April 30, 2024

Recreationland

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Welcome

Welcome to beautiful North Central Washington and lower British Columbia, one of the greatest “undiscovered” and unspoiled recreational areas in the Pacific Northwest. By traveling north from Wenatchee along the many scenic byways, like the Okanogan Trails Byway on the International Discovery Loop, you will experience two countries, many cultures and unique history and heritage.

The area abounds with ghost towns, historical landmarks, abandoned mines, camping, fishing, hunting, boating, swimming, golfing, hiking, rock climbing, sightseeing, wildlife viewing, horseback riding – you name it!

Canada’s only desert region lies just north of the border, in southern British Columbia from Osoyoos to Kelowna. The area is not only Canada’s fruit basket, it also has a booming wine industry. There are wine festivals and tastings and wineries in the Osoyoos and Oliver areas – all welcome visitors.

Back in the United States, North Central Washington is staking out a wine industry as well, with established and new wineries from Chelan to Oroville. The Okanogan Valley has also become one of the largest producers of legal marijuana in the state with growers taking advantage of the area’s moderate climate and warm sunny days.

Although fishing and hunting remain two

of the biggest recreational pastimes in the area, watchable wildlife activities like birding are increasing in popularity. This region offers a variety of flora and fauna for wildlife fans to explore. The Sinlahekin Wildlife Area near Loomis boasts a varying array of wildlife. Among these are a wide variety of butterflies, including some rare species that attract folks from all over the world,

Even though the area is semi-desert, the region offers several fine lakes for swimming, boating, water and jet skiing, paddle boarding and fishing. Water recreation choices range from the international Lake Osoyoos to the internationally famous Lake Chelan, from the mighty Columbia River to the undiscovered Similkameen. Just west of Tonasket there’s the Many Lakes Recreation Area with Palmer, Whitestone and Spectacle lakes, as well as world-class fly fishing on the fly-only Chopaka Lake.

The Columbia, Methow and Okanogan rivers provide excellent fishing, as do the many local lakes. There’s good water for water skiing or just a relaxing boat ride. With spring and the snowmelt, smaller local rivers provide plenty of good whitewater rafting and kayaking, then calm down in the height of summer, making for fun tubing. Summer days can hit 100 degrees or more, so one of the rivers, the swimming holes or local pools might be appealing.

How about taking a hike, or maybe a

mountain bike ride, maybe even a horseback ride? Okanogan County boasts more miles of recreational trails than anywhere else in the country.

Oroville lies at the midpoint of the 1200mile Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail. Distance hikers coming west from Glacier Park, Montana on the PNT come down into the Okanogan Valley through the Whistler Canyon trailhead on Highway 97 just three miles south of Oroville. After rest and replenishment, they leave town on the Similkameen River Trail west to Enloe Dam, following the route of the old Hudson’s Bay Company and Cariboo Trail. Then it’s onward through the Pasaytan Wilderness, North Cascades and on to the Pacific. This National Scenic Trail traversing the Northwest from east to west is a modern-day Lewis and Clark Journey to be had on foot or horseback. This is a world-class hiking experience. For more on the trails see www.pnt.org.

Golfers have a plethora of choices, from the Oroville Golf Club to Gamble Sands in Brewster, Alta Lake near Pateros to Omak and Okanogan, as well as fine courses in Osoyoos and Oliver.

Camping and RV facilities are available at numerous locations from Waterville to Oroville.

Again, welcome to North Central Washington and lower British Columbia. We hope you will stay awhile and enjoy all the area has to offer.

What’s Inside

www.gazette-tribune.com

1420 Main Street, PO Box 250, Oroville, WA 98844

Office: 509-476-3602

Toll Free: 866-773-7818

Circulation/Subscribe: 888-838-3000

Publisher: Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune

Editor: Gary A. DeVon | editor@gazette-tribune.com

Advertising Sales: Angela Larson | angela.larson@gazette-tribune.com

Design & Production: Bryon Kempf

Photographers / Special Contributors

Justin Haug (WDFW), Stephanie (Blackler) Seeman, Kindra Anderson, Katie Wheat

Contributing Writers / Photographers

Gary DeVon, Angela Larson, Brent Baker, Laura Knowlton, Mary Curtis, AB Photography, Liar’s Cove Resort, Oroville WA Chamber (orovillewachamber.com), Okanogan Chamber, WA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife, Okanogan County Tourism Council (okanogancountry.com), Borderlands Historical Society, Okanogan County Historical Society.

Spring Recreationland 2024 is a special publication of the Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune. All materials are under copyright law and may be reprinted only with permission in writing from the Publisher. Printed in Canada.

Oroville Gateway to fun and relaxation

Nestled between two rivers, the Okanogan and the Similkameen, lies Okanogan County’s most northerly city, Oroville. Oroville is framed on the east by the scenic Okanogan Highlands, a magnet for all persuasions of outdoor enthusiasts, from hikers to birders to bikers (both human-powered and motorized). To the west is a mecca of lakes and rivers with plenty of shoreline camping spots, making Oroville a convenient base for exploring the whole region.

For swimming, fishing and water or jet skiing right in town, there’s mammoth Osoyoos Lake, an international lake shared with Canada, where families enjoy long sunny days at the beach and stay at Veteran’s Memorial Park’s RV/tent camping area. The campground includes 41 standard sites, 39 utility sites with power and water, 12 primitive sites (walk-in only), two ADA sites (one with power and water), a restroom/shower complex, many picnic sites and a trailer dump.

The park consists of sandy lakeshore, green lawns and shade trees in contrast with the hot, arid conditions that prevail in the area. Available activities include boating (one

boat launch ramp), fishing, swimming, watersports, bird watching and horseshoes. Fish of all kinds are abundant in the lake and river.

