Fire Tower Lookouts of the Okanogan | OutdoorsNW
The stark beauty and sweeping views that can be seen from a fire lookout tower are beyond compare. Largely built in the early 1900s, see them now! Read More
Big Tree Trail | Chesaw, WA | Hike of the Week
An ideal outing for those interested in a lower-key adventure near a highland lake! Expect a rich variety of both flora and fauna. Read More
The 2022 Trout Derby | Lakes of the Month!
Okanogan is lucky enough to host 5 lakes in the 2022 Trout Derby! Alta, Conconully Lake, Conconully Reservoir, Pearrygin, Spectacle, and Wannacut Lake Read More
Discover the Public Art of the Okanogan | Seattle Times
The work of resident artists & their rich relationship with the land can be seen through the lens of Okanogan's best-kept secret - its public art. Read More
Red-Winged Blackbirds Return to the Okanogan! | Bird of the Week
A flock has been spotted returning! "They are fun birds. The males sing that loud, raucous 'conk-la-ree!,' & flash their scarlet shoulder patches..." Read More
Snowmobiling Adventures Await! | Okanogan Country
Explore the backcountry, travel the groomed trails, and get to know Okanogan Country from the seat of a snowmobile! Read More
Ice Fishing - A New Family Tradition! | Okanogan Country Winter Recreation
Have you made an expedition to the great Okanogan Country, yet? Have you braved the fresh, winter air for some huge, freshwater fish? Read More
Serenity on Cross-Country Skis | Sno-Parks in Okanogan Country!
Explore the backcountry, travel the groomed trails, and get to know Okanogan Country from your cross-country skis! Read More
Let's Go Skiing & Snowboarding | Loup Loup Ski Bowl
What better way to celebrate all the fresh snow than to hit the Loup? Experience dry Okanogan powder and perfectly groomed runs - little or no wait! Read More
Let's Go Snowshoeing | Winter Recreation in Okanogan Country
Okanogan Country is full of winter recreation options and this week we wanted to shine the spotlight on snowshoeing! All the snowshoe trails are Open! Read More
Wintering Wildlife | Winter Recreation in Okanogan Country
A few tips on how to protect our wintering wildlife - keeping them safe & happy this season, too! Read More
Let's Go Fat Biking ~ With Methow Trails!
What better way to celebrate the snow than to jump on a Fat Bike! Explore the winter wonderland in Okanogan Country... Read More
Let's Go Ice Skating! | Winter Recreation In Okanogan Country
Winthrop Rink offers an unbeatable outdoor skating experience! They have open skating, drop-in hockey, figure skating, lessons, field trips, & more! Read More
Fall & Winter Fun in the Methow Valley and Okanogan Country!
This in-between season let's us showcase the best of both worlds: savoring the last of the fall colors and looking forward to the winter recreation! Read More
American Dipper | Bird of the Week
"The American Dipper ~ also known by the much cooler name 'water ouzel' ~ looks like a boring, plump, dull gray bird easy to ignore. But...!" Read More
Rendezvous Wildlife Area | Methow Valley
The Rendezvous Unit offers diverse recreation opportunities. Unmaintained trails and old roads lead to Lewis Butte, Riser Lake, and Little Cub Creek. Read More
Twisp Ponds Discovery Walk | Twisp, WA
The story of salmon in the Methow is well represented by this small but impactful park located just a short distance from downtown Twisp... Read More
Scotch Creek | Featured Wildlife Area
Fall fun, color, and a bonus hiking tip too! Explore this area by foot, bike, or horseback and keep an eye out for wildlife... Read More
Trumpeter Swan | Bird of the Week
Majestic Migrant Markers of the Fall Season ~ Our big, noisy neighbors are back! Read More
Watchable Wildlife | Okanogan Country
With more Public lands than we can shake a stick at ~ we thought we'd share some of our most Watchable Wildlife this week! Read More
Carter Mountain, Tonasket | Hike of the Week
Bring your binoculars! Carter Mountain supports a thriving population of black bears, mule deer, cougars, and bobcats. Read More
Red Admiral | Butterfly of the Month
"Seasonal change is upon us as we transition from Summer into Fall and with this change the varieties and numbers of butterflies change..." Read More
Butterflies of the Sinlahekin Wildlife Area | Okanogan Country
The largest county in Washington, Okanogan is well known for its wildlife. However, it’s less known that the Sinlahekin, is packed with butterflies! Read More
Candy Point Trail | Hike of the Week
This unique outing packs a wealth of history, engineering, wildlife biology, jaw-dropping panoramas, and a challenging cardiovascular workout! Read More
"Pelican Point" to Chief Joseph Dam | Fishery of the Month
Pelican is the point across the Brewster Pool from the mouth of Okanogan River, where the Columbia turns to run up stream to Chief Joseph Dam. Read More
Hooded Merganser | Bird of the Week
"The Hooded Merganser is an eye-catching duck though many of us don't know what species it is when we see one..." Read More
Cassimer Bar Wildlife Area
Air, water & land! Birding, aquatics, and tons of wildlife viewing... Search the wetlands for beaver, amphibians, and more! Read More
Big Tree Trail | Hike of the Week
Come see Monster Trees in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest ~ an ideal outing for those interested in low-key adventure & its wheelchair accessible! Read More
Beth & Beaver Lake Campground | Fishery of the Month
A peacefully quiet place to camp for the whole family: bring the fishing poles, kayaks, and your binoculars! Read More
Painted Lady | Butterfly of the Month
"Monarchs aren't the only great migrator - Painted Lady butterflies can fly 100 miles a day!" Read More
Golden Doe Wildlife Area | Carlton, WA
Wildlife, wildflowers, and wild rivers! The Golden Doe Wildlife Area was acquired for both mule deer winter range and for the large riparian areas... Read More
Salmon Meadows in Conconully, WA | Hike of the Week
Hiking, boondocking, or horse camping ~ come check out the history of the Conconully area... Read More
Fish Lake Dam | Featured Fishery of the Month
A quick, beautiful drive just south of Tonasket lands you right on the shores of 102 acres of still waters surrounded by campsites & an orchard! Read More
Milbert's Tortoiseshell | Butterfly of the Month
"Milbert’s Tortoiseshells are very colorful butterflies... at least when their wings are spread!" Read More
Similkameen-Chopaka Wildlife Area | Oroville & Loomis, WA
An incredibly unique river valley makes up this beautiful wilderness area just a short jaunt west of downtown Oroville. Read More
Clackamas Mt Trail | Hike of the Week
This dog-friendly trail has brilliant wildflowers in the spring and wonderful old-growth forests year-round! Read More
Lake of the Month | Alta Lake State Park
With the springtime re-opening of the campground, Alta Lake offers more opportunities for outdoor adventure in the Okanogan! Read More
Mourning Cloak | Introducing: The Butterfly of the Month!
One of the early spring butterflies seen in Okanogan County is the Mourning Cloak. Known for their striking yellow borders and blue dots on the wings. Read More
Big Bend | Wildlife Area of the Week
The Big Bend Wildlife Area presents a dramatic landscape sculpted 12,000 to 15,000 years ago by the Okanogan Lobe of the Cordilleran Ice Sheet. Read More
Carter Mountain | Hike of the Week
The Carter Mountain wildlife unit is known for its abundant wildlife and rich diversity of plants, the preserve is also home to golden eagles! Read More
Spectacle Lake & Resort | Fishery of the Week
Spectacle Lake is just NW of Tonasket and offers many opportunities for recreation including fishing! Opening day is April 1st, ahead of the others! Read More
Red-Winged Blackbird | Bird of the Week
"They are fun birds. The males sing that loud, raucous 'conk-la-ree!,' and flash their scarlet and yellow shoulder patches..." Read More
Hike of the Week | Bridgeport State Park
Located in the area’s high desert terrain, this 748-acre park set behind Chief Joseph Dam on the Columbia River sees 192 days of sunshine a year... Read More
Bird of the Week | Bohemian Waxwing | 2021
"Well, winter is transitioning to spring so I thought we should look at one of our transitional birds - the Bohemian Waxwing." Read More
Hello Daylight Saving Time & Hello Spring!
Dear Okanogan Country Adventurer, This weekend marks the beginning of Daylight Saving Time! From now through June, we will be gaining 2 minutes of day Read More
Bird of the Week | Trumpeter Swan
"Folks interested in seeing Trumpeter swans will have a better than average chance of seeing them on Forde Lake or Conners Lake on the Sinlahekin... Read More
Find a New Favorite Pastime - Ice Fishing! | Okanogan Country
Have you made an expedition to the great Okanogan Country yet? Have you braved the fresh, winter air for some freshwater fish dinner? Read More
Methow Trails has Mid-Winter Updates! | Winter Recreation in Okanogan Country
Have you explored these beautifully groomed paths that Methow Trails maintains all winter long? With "A depth and quality of snow that we haven't seen Read More
Hide Your Food! This Bird Might Steal It!
"The Canada Jay, also known as the Gray Jay, is a member of the "Corvid" family of birds, which includes other jays like our Stellar's Jay... Read More
Explore More on a Snowmobile! | Adventure Awaits in Okanogan Country
Explore the backcountry, travel the groomed trails, and get to know Okanogan Country from the seat of a snowmobile! Plus USDA Forest Service Alert Read More
Let's Get Skiing! With Loup Loup Ski Bowl | Winter Recreation in Okanogan Country
The Loup is now open every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday! The week of Presidents' Day they will be open every day from the 12th to the 21st! Read More
Wintering Wildlife
While we are out enjoying and exploring one of the most beautiful seasons in Okanogan Country, here are a few tips... Read More
Let's Go Ice Skating! At Winthrop Rink
Open and ready for you this 2020-2021 season! Read More
Let's Get Fat Biking! With Methow Trails
It's Snowing! You know what that means...It's time to go Fat Biking! Read More
Let's Get Skiing! With Loup Loup Ski Bowl
Are you still doing your snow dance? Read More
SNOWSHOE TRAIL FEATURE Sun Mountain Trails
The snow may be here now, but that doesn't mean the fun has to stop! Read More
Fun Animal Stories
Springtime is in full swing in Okanogan Country, and while we know you can't visit just yet, we figured we would share some more of our favorite... Read More
Bird of the Week | Hooded Merganser
The Hooded Merganser is an eye-catching duck though many of us don't know what species it is when we see one. Read More
Backyard Photo Tips + Cute Animals
We know you're all cooped up in your houses right now without much more to look at besides your own four walls and backyard—so we thought this week... Read More
Bird of the Week | Mountain Bluebird
They're back! Mountain bluebirds: those easy to spot, bright cerulean blue, but nearly silent song birds. Read More
Hike of the Week | Island Park Trail | 2020
Looking Forward to Spring! Created by a 12th grade English class at the local high school, this small gem is located just south of First Avenue... Read More
Bird of the Week | Bohemian Waxwing | 2020
Well, winter is transitioning to spring so I thought we should look at one of our transitional birds - the Bohemian Waxwing. Read More
Let's Get Ice Skating! | Winter Recreation
Winthrop Rink, named one of the top 10 ice rinks in the West by Sunset Magazine, is one of the few NHL-sized, refrigerated, open air ice skating... Read More
Bird of the Week | American Dipper
The American Dipper, also known by the much cooler name "water ouzel" looks like a boring, plump, dull gray bird that you could easily ignore, but... Read More
Bird of the Week | Canada Jay
The Canada Jay, also known as the Gray Jay, is a member of the "Corvid" family of birds... Read More
Let's Get Snowshoeing! | Winter Recreation
The snow may be here now, but that doesn't mean the fun has to stop! Okanogan Country is full of winter recreation options, and this week we... Read More
Bird of the Week | Gray Partridge
The Gray Partridge (Perdix perdix) is also known as the Hungarian Partridge, or around these parts, especially for game bird hunters, simply... Read More
Upcoming Winter Events
If you're interested in adventure, learn more about what Okanogan Country has to offer! Click on the information below to find out more about... Read More
Happy Thanksgiving from Okanogan Country!
If you're like most of us here in Okanogan Country, you're out somewhere on a trail, walking under an open sky, or cuddled up next to a wood stove... Read More
Bird of the Week | Spotted Towhee
It's that time of year when we are starting to see fewer birds. The long-distance migratory birds like our warblers are long gone, and many species... Read More
Hike of the Week | Island Park Trail
Created by a 12th grade English class at the local high school, this small gem is located just south of First Avenue in the city... Read More
Bird of the Week | Varied Thrush
"The Varied Thrush is a gorgeous bird with a simple single note for a song. It is closely related to the American Robin and other thrushes who are... Read More
Scotch Creek Wildlife Area
The Scotch Creek Unit is a major recreation area for deer hunting in the fall; hiking, biking and horseback riding are among other recreation... Read More
Bird of the Week | White-headed Woodpecker
The White-headed Woodpecker is one of my personal favorite birds of our Ponderosa Pine forests. These woodpeckers are not especially abundant... Read More
Hike of the Week | Rainy Lake Trail
With its first sprinkle of snow and larches in full flame, Rainy Lake is an easy hike in a spectacular setting... Read More
Bird of the Week | Sandhill Crane
Okanogan County is fortunate to be one of the few places in Washington where one can regularly see - and hear- Sandhill Cranes each spring and fall... Read More
Big Bend Wildlife Area
The Big Bend Wildlife Area presents a dramatic landscape sculpted 15,000 to 12,000 years ago by the Okanogan Lobe of the Cordilleran Ice Sheet... Read More
Bird of the Week | Dusky Grouse
Grouse hunting season opened Sept 1 in Washington, and while I'm not a hunter I do think about Dusky Grouse a fair bit this time of year as the... Read More
Hike of the Week | Tiffany Mountain
At 8242' elevation with a gain of 1740', Tiffany mountain is one of the highest summits in the Cascades... Read More
Golden Doe Wildlife Area
The Golden Doe Wildlife Area was acquired for mule deer winter range and the biodiversity of its large riparian areas on the Methow River... Read More
Bird of the Week | Evening Grosbeak
Lately, I've begun hearing the strung-together, jumbled, high and sweet call notes of the Evening Grosbeak... Read More
Bird of the Week | Cedar Waxwing
Cedar waxwings only make a thin high-pitched call, but they are dramatic looking birds, and they often move in... Read More
Similkameen-Chopaka Wildlife Area
The Similkameen-Chopaka Wildlife Area is situated at the bottom of the Similkameen Valley. It offers... Read More
Bird of the Week | Spotted Sandpiper
Spotted Sandpipers are "shorebirds" that are common just about all over Washington. Here in Okanogan County... Read More
Hike of the Week | Lookout Mountain Trail, Twisp WA
The Lookout Mountain Trail starts with moderately steep terrain in a lush forest a mile in, you will be rewarded... Read More
Bird of the Week | Ruddy Duck
With a cinnamon body and bright blue bill, the male Ruddy Duck is one of our most noticeable... Read More
Cassimer Bay Wildlife Area
Cassimer Bar filled with wildlife. Search the wetlands for beaver, amphibians and double-crested cormorants... Read More
Bird of the Week | House Wren
The House Wren, a common, native bird all over the United States, is a small bird with a big voice that readily inhabits natural tree cavities and ... Read More
Hike of the Week | Whistler Canyon Trail, Oroville Wa
A scenic network of multi-use trails, Whistler Canyon provides an endless range of options for exploration, birding, rock climbing, horseback riding.. Read More
Bird of the Week | Red-Naped Sapsucker
Sapsuckers are woodpeckers but instead of pecking into and excavating wood in search of insects, they drill small holes in trees in order to make... Read More
Hike of the Week | Cold Spring Chopaka Mountain Trail in Loomis
The Cold Springs trailhead is at over 6000’ so dress for the weather you are going to encounter and not the weather at the valley bottom... Read More
Rufous Hummingbird | Bird of the Week
The Rufous Hummingbird is one of three hummingbirds that breed in Okanogan County. The other two are the Calliope and the Black-Chinned... Read More
Hike of the Week | Clackamas Mountain Trail
This trail provides an excellent introduction to the kind of old growth forest that once dominated this region of the Pacific Northwest. Read More
Bird of the Week | Western Tanager
The Western Tanager is one of our most common forest birds in Eastern Washington, and with a yellow body and red head (on the male) you'd think they'd Read More
Sinlahekin Wildlife Area
The Sinlahekin Wildlife Area is located within the Sinlahekin Valley. It offers a variety of fishing and recreational opportunities thanks to natural Read More
Bird of the Week | Birdwatching in Washington State | American Goldfinch
Introducing the official state bird of Washington, and this week's Bird of the Week. Can you guess what it might be? Read More
Bird of the Week | Birdwatching in Washington State | Northern Flicker
Welcome this week's BIRD OF THE WEEK! A winter woodpecker spotted high above the snowline! Read More
Bird of the Week | Birdwatching in Washington State | Red-Winged Blackbird
Bird of the Week! The Red-Winged Blackbird! Spotted in Okanogan Country Read More
Bird of the Week | Birdwatching in Washington State | Say's Phoebe
Can you spot where this one was found? The arrival of the Say's Phoebe is one of our first signs of spring here in Okanogan Country! Read More
Bird of the Week | Birdwatching in Washington State | Western Meadowlark
Spring is in the air! Read More
Find Dark Skies and Deep Quiet
Light and noise pollution are all around us, even when we don’t realize it. But there are places to escape them. Read More
Bird of the Week | Birdwatching in Washington | Rough-Legged Hawk
Okanogan Country Bird of the weekWinter birding in Okanogan country
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Bird of the Week | Birdwatching in Washington State | Bluebird
A bluebird for those bluebird skies! Learn more about the bird of the week brought to you by OCTC! Read More
Bird of the Week | Birdwatching in Washington | Bohemian Waxwing
Spotted South of Spectacle Lake in Loomis, Washington Bohemian Waxwing
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Bird of the Week | Birdwatching in Washington | Lesser Scaup
Introducing the Bird of the Week, brought to you by OCTC! Read More
Hike of the Week | Sinlahekin & Blue Lake Natural Area
Hike of the Week | Sinlahekin & Blue Lake Natural Area Read More
Hiking Guide
Our Hiking Guide provides detailed information on many different hikes including how many miles the hike will be, with dog friendly options, and more! Read More