Okanogan Country

Endless open spaces and unique opportunities for adventure can be found in rugged Okanogan County, the largest county in Washington State (and also the one with the fewest people per square mile). Wildlife outnumbers humans here by a dramatic margin. Grab your gear and head towards the jaw-dropping landscapes that Okanogan Country has to show you.

Hiking 
Hiking throughout Okanogan Country is phenomenal - and with the brand-new, 50+ page Free Hiking Guide, you’ll be able to get out there and find new places to explore, from the Methow Valley to the North Okanogan to the Grand Coulee area. Call or go online to order your free guide.

Horseback Riding
Whether you’re new to horseback riding or an old pro, there are great opportunities for you in the Methow Valley, Winthrop and the North Okanogan. Try Early Winters in Mazama, Winthrop’s Sun Mountain Lodge, Pateros’ Whistlin’ Pine Ranch, and Eden Valley Guest Ranch near Oroville.

Cycling & Mountain biking
Take advantage of Okanogan Country’s miles of multi-sport trails, including double/single tracks and some technical obstacles. The Methow Valley trail systems are excellent and well-known, but if you head further afield, Whistler Canyon near Oroville has dozens of interconnected trails to explore.  On the road, you’ll find hundreds of miles of bike routes that are part of the US Bicycle Route System. 

Golf
The new, award-winning Gamble Sands Golf Course & Inn near Brewster has one of the most dramatic settings for true links golf in the world and Winner of Golf Digest's Best New Golf Course of 2014. According to world renowned course designer David McLay Kidd, the location is a “once in a lifetime site.” The Sands course is set in the high desert of Eastern Washington overlooking the mighty Columbia River, with sandy soil, traditional fine fescue grasses, firm playing surfaces, wide fairways, and massive greens. The Sands course offers a very playable experience that weighs in at 7,169 yards from the back tees and plays to a par 72.

And if you want to keep exploring, you’ll find six more golf courses across the county, each one a gem to be discovered. 

Fishing
The waterways in Okanogan Country are teeming with fish and wildlife. The Upper Columbia region is a nationally renowned fishing spot, playing host to species of bass, salmon and trout. Okanogan Country is the number one recreational fishing region statewