoir, also known as Salmon Lake. Conditions and access may change seasonally.

Pearrygin Lake State Park has 11,000 feet of designated shoreline and is also home to the 3.1-mile Rex Derr Trail. Its designated shoreline is therefore about twice as long as the shoreline at Conconully State Park. In winter, Pearrygin Lake State Park offers fat biking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing; winter operations may vary.

The two-mile-long Alta Lake offers opportunities for trout fishing, waterskiing and windsurfing in summer. Swimming and hiking are also among the family-friendly activities at Alta Lake State Park. Seasonal restrictions may apply. The opportunities on the water therefore vary by season: summer activities at Alta Lake contrast with winter sports at Pearrygin Lake.

Trails, Nature and Wildlife Viewing

The Methow Trails system has more than 200 kilometers of cross-country ski trails in the winter months; grooming and seasonal conditions vary. Many of these trails become routes for biking, trail running, hiking and horseback riding in spring, summer and fall. Those planning for different times of year will therefore find a clear shift between winter cross-country skiing and several warm-season uses.

The Sinlahekin Wildlife Area covers approximately 22,500 acres in central Okanogan County. The Sinlahekin Wildlife Area Unit has about eight miles of trails for hikers and horseback riders. Some areas are suitable for use by people with ADA requirements; seasonal road restrictions may apply.

The Whistler Canyon Trail offers views of the Okanogan River and the Pasayten Wilderness, as well as opportunities for wildlife viewing. The trail is suitable for hiking and horseback riding; climbers will also find challenging areas. Conditions and access may change. In the Loomis Natural Resources Conservation Area, developed access points lead to hiking and horseback riding trails. The Loomis and Loup Loup State Forests in Okanogan County offer opportunities for camping, hiking, off-road vehicle driving, fishing and hunting.

Okanogan Country lies along North America’s Pacific Flyway and offers opportunities to observe songbirds, game birds, waterfowl and birds of prey. So nature here encompasses not only trails and landscapes, but also a variety of bird groups.

History and Events

The Fort Okanogan Interpretive Center presents the history of a trading post that operated from 1811 to 1860. Its account of the fur trade is told from an Indigenous perspective. From the center, visitors can overlook the remains of two Fort Okanogans and the Columbia River Delta.

The Omak Stampede includes a family-friendly fair and Wrangler Kids Night. The annual Indian Encampment and Pow Wow at the Omak Stampede Grounds is a traditional gathering. The Indian Encampment includes an authentic tipi village, dancing, drumming, singing competitions and stick games. In the World Famous Suicide Race, horses and riders descend a steep 225-foot slope to the Okanogan River, then race 500 yards to the finish line. If you plan to attend one of the events, check the dates.

Getting There

Okanogan Country is accessible via Highway 2 and then north on Highway 97 to Pateros; Pateros is considered the southern gateway to Okanogan Country. Check road conditions before you set out.

Discover more destinations: Twisp, Omak, Conconully, Riverside, Mazama, Okanogan, Brewster, Benton.

For the main travel overview: Washington.