In addition to more picnic areas, some covered, the day-use area has a buoyed swim area and restrooms/changing area. The concession stand is the home of Kevin’s Fun Time Rentals, where powerboats, kayaks and floats of all kinds can be rented. There are also a few concessions served there to help keep the kids cool.

The Oroville area boasts several other dayuse parks like Deep Bay Park north of town, which features covered cooking areas. Other parks in town include the wide-open Prince Heritage Park on the south end of town and City Park, in the center of downtown where pickleball courts are planned to be added before summer. There is also Henry Kniss Riverfront Park bordering the Okanogan River, a popular fishing and picnicking destination.

The Similkameen River, on the west side of Oroville, offers fishing for steelhead and salmon and rapids for kayakers. The Okanogan River also provides fishing for bass and rainbow trout, as well as swimming,

floating and still-water paddling of canoes and kayaks. A popular pastime is taking a lazy float down the river, putting in at the Veterans Memorial Park boat ramp and taking out at Riverfront Park.

Other lakes in the area are Wannacut, a popular fishing spot and Blue Lake, whose crystal blue waters bring visitors from miles around.

On the southern outskirts of Oroville, Whistler Canyon trailhead joins the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail that stretches from the Continental Divide to Washington’s coast. Oroville is the PNT’s official mid-point, between Montana and the Pacific Coast. The Similkameen River Trail, just west of town, makes a pleasant seven-mile day hike following the old Great Northern Railroad route across a steel and concrete bridge toward Enloe Dam. History buffs usually stop by Oroville’s Old Depot Museum to get oriented before setting out for the area’s hill towns and ghost towns with tiny cemeteries left over from the gold rush era.

Just minutes from downtown, Oroville Golf Club is a scenic ninehole, dual tee course. The front side measures 2926 yards and the back is 2991 yards totaling 5917 yards with a par of 72 and a slope rating of 129. Perched above the Similkameen River, the course offers plenty of interesting elevation changes and spectacular background views.

Oroville’s arid landscape is rich in agriculture on the valley floor, where 11 varieties of cherries and seven kinds of apples predominate. Here you can pick up provisions right from the orchards, produce stands, wineries and the Saturday farmers’ market. Summer is a particularly delicious time to visit.

Enjoy wine tastings from spring to fall at the local wineries, often featuring live music, and restaurants to suit many tastes, from authentic Mexican cuisine to farm-to-table fare and an assortment of American menus, pizza and food for travelers on the go.

For almost a century, the May Festival has been drawing former Orovillians home the second weekend of May. Other events are more recent – including the Run for the Border Motorcycle Charity Ride, which after a few years of absence is planning a come-

back this year on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 18. The 150mile event takes riders and their machines from Wenatchee to Oroville. After spending some time enjoying what the town has to offer, the group, which has been upwards of 300 in the past, heads back to the Wenatchee area.

Later in the summer is the Lake Osoyoos Cup, featuring jet ski racing off Deep Bay Park.

The Valley BMW Motorcycle Club also has their Last Chance Camp-N-Ride at Veteran’s Memorial in September. This Canadian and American group always welcome’s riders and their bikes of all types to come and join them.

Oroville is also home to Dorothy Scott International Airport where people can fly in from around the U.S. and Canada. The airport was named after Dorothy Scott, an avid flyer from Oroville who ferried warplanes while serving as a pilot in the WAFS during WWII. Those landing at Oroville’s airport from outside the U.S. can call U.S. Customs from the Customs building and an agent will come out to the airport and do an inspection.

Oroville sees its share of American visitors headed toward one of Canada’s major tourist attractions, just four miles north. Here is Canada’s prime wine grape growing region with an abundance of premium wineries and many golf courses that attract weekend visitors from Vancouver and vacationers from throughout Canada who fly into Kelowna International Airport for a taste of BC’s Southern Okanagan and Washington’s Northern Okanogan. For more information about Oroville and the surrounding region visit the Oroville Chamber of Commerce’s website, www.orovillewachamber.com.

Fishing Okanogan County

Iwas fortunate to grow up with a father that took us fishing. The seeds of my love for fishing were planted at a very early age, and my passion grew. It continues to be what gets me up at ungodly hours and travel long distances to pursue a variety of species.

One of my earliest memories is of fishing with my Dad, Grandad and younger brother at Alta Lake. I remember that it was a very chilly morning and I soon forgot about the cold when the fish started to bite. The trout weren’t big, but we caught them at a rate that kept us youngsters busy. There was no throwing rocks into the water or chasing each other around. We were as focused as kids of six and eight years old could be.

I grew up in Wenatchee and went off to school at the University of Washington and lived and worked in the Seattle area for nearly 20 years. The city just became too big for me, and I longed for the outdoor life in Eastern Washington. I moved back over here over 30 years ago and never looked back. The joys of exploring and fishing in Okanogan County beckoned.

While living in Chelan a local pastor told me about the great trout fishing at Lake Chopaka, and we made the trip early one summer. We didn’t catch many, but I do remember one cast I made to a fish in a shallow back bay filled with pencil grass. The fish took my fly, and the battle was on! It was a big one and churned up mud and tore through the grass and I somehow managed to land and release it. I can still remember the mud and weeds that fish stirred up as it thrashed in the shallow bay.

By Dave Graybill

The

“Fishing Magician”

After a move to Wenatchee, I found my high school sweetheart was living here, too and we soon became a couple, and then my wife. I wanted to introduce her to fly fishing and one of our early experiences was at Blue Lake, near Loomis. We arrived late and were eager to get out on the water and fished into the dark. We were peacefully trolling along when WHACK, a beaver slapped its tail behind the boat and got hooked on my wife’s fly, nearly tearing the rod out of her hand. The reel was screaming and fortunately, it broke off. The next morning, we found a lagoon at the end of the lake, that could be reached via a small channel. Like a scene from the Bogart movie “The African Queen” we pulled our little boat, christened “Tin Bad,” through the channel and into the lagoon. There were big trout in here and after many attempts one of them finally hit my fly. It was a rainbow of about 18 inches. That was a real thrill.

