Okanogan County: The Crown Jewel of North Central Washington

Introduction to Washington’s Largest County

Okanogan County spans an impressive 5,315 square miles across north-central Washington, making it the state’s largest county by land area. With approximately 42,000 residents calling this rugged region home, it offers a perfect blend of wide-open spaces and small-town charm. The landscape transitions dramatically from fertile river valleys to alpine wilderness, providing endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. What makes Okanogan truly special is how it preserves both Native American heritage and pioneer history while embracing modern agricultural innovation. Visitors quickly discover this isn’t just another rural county – it’s a place where the Old West spirit still thrives amid some of Washington’s most spectacular scenery.

A Land Shaped by Native Peoples and Pioneers

The First Inhabitants

For thousands of years before European contact, the Syilx (Okanagan) and Methow peoples thrived in this region as part of the Interior Salish tribes. These skilled hunter-gatherers developed sophisticated fishing techniques along the Okanogan and Columbia Rivers, using dip nets and weirs to harvest salmon during annual runs. The area served as an important trading crossroads, with trails connecting coastal and inland tribes. The name “Okanogan” derives from the Salish word “ukʷnaqín,” meaning “meeting place,” reflecting its role as a cultural and economic hub. Today, the Colville Confederated Tribes continue this legacy, maintaining traditional practices while contributing to the county’s modern economy.

Settlers Arrive

The early 1800s brought the first European explorers and fur traders. Fort Okanogan was established in 1811 as Washington’s first non-native settlement. The mid-19th century gold rushes transformed the region, bringing an influx of prospectors that led to the county’s official creation in 1888 when it separated from Stevens County. Pioneer families established farms and ranches, taking advantage of the fertile river valleys. The completion of the Great Northern Railway in the early 20th century connected Okanogan’s agricultural products to national markets, spurring growth that shaped the communities we see today. Historic buildings throughout the county preserve this fascinating frontier era.

 

Charming Towns with Unique Characters

Okanogan – The County Seat

As the governmental and commercial heart of the region, Okanogan maintains its historic charm while serving modern needs. The Okanogan County Historical Museum offers fascinating exhibits on Native American culture, pioneer life, and the area’s mining boom. Downtown features well-preserved brick buildings housing local businesses, while Legion Park provides green space along the river with one of Washington’s oldest surviving log cabins. Annual events like the Okanogan County Fair keep agricultural traditions alive, featuring 4-H exhibits, rodeos, and live entertainment that draw visitors from across the region.

Omak – Rodeo Capital

Omak earns its reputation as the Northwest’s rodeo capital through the world-famous Omak Stampede held each August. This multi-day event features professional rodeo competitions, carnival rides, and the heart-stopping Suicide Race.  In this event, horses and riders charge down a steep hillside into the Okanogan River. Beyond the rodeo grounds, visitors can explore St. Mary’s Mission, founded in 1886, which played a crucial role in the region’s Catholic and tribal history. The city’s downtown features western-themed murals and shops, while nearby lakes and rivers offer excellent fishing and boating opportunities.

Winthrop – Old West Charm

No visit to Okanogan County is complete without experiencing Winthrop’s perfectly preserved Old West atmosphere. In the 1970s, the entire town underwent a transformation, adding false-front buildings and wooden boardwalks to create a living western movie set. Today, visitors can browse western wear shops, enjoy homemade ice cream at Sheri’s Sweet Shoppe, or sample local wines at tasting rooms. As the gateway to the North Cascades, Winthrop provides easy access to hiking trails, mountain biking routes, and winter sports areas. The Methow Valley Visitor Center offers excellent information for planning outdoor adventures in the surrounding wilderness.

Breathtaking Natural Landscapes

Fertile River Valleys

The Okanogan River Valley forms the agricultural heart of the county, with orchards and vineyards stretching for miles across the gently rolling landscape. Ideal growing conditions produce some of Washington’s finest apples, cherries, and pears, while newer plantings of wine grapes are earning recognition for quality vintages. Driving the backroads during bloom season reveals a patchwork of pink and white blossoms against a backdrop of distant mountains. Farm stands offer fresh produce throughout summer and fall, while u-pick orchards allow visitors to harvest their own fruit straight from the trees.

Mountain Wilderness

The western portion of the county contains the spectacular Pasayten Wilderness, part of the North Cascades ecosystem. This 500,000-acre roadless area features jagged peaks, alpine meadows, and crystal-clear lakes accessible only by foot or horseback. Popular destinations like Maple Pass offer breathtaking panoramic views, while more remote areas provide true solitude. The Pacific Crest Trail winds through the wilderness, attracting thru-hikers attempting the Mexico-to-Canada journey and day-trippers looking for shorter adventures. Winter transforms these mountains into a snow-covered wonderland perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

High Desert Plains

East of the mountains, the landscape transitions to the arid Columbia Plateau, where sagebrush and bunchgrass dominate the rolling hills. Dramatic basalt cliffs rise above the Okanogan River, carved by ancient floods that shaped the region’s geology. This harsh but beautiful environment supports unique wildlife including mule deer, bighorn sheep, and golden eagles. The contrast between the lush western valleys and this high desert creates striking vistas that change with every turn in the road, offering photographers endless opportunities to capture the county’s diverse beauty.

Four Seasons of Fun

Okanogan County offers distinct recreational opportunities in every season. Spring brings wildflower blooms and rushing waterfalls as winter snow melts in the mountains. Summer heats up to 100 degrees, perfect for swimming in crystal-clear lakes and floating down the Okanogan River. Fall colors light up the hillsides as orchards harvest their fruit, while cooler temperatures make hiking especially pleasant. Winter transforms the landscape with heavy snowfall that can reach 10 feet in the mountains, creating ideal conditions for snow sports. No matter when you visit, there’s always something spectacular to experience in this four-season playground.

Farming Drives the Economy of Okanogan County

Agriculture remains the backbone of Okanogan County’s economy, with fruit production leading the way. The county ranks among Washington’s top producers of apples, pears, and cherries, shipped nationwide from packing houses in Omak and Brewster. Hops for craft beer cover hundreds of acres, while new vineyards continue to expand the growing wine industry. Cattle and sheep ranching maintain the county’s western heritage, with many operations still using traditional methods. Farm-to-table restaurants showcase local ingredients, from grass-fed beef to organic vegetables, supporting the region’s agricultural diversity.

Mining and Logging History

While no longer the economic drivers they once were, mining and logging remain important parts of Okanogan County’s identity. Gold mines like the Buckhorn operation near Chesaw continue production, while abandoned claims dot the hillsides. The timber industry shaped early communities like Twisp and Conconully, with sawmills processing logs floated downriver. Today, sustainable forestry practices balance environmental concerns with economic needs, providing lumber while protecting wildlife habitat. Museums throughout the county preserve equipment and stories from these boom eras, when fortunes were made and lost in the rugged backcountry.

Outdoor Adventures for All

Summer Activities

The Pacific Crest Trail offers world-class hiking as it passes through the county’s western mountains. Anglers flock to the Okanogan and Methow rivers for salmon and steelhead, while alpine lakes provide excellent trout fishing. Families enjoy camping at Alta Lake State Park, where warm waters invite swimming and paddleboarding. Whitewater enthusiasts run the rapids of the Similkameen River, while more relaxed float trips down the Okanogan appeal to all ages. Hundreds of miles of backroads invite exploration by bike, ATV, or horseback, leading to hidden waterfalls and panoramic viewpoints.

Winter Sports

1. The Methow Valley Sport Trails Association maintains over 120 miles of groomed Nordic ski trails, making it one of North America’s largest cross-country systems. Loup Loup Ski Bowl offers downhill runs for all ability levels without the crowds of larger resorts. Snowmobilers access hundreds of miles of backcountry routes through stunning winter landscapes. Ice fishing, snowshoeing, and winter photography attract visitors looking to experience the quiet beauty of the season. Many trails connect directly to towns, allowing skiers to glide right into local cafes for hot drinks and meals.

Can’t-Miss Annual Events in Okanogan County

The Omak Stampede in August remains the county’s signature event, combining professional rodeo action with Native American celebrations and carnival fun. Winthrop’s Rhythm & Blues Festival each July brings world-class musicians to the outdoor stage against a mountain backdrop. Fall harvest festivals in Tonasket and Oroville celebrate the agricultural bounty with farmers markets, pie contests, and cider pressing demonstrations. Winter brings holiday light displays and Christmas bazaars, while spring’s blossom festivals welcome the new growing season with tours and tastings.

Why Visit Okanogan County?