okanogan national forest camping

North okanogan


From the Canadian border to Ferry County, the North Okanogan is a geological jewel and a secret treasure to hosts of outdoorsmen, nature lovers and history buffs.

TONASKET 

The small community of Tonasket is the home of the annual Okanogan River Garlic Festival.  Discover a great selection of antique shops, pamper yourself in a day spa, or enjoy local culture and food at the restaurants. Check out the mural on the Community Cultural Center building, a block west of Hwy 97 between 4th & 5th.

OROVILLE

At the border with British Columbia, Oroville has great locally grown bounty at its fruit stands and wine tasting at the four local wineries. For more history, visit the Depot Museum run by the Okanogan Borderlands Historical Society. Ask about the guided tour!

LOOMIS

 Loomis was once a historic mining town with eight saloons and two dance halls.  Today it is a quiet town with a scattering of homes and Bighorn sheep that wander through town. 

WAUCONDA 

Along Hwy 20, Wauconda has been a central location for pioneers, miners, farmers, ranchers and travelers for over 100 years.  

CURLEW 

Curlew is home to the Curlew school, bridge and Ansorge Hotel. Walking into the lobby of the Ansorge Hotel Museum is like walking through a time portal into 1936. Nearby you can visit Toroda’s Ranald McDonald gravesite and mural, Chief Tonasket’s gravesite, the Antique Car and Truck Museum, Malo’s Historic Store as well as Curlew Lake State Park.  

REPUBLIC 

REPUBLIC The Republic Historical Center features regional history and the historic Kaufman Cabin. Stonerose Interpretive Center provides hands-on discovery at a 50-million-year-old fossil site where the public is welcome to learn, dig and take home fossils. 

UNIQUE PLACES & EVENTS 

The 14,000 acre Sinlahekin Wildlife Area was originally established to protect mule deer habitat. Four dams have created four lakes that teem with brook, rainbow and cutthroat trout. 

The Nighthawk Historic Townsite, a registered ghost town, boasts the Nighthawk hotel, original schoolhouse, a mining office and old mill, all relics from the first decades of the twentieth century.

There are two fantastic driving tours in this area, the 80 mile Many Lakes Loop and the Highland Historic Loop. These loops tour most of the highlights of the region. Maps are also available at www.okanogancountry.com and area VICs.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS 

The North Okanogan region is replete with lakes, trails and outdoors to explore. The fishing is extraordinary and each lake has its own fishing requirements. Check with the WDFW for current regulations: 800 833-6388, www.wdfw.wa.gov.

FAMILY FUN

Kids can visit too at the family-friendly Kuhler Bar & Grill to see the murals painted by a famous western artist in the 1940s. The guest ranches welcome families with horseback riding, trail rides, wildlife viewing, tours and summer camps.

Visitor Information


Tonasket Chamber of Commerce 
486-4543
tonasketchamber.com

Oroville Chamber of Commerce 
476-2739 
orovillewashington.com

Republic Chamber of Commerce 
775-2704
www.ferrycounty.com/rrvcb/

Unexpected Treasures


K Diamond K Guest Ranch
Republic
1600 acre working dude ranch. Relax or join in and help work on the ranch! • 641-1003
kdiamondk.com

Eden Valley Guest Ranch 
Oroville  
Horseback riding, birdwatching & adventures galore! • 485-4002 
edenvalleyranch.net

Serenity Lodge & Day Spa
Tonasket  
Nurture yourself and connect with nature - full service spa and lodging. • 486-2910 
serenityjustforyou.com 

Sitzmark Ski Area  
Tonasket 
Take a beautiful and relaxing trip  to Okanogan Highland’s winter ski retreat. 
485-3323 • 486-2700
gositzmark.org

Stonerose Fossil Center 
Republic  
Learn how to identify fossils, and then dig your own and take home with you.  • 775-2295 
stonerosefossil.org

All area codes (509) unless otherwise noted