We fished Conconully Lake a few years later and caught some nice trout and then I heard it was loaded with bass. I took a father and son along with me on my first bass trip to the lake. It was crazy. We were catching so many that we decided to count the number of fish we released. We stopped counting at 150!

Although I am not a die-hard fly fisherman, I

Where Memories are Made

was always looking for opportunities to catch fish with flies. One day the owner of the fly shop in Wenatchee and I traveled to Oroville and floated down the Similkameen River and into the Okanogan River casting for smallmouth bass. It was a very hot summer day, and we caught some nice smallmouth bass while taking swim breaks to cool off. I later learned that smallmouth were abundant just upstream from the Brewster Pool. A friend showed me how to navigate the channel and we were casting large plugs along the way. We reached the Monse Bridge and that’s where we found some dandies. I cast the largest plug I had at the base of the bridge and hooked a big one. It turned out to be the biggest smallmouth I have ever landed. We have had some very good days fishing for smallmouth since then. It’s something special.

Some years ago, I was introduced to Rufus Woods Reservoir and the whopper rainbow trout that can be caught here. I have fished it from Chief Joseph Dam to Seatons Grove and have caught many fish, including two in the 16-pound class over the years. I have had great fun introducing people to this fishery. A friend of mine landed a 20-pounder at the middle net pens on a small jig last spring. We were shocked when that brute got next to the boat! The potential of hooking monsters like this is what keeps me going back to Rufus Woods.

There are many places in Okanogan County that I have fished that I haven’t mentioned here, and many places that are still on my list to try. The promise of adventure and terrific fishing seems endless. There are great memories to be made in Okanogan County!

Take a Hike

It’s time to start planning your summer outdoor adventures

After a long winter it’s time to start planning a summer full outdoor adventure. Tonasket and Oroville residents are fortunate to have an excellent trail system at their doorsteps. In addition the Whistler Canyon and Similkameen trails near Oroville, the Five Lakes Area of the Tonasket Ranger District has enough trails for summer full of outdoor adventure. The trails in the Five Lakes area can be divided into three sections which include the Bonaparte Lake Trails, Lost Lake Trails and Havillah Road Trails. There are also trails in the Sinlahekin, Wildlife area, outside of Loomis that feature many opportunities to enjoy wildlife viewing near Connors and Forde Lakes.

U.S. Forest Service trails

Bonaparte Lake Trails

#383, The Pipsissewa Trail starts at Bonaparte Lake and ascends up Bonaparte Mountain to a rocky overlook with views of Bonaparte Lake. (2 miles)

#308, Southside Trail travels 3 miles up the east side of Bonaparte Mountain and connects with trails #307 and #306.

#322, Virginia Lilly Trail is a 4 mile loop trail through an old growi stand of timber.

Lost Lake Trails

#311, Big Tree Trail begins across from the entrance to Lost Lake Campground and travels to the Big Tree Botanical Trailhead an Interpretive Site (1.7 miles).

#309, Strawberry Mountain Trail is a popular hike up Strawberi Mountain and provides a good view of Lost Lake and Bonaparte Mountain.

#316, Beth Lake Trail begins in Beaver Lake Campground and travels 1.9 miles to Beth Lake.

Havillah Road Trails

#306, Bonaparte Trail climbs 3 miles to Bonaparte Lookout which is seasonally operational.

#307, 4th of July Ridge Trail is rated more difficult and travels 7 miles around the south side of Bonaparte Mountain. It provides many scenic views.

#303, Cabin Trail begins at the 4th of July Trailhead and traverses 2.5 miles along the western side of Bonaparte Mountain.

#304, Antoine Trail travels the northwest side of Bonaparte Mountain passing by Napal Cabin before passing through an old growth stand of Douglas Fir.

Trails #383, #308, #307 and #303 are part of the Pacific Northwest Trail which travels 1,200 miles from the Continental Divide to the Pacific Ocean. You can pick up a brochure and maps with more information about trails in the Five Lakes Area at the Tonasket Ranger Station located at 1 West Winesap in Tonasket.

The Okanogan Highlands

The Okanogan Highlands – Chesaw, Molson, Aeneas Valley, Wauconda and Bonaparte

There are many small communities in the Okanogan Highlands enjoyed for their recreation, as well as their history and culture.

Chesaw, an old gold mining town, was named for Chinese miner Joe Che Saw and is 21.5 miles east of Oroville. The town has a general store with gas pumps and a saloon remanent of the old West. The tiny town’s

population has dwindled to just a handful, but each year the family-oriented Fourth of July Rodeo is a huge draw. In August, the town invites people to participate in one of the many activities planned around the Hot August Nights car show and celebration.

But there is more to Chesaw. There’s beautiful scenery and wildlife, hiking, camping and fishing in the National Forest and at nearby Lost, Bonaparte, Beaver and Beth lakes. There’s lodging and recreation at the Eden Valley Guest Ranch as well.

Molson was initially financed by John W. Molson of Canadian brewing and banking fame. The three-story brick schoolhouse is now the Molson School Museum. It houses artifacts and a souvenir shop. Many exhibits reflect the area’s mining and farming past and other facets of rural life. Today, the original townsite is a ghost town and is the Old Molson Outdoor Museum with various early-day town buildings and agricultural equipment. Both museums are sponsored by the Okanogan County Histor-

ical Society and manned and maintained by a local group of dedicated volunteers. Each June Molson celebrates its Mid-Summer Festival, reflecting the area’s Nordic past, with a walk/run, May pole decorating and dancing, music, food, arts and crafts, horseshoe tournament, old-fashioned kids’ games, frisbee golf, a car show and much more.

In August, is the Table Mountain Star Party at Eden Valley Guest Ranch. The event draws astronomers from all over the region to star gaze in the clear highland air.

The NW Ice Fishing Festival draws anglers from all over the northwest to try their luck in nearby Sidley and Molson lakes each January.

Fishing and camping are among the great number of recreation possibilities around the Aeneas Valley area. There are several small lakes located along Aeneas Valley Road – Round, Long and El lakes. El, being flyfishing only. Crawfish and Lyman lakes

are not far away either.

The community of Wauconda is 24 miles east of Tonasket on Hwy. 20. Wauconda hosts a Flag Day Celebration each year at the Community Hall, as well as an annual car show and 50’s sock hop mid-July.

It’s only a short drive to Bonaparte, Lost, Beaver and Beth lakes, which offer some of the area’s best fishing and camping opportunities. This same area also features some of the most varied hunting opportunities you will find anywhere. You can also enjoy boating, swimming and hiking, as well as snowmobiling and other winter sports.

Okanogan Country in North Central Washington State offers everything from snow-capped mountains to high deserts, county in Washington State. With 3,000 miles of scenic trails, 200 water and wildlife access areas, three million acres of public land, and over 300 days of sunshine, you can experience almost any outdoor adventure imaginable. *Project is funded totally or in part, as applicable, by the Okanogan County Hotel/Motel Lodging Tax Fund

Tonasket

All roads lead to Tonasket

Tonasket is a vigorous town with people who like to work hard, as well as play hard. Many of the community’s events reflect this relationship between labor and leisure.

Tonasket, which has a population of just over 1,000, rests in the Okanogan Valley approximately 20 miles south of the U.S.-Canadian border.

Tonasket is the center of a large agricultural area, with apples, pears, cherries, cattle and timber being the most prevalent products.

The town is surrounded by the Many Lakes Recreation Area, famous for its fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing. Tonasket hosts several annual events, including the Founder’s Day Rodeo and Parade, Father’s Day Fly-in, Garlic Festival, Demo Derby, Tractor Pull and Music in the Park. Nearby there’s the annual Okanogan Barter Faire each spring and fall, which grew out of the Barter Faire starting in 1973.

Tonasket has many fine parks, including History Park, featuring a new public swimming pool, as well the Water Ranch splash park with a variety of fun ways to splash and get wet at its Chief Tonasket Park.

Chief Tonasket also offers ballfields, a nature trail and boat launch and a skate park. Little Learner’s Park consists of an acre of lawn in a triangular shape at the intersection of State Street, Second Street and Antwine Avenue. There is playground equipment for small children and trees growing along the State Street side provide a nice shady area for relaxing and watching the children play.

The Armed Forces Legacy Park was built to

recognize and memorialize Armed Forces veterans from across the U.S. and was dedicated on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2009. The U.S. Armed Forces Legacy Association, a non-profit group, raised money for the memorial is responsible for the development of the park. The park features a grassy area, large columnar basalt pillars, a wall of veterans’ names who gave some or all for their country and a National Rosie the Riveter Memorial Rose Garden,

Five days a week, there is at least one Veteran Service Officer present who can assist Veterans and their families with Veteran’s benefits and any additional information. Tonasket is intersected by State Highways 97 and 20. Highway 97, an international roadway, links the town with Canada to the north, and California on the extreme south. Hwy. 20 is an east/west route from the Pacific Coast via the North Cascades Highway, to Republic and Spokane. The section of Hwy. 20 in Okanogan County has also been designated the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway by the state through the efforts of the local American Legion Posts in Oroville and Tonasket.

Nearby hiking trails, all east of Tonasket, include

the McLaughlin Canyon Trail, Mount Bonaparte Trail and the Highlands Sno-Park Area Trails.

The original townsite of this western village was located on the west side of the Okanogan River, about one mile south of its present townsite. The town was once called Parry’s Ferry, or Parry’s Landing, for Watkins W. Parry, an early pioneer settler who had extensive holdings in the area. The present site of the town was purchased from the Bonaparte Land Company in 1910 and was soon platted. It was named Tonasket after Chief Joseph Tonasket of the Okanogan Tribe.

For more information see: www.tonasketchamber.com.

Loomis

Center of the Many Lakes Recreation Areas

Located 16 miles northwest of Tonasket and 16 miles southwest of Oroville, the little town of Loomis rests in the center of the “Many Lakes” area. While the town is small, the area draws folks from around the state and the province of BC from the start of fishing season

in the spring, until the end of hunting season in late fall.

Loomis is also a natural stop as you “Cruise the Loop,” as it is known to the locals. Start in Oroville and follow the Loomis-Oroville Highway along the Similkameen River, or do it in reverse, starting in Tonasket. No matter which way you do it, The Loop is a great drive and popular ride with motorcyclists. There are many chances to see wildlife and nature along the way and Loomis has fuel for your rig, as well as your body, if you want a snack or a chance to sit down and have a meal.

Throughout the summer, visitors come and enjoy a variety of camping sites along one

Whether you enjoy y fishing, hiking or wildlife viewing, please adventureresponsibly. adventurerespons ly. ·Keep dogs on a leash · Pickupgarbage

· Don’t disturb wildlife ScantheQRcodeformoretipsonhowto beagoodstewardofourpublicplaces. Learnmoreatwdfw.wa.gov

of the many lakes or even in the coolness of the local mountains along a meandering stream. Loomis is the center of some of the best fishing and hunting in the state. The trout and bass are large and the mule deer plentiful. Nearby lakes include Spectacle, Palmer and Whitestone. Other fishing opportunities abound in the Sinlahekin Wildlife Area in the lakes and Toats Coulee Creek – and Chopaka is a well-known fly-fishing-only mountain lake. The Wildlife Area also has marked trails around Forde and Connors Lake and you can find a wide variety of wildflowers and 92 species of butterflies in the spring and summer. Loomis maybe small, but many amenities can be found within a few short blocks. Nearby wildlife is abundant with bighorn sheep and deer that can sometimes be seen strolling through town. Stick around and you may see black bear or mountain goats as well. In winter, people are drawn to the area for the hundreds of miles of snowmobile trails in the mountains and the ice fishing on Palmer Lake, where people have great success landing exotic burbot, also known as freshwater ling cod. For more information see www.okanogancountry.com.

Conconully

Where the past is always present

With Conconully State Park right on the reservoir, restaurants that offer everything from hot dogs to full sit-down meals, full-service resorts and a variety of RV facilities and the lake just minutes away, Conconully is a wonderful site for a family vacation any time of the year.

There are lakeside resorts, in-town lodging, several restaurants and a general store with gas pumps to serve visitors. Most of the resorts offer boat and/or canoe rentals. Some feature such amenities as pools, showers, RV parking and campsites. Kids have a good time wading in the pond and playing on the swings, slides and big toys at the state park, which has excellent camping and picnic facilities. Spring is when the high alpine meadows boast carpets of wildflowers, accessible only to the hiker or horseback rider. Spring is also when anglers start coming to town to test their skills on the rainbow, triploids, bass and kokanee in the Conconully lakes. On the Opening Day of Fishing Season, the town hosts the Conconully Trout Derby.

In the summer you can swim, fish, water ski, bicycle, horseback ride, take a nature hike, rock climb or just relax and enjoy the glorious scenery.

Each year the town holds an Independence Day Celebration, usually on the Saturday before July 4. The Conconully Chamber of Commerce hosts a day of activities. The day starts with an assortment of classic and antique cars in the annual judged car show. There is also a silent auction and vendors on the street starting at 9 a.m., then the parade around 12:30 p.m. Following the parade, volunteer firefighters will have their annual water fight. Ducks, which can be purchased locally, will be set to race at 4 p.m.

In September, Conconully hosts Conktoberfest, their version of Oktoberfest. Then to take advantage of the snow in mid-January, it’s time for the Outhouse Races, a wild competition with wild-looking outhouses on skis and even wilder participants pushing them toward the finish line. For

Omak

Omak has events planned for every season of the year.

In summer, there’s the Stampede and World Famous Suicide Race, which started in 1935 and is now celebrating its 90th year. The event features four professional rodeo performances followed by the

Suicide Race, where horse and rider plunge down a steep embankment and cross the Okanogan River for the push to the finish line. There is also a genuine Native American encampment complete with over 100 teepees and Native American dance competitions with dancers in full traditional dress. In addition, there is a carnival and the Western and Native American Art Show which coincides with Stampede weekend. The town is full of recreation options, many at the 72-acre East Side Park. The park includes three softball fields, the newly renovated Stampede and Rodeo Arena, an olympic-size pool, two soccer fields, Babe Ruth and Little League diamonds, covered picnic area, archery range, horseshoe pits, lighted tennis courts and a basketball court. Add to these acres and acres of green lawn and a 72-site full hook-up RV park and tent area, and the possibilities for fun are many.

Omak is home to the Performing Arts Center, which hosts various productions throughout the year, including plays by local and touring groups, musical performances by the Okanogan Valley Orchestra and Chorus, as well as visiting groups. Among the things to see and do in Omak are The Vintage Faire, the Omak Battle Ground 3 on 3 & 5 on 5 Basketball Tournaments, Movies in the Park, 4th of July Com-

Another

OntheOkanoganRiver

Swimming•Tennis•DogPark NextDoortotheWorld-FamousOmakStampede PlentyofPullThru’s

725CentralAve.East•Omak,WA98441509-826-1170•www.omakcity.com

Riverside

Riverside, about six miles north of Omak, is one of the most important towns in Okanogan County’s early history. A quaint and picturesque town, it sits between the Okanogan River and Highway 97.

Riverside was once a booming commercial center. As head of navigation for the Okanogan River, goods transported via steam paddle wheeler up the Columbia River and further up the Okanogan could not get past that point. Goods then went to other points in the county via teamsters and freight wagons. So Riverside became an important connection between the then-isolated county and more populated areas of the region.

Okanogan

Washington’s best kept secret

Okanogan, incorporated in 1907, became the county seat of the largest county in area in Washington in 1914.

Highlights for the town include the annual Okanogan County Fair, Sunny Okanogan Days and Harvest Festival.

Being the county seat, Okanogan is also the home to the historic Okanogan County Courthouse.

Sunny Okanogan Days are the first weekend in June, the Okanogan County Fair in

September and Harvest Fest with their famous Pet Parade in October.

Other events include the Food Truck Feastival in April which includes lots of good food to eat and a cornhole tournament, the Fly-in to Okanogan in September and Farm Lights Festival and Tractor Parade in early December.

Okanogan is also home to the Okanogan County Museum, which features an extensive history of the county, as well as many “Frank Matsura” photographs from the famous Japanese frontier photographer who

made the Okanogan his home before the turn of the last century.

Outside the museum is a replica of an Old West town of the early 1900s and a replica of the town’s original firehouse. Outdoor displays include farm equipment and what is believed to be the Okanogan’s oldest standing structure, a log cabin built in 1879. The museum is located adjacent to the Legion Park, which can accommodate overnight RV parking (no hookup) for a small fee. For more information see: www.okchamber.com.

Ferry County/Republic/Curlew

You can dig for fossils at the rich Stone Rose fossil beds with the family and go home with a piece of prehistoric history; fish or swim in one of the area’s many lakes and streams; horseback ride into the forest; hike the Kettle Crest Trail or one of the other 430 miles of trail in the area. The Republic area has 21 campgrounds around lakes and streams. Something is happening almost every week; stock car races every other weekend at Eagle Track Raceway in the summer, Prospector’s Day, rodeos, draft horse shows or Winterfest.

Located next door to the Stonerose Interpretive Center is the Republic Historical Center. Visitors can walk through the Kaufman Cabin, peruse the extensive collection of Republic’s historical photos and listen to firsthand accounts of times past from the volunteers who operate the small museum.

Between Republic and Curlew, alongside Highway 21 North, is

TheAnsorgeHotelatCurlew,Washingtonistheonly oldhotelstillstandinginFerryCounty.Itisawood framestructurewithtinsidingmadetoresemblestone, constructedin1903whentheGreatNorthernRailroad wasjustcomingintothecountryandislocatedadjacent tothetracks.Thegroundfloorcontainsalobby,dining room,kitchenandlargebilliardorgameroom.Nine bedrooms,onebathroom,andasittingroomcomprise theupstairs.Mostoftheoriginal furnitureisondisplay,aswellasdishes, clothing,picturesandnumerous memorabilia.

the Husky Car & Truck Museum and Steam Powered Sawmill Exhibit. The museum has numerous antique cars, including a 1925 Howard Cooper, one of only four ever built and a 1926 Yellow Knight, one of the last three known to exist. Built-in 1903, the historic Ansorge Hotel in Curlew is a museum. The hotel retains many of its original furnishings and all of its charm.

Nestled in the forested hills of Ferry County is pristine Curlew Lake. Curlew Lake is a favorite destination for fishermen, sporting different varieties of trout. The park features 82 campsites, some of which have power, water and sewer hook-ups, a roped-off swimming beach, boat ramp, trailer dump, restroom and hot showers.

There are fishing opportunities in small group of lakes on the Colville National Forest. These include Ferry Lake, Fish Lake, Swan and Long Lake. Ferry Lake is open for fishing all year, the the other lakes open with fishing season on April 30. According to the online fishing magazine, Reader’s Cast (www. flyanglersonline.com/features/readerscast) “Rainbow trout are planted in Ferry Lake, Fish Lake and Swan Lake. Cutthroat trout can be found in Long Lake, and one can land an occasional Eastern brook trout in Swan Lake. Starting in the late spring, Long Lake, a 14-acre flyfishing-only lake attracts anglers looking for solitude.”

Find more information about Republic at republicchamber.org and about Ferry County at ferrycounty.com.

Brewster Celebrating community

Situated along the Columbia River, the quiet town of Brewster offers excellent fishing, numerous boat launches, docks and riverside picnic areas. Surrounded by apple and cherry orchards, the beauty of farmland and the mighty Columbia River creates an environment perfect for bird watching, fishing and hiking.

The Brewster Swimming Pool is open weekdays from Memorial through Labor Day and has two waterslides and two diving boards. Columbia Cove Park offers boat launches, an RV park and a river swimming area as well. At the far end of town in Legion Park, there is a decommissioned T-33A Star U.S. Air Force jet on display.

Brewster has a special Mother’s Day Festival, “el dia de la Madres” in May. In July they celebrate the Fourth with a parade, vendors and fireworks over the Columbia. In the first weekend in August is the Brew-

ster King Salmon Derby. Over Labor Day Weekend the town celebrates with hydroplane races.

Golfing is available at Gamble Sands. The modern 18-hole golf course is situated high above the Columbia River. Gamble Sands is blessed with one of nature’s great locations and dramatic golf settings.

Fun events and celebrations are held throughout the year. Brewster is fast becoming known for having one of the best salmon fisheries in the state. The annual King Salmon Derby takes place the first week of August. Other city events include Pig Out in the Park/4th of July Celebration and the second annual Winter Sky Lantern Festival. These offer an open invitation for visitors to enjoy the small town atmosphere. Nearby Chief Joseph Dam at Bridgeport adds to the water sports playground. For more information visit www. brewsterwachamber.com.

TheCityofBrewsteroffersfamilyfriendlyevents,naturalbeautyandmanydifferent waystohavefun.We’rejustoffHwy.97,easyon,easyoff.Weinviteyoutojoinus!

February2nd -4th 2024 —RoadtothePodiumTournament May11th —MothersDayEvent

June9th 2024 —Circus

July 4th 2024 —JulyParadeandVendorsatThePark

August2nd -4th 2024 —KingSalmonDerby

August2024(TBD) —JamaicaDay

August31st -Sept1st LaborDayWeekend BoysandGirlsClubCarShow

ColumbiaCoveRVPark Convenientlylocatedacrossfromtheboatlaunch.

Minutesfromgreatfishing! 29FullHookups,5PowerOnly WIFI,Bathhouseandlaundry Reservations509-733-0540 cityofbrewsterwashington.org brewsterrvpark@brewsterwa.us 604W.BruceAve,Brewster,WA

September7th and8th —BrewsterThunderFestHydroplaneRaces

September14th 2024 —Mexico’sIndependenceDayEvent

September11th 2024 —9/11RemembranceSalute

October31st 2024 —Halloween

November2nd —DiadeLosMuertosEvent

November11th —VeteransDay

November30th —TreeLightingCeremony/ShopSmall Business,BestoftheBestAwards.

December(TBD) —PosadasEvent

Pateros

Pateros, a four-season destination, was founded in 1913. Perfectly located on the banks of the Columbia and Methow rivers, it offers everything an avid outdoors person would love. Hiking, biking, swimming, boating and sightseeing are just a few of the possibilities, not to mention the snowmobiling, skiing and hunting later in the year.

For the fisherman in the family, Pateros has one of the best fisheries in the state. Steelhead, salmon, walleye and bass fishing are all available.

There are several parks to give visitors a wide variety of picnic and playground choices. On the Pedestrian Mall there is a new splash pad for those of all ages to play and cool off by and the swim area has been refurbished. Vis-

it the New City Museum at city hall and then take a self-guided history tour along the park trail under shady trees and visit the many places to eat along the way. Maybe you would like to just pull up a park bench and relax while watching the wildlife play along the riverbanks.

Pateros has eight boat docks and two boat launches available on Lake Pateros, the reservoir created behind Wells Dam. There are close to 30 miles of uncrowded water to explore and play on and curbside camping is also available.

The big event for Pateros is the annual Apple Pie Jamboree, which takes place in July. For more information on Pateros contact the Pateros Visitor Center at 509-9232571 or check out the website www.pateros.com.

wins

sponsoredbyP1FCU. Thisisafamily-friendlyfishingevent.

PresentedBy:

Grand Coulee Dam Area

Eastern Washington’s Recreation Capital welcomes visitors to shop, dine and stay in the famous Grand Coulee Dam area for a truly memorable experience.

Enjoy year-round fishing on Banks Lake, Lake Roosevelt, Lake Rufus Woods, or one of the numerous smaller lakes in the area. Lake Roosevelt, formed by the Grand Coulee Dam, extends 151 miles upstream to the Canadian Border.

Experience a scenic hike through Northrup Canyon or to the top of stunning Steamboat Rock, view all sorts of wildlife and birds,

take a turn at the skateboard park, take a bicycling trip along the Columbia River, enjoy boating on all of the open water in the region, go swimming and water skiing, golf nine or 18 holes and take in simply gorgeous sunsets on the magnificent Coulee Walls. And don’t miss the laser light show, broadcast every evening between Memorial Day and Sept. 30, onto the mile-wide face of the Grand Coulee Dam. For indoor fun, learn about the region’s history at the Visitor’s Center and the Colville Tribal Museum, play your favorite casino game or enjoy a great meal at one of the area’s restaurants. For more on what to see and do, see www.grandcouleedam.org.

OrovilleReman&Reload–Oroville,WA

AproudmemberoftheGormanGroupofCompanies

OrovilleReman&Reload,aproudmemberoftheGormanGroupofCompanies,wasfoundedin1964as OrovilleBinandPallettomeettheneedsofitscustomersintheColumbiaBasin.In1999,thecompanyname waschangedtoOrovilleReman&Reload.Today,OrovilleReman&Reloadisathrivingcompanywithover 100employees.

AtOrovilleReman&Reload,webelieveinourpeopleandbelievethat theinvolvementofeachemployeeisessentialtoourlongtermsuccess. Weofferexcellentbenefitsandwages,safeworkingconditions,fair treatment,jobsecurity,opportunityforadvancementandfreedomof discrimination.Safetyandproductionareatoppriority,butwealsolike tohaveabitoffunandsupportourcommunity.

,butwealsolike

OrovilleReman&Reloadiscommittedtoenvironmentalstewardship. Wehaveimplementedanumberofinitiativestoreduceour environmentalimpact,including:

•Replantingtrees

•Usingrecycledmaterials

•Reducingwaste

•Conservingenergy

•Wehaveinvestedinenergy-efficient equipment

•Wesupportlocalenvironmental organizationsandinitiatives

OrovilleReman&Reloadalsosupportsanumberofenvironmental conservancyorganizationsinthecommunity.Herearesometipstobe stewardsofahealthyenvironment.

esometipstobe ficient

•Reduceyourconsumptionofresources,suchaswater,energy,andpaper.

•Recycleandcompostwheneverpossible.

•Supportbusinessesthatarecommittedtosustainability.

•Getinvolvedinyourcommunityandadvocateforenvironmentalprotection.

•Together,wecanmakeadifferenceinprotectingourplanetforfuturegenerations.

Afewofourcommunityprojectsincludesupporting localschoolsandsports,localnon-profitsand communityorganizationsliketheOrovilleGrange, theOrovilleSeniorCenterandtheTonasketEagles.

Osoyoos is located just north of the U.S.-Canadian Border in Canada’s only desert region.

Osoyoos, which trademarked “Canada’s Warmest Welcome,” as their logo, is just five miles north of Oroville. The friendly tourist and resort town has the warmest average temperature in Canada and the warmest freshwater lake in the country. There are many public boat launches and the lake is accessible through any of four sandy public beaches.

In addition to swimming, boating, jet skiing, paddle boarding, fishing and tanning on the beach, there’s shopping downtown, fine restaurants, golf, tennis, water slides, hiking and horseback riding, camping and golfing at Osoyoos’ two courses – and that’s just in the summertime. NK’MIP RV Park alone offers over 350 camping sites next to Lake Osoyoos, ranging from tent camping to full-service RV spots. There’s also a clubhouse, indoor pool and hot tub. Osoyoos also features the popular sw̓iw̓s (Haynes Point) Provincial Park located on the west side of the lake.

Other spots to visit include the Osoyoos Art

Oliver

Wine Capital of Canada

Oliver, the “Capital of Canada’s Wine Country” is 16 miles north of the Canadian Border. It has several wineries with tasting rooms, many are featured on the wine tour route. Oliver’s Festival of the Grape is in early fall as a kick-off to the Fall Wine Festival. In addition, Oliver hosts a Triathlon, a half Ironman, in June.

Gallery, the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre, Rattlesnake Canyon amusement park and the Osoyoos Model Railroad.

On the northeast side of the lake is Canada’s only desert area, featuring a variety of flora and fauna only found in this specific environment. Many rare species of birds, bats and cacti survive here. The Desert Interpretive Center is a must-see for anyone traveling to Osoyoos. Spotted Lake is located a short drive northwest of Osoyoos on Highway 3 in the eastern Similkameen Valley. The saline endorheic alkali lake is revered by the First Peoples of the Okanogan Valley.

Osoyoos is also part of Canada’s Desert Wine Country and there are many wineries with

The town features a hiking and bike path connecting with the popular Lion’s Park north of town. Hikers can also hike McIntyre Bluff; a challenging trek and The Golden Mile Stamp Mill Trail hugs the west side of the valley just south of Oliver. Oliver also boasts two golf courses.

Other area attractions are the Oliver Museum, Rotary Beach and the Oliver Community Pool. In addition, Oliver has many fine restaurants and a movie theater. For more information on Oliver https://www.sochamber.ca.

Osoyoos Playground in Canada’s only desert

tasting rooms to enjoy. The Okanagan Valley Spring Wine Festival helps celebrate the area’s wines and is held the first week of May. The Okanagan Valley Fall Wine Festival is held the first week of October.

For more information on Osoyoos see https:// tinyurl.com/OsoyoosBC.

Events Calendar

May 5-9 Spring Wine Festival, Oliver & Osoyoos

49er Days Celebration, Winthrop

Colorama Festival, Grand Coulee

90th May Festival, Parade, Art Show, Oroville

Mother’s Day Event, Brewster

Okanogan Club Run Rodeo, Okanogan 17-19 Okanogan Spring Family Faire, Okanogan Highlands

Run for the Border, Motorcycle Charity Ride, Oroville

Rotary Kid’s Fishing Derby, Conconully

Spring Art Walk, Twisp

Day Parade (24th) and Rodeo (24-25th), Tonasket

Methow Valley Memorial Day Weekend Rodeo, Twisp

Half Corked Marathon, Oliver

Memorial Day Wreath Ceremony, 12th St. Bridge, Oroville

Okanogan Days, Okanogan

Sprint Standard/Triathlon, Oliver, BC

Okanagan Spring Wine Festival, Osoyoos & Oliver, BC

4 Oroville Community Fireworks Display, Deep Bay Park 4 Festival of America Fireworks, Grand Coulee Dam

Fourth of July Annual Parade, Twisp

Fourth of July Festival, Brewster

7 G et Lost Trail Race, Lost Lake, Okanogan Highlands

19-21 Apple Pie Jamboree, Pateros

19-21 R hythm & Blues Festival, Winthrop

August

2-4 Osoyoos Cup Jet Ski Races, Oroville

2-4 K ing Salmon Derby, Brewster

3-11 Mt. Kobau Star Party, Osoyoos, BC

6 National Night Out, Oroville

8-11 Omak Stampede & Suicide Race, Omak

17-18 Oroville Golf Club Groundhog Open, Oroville

19-20 Pateros Hydro Classic, Pateros

30 Ferry County Fair, thru Sept. 1, Republic

31 Labor Day Rodeo, thru Sept. 1, Winthrop

31 Boys & Girls Club Car Show, thru Sept. 1, Brewster

31 H ighland Stitchers Molson Quilt Show, Okanogan Highlands

TBD* Jamaica Day, Brewster

September

1 Demolition Derby, Tonasket

5-8 Okanogan County Fair, Fairgrounds, Okanogan

7-8 Thunderfest Hydroplane Races, Brewster

11 911 Remembrance Day, Brewster

14 Mexico Independence Day Event, Brewster

14 Vintage Wheels Car Show, Winthrop

21 3 Club Scramble, Oroville Golf Club, Oroville

21 Wine Capital Weekend, Oliver, BC

22 Festival of the Grape, Oliver, BC

28 Stew & Brew, Conconully

*To Be Determined

Lodging

Osoyoos Lake Veteran’s

Memorial Park

2207 Juniper St

Oroville, WA

509-476-3321

See ad page 8

Camaray Motel

1320 Main St

Oroville, WA

509-476-3684

See ad page 8

Eden Valley Guest Ranch

31 Eden Valley Ln

Oroville, WA

509-485-4002

See ad page 17

Paws Produce Cabins

102 O’Neil Rd

Oroville, WA

(509) 560-0148

See ad page 12

North Country

Christian Campground

737 Mary Ann Creek Rd Chesaw, WA

509-223-3433

See ad page 45

Red Apple Inn 20 S Whitcomb Ave Tonasket, WA 98855

509-426-1800

See ad page 21

Spectacle Lake Resort 10 McCammon Rd Tonasket, WA www.tonasketchamber. com/copy-of-parks-rec-1 (509) 486-4374

See ad page 26

The Junction Motel

509 S Whitcomb Tonasket, WA

509-826-1170

See ad page 20

Tonasket Chamber of Commerce RV Park 7 N Western Ave Tonasket, WA

509-240-9281

See ad page 45

12 Tribes Casino 28968 US-97 Omak, WA

509-422-4646

See ad page 24-25

Best Western Peppertree 820 Koala Ave Omak, WA

https://northcountrychristianschoolcampg.weebly. com/

509-485-2011

509-560-3409

See ad page 30

Carl Precht

Memorial RV Park 725 E Central Ave Omak, WA

509-486-2119

See ad page 32

Omak Inn 912 Koala Dr Omak, WA

509-220-1326

See ad page 32

Lone Point Cellars 6 Lakeview Way Brewster, WA 98812

509-826-3822

See ad page 39

Best Western Plus, Osoyoos, BC

5506 Main St Osoyoos, BC 800-780-7234

See ad page 43

Advertiser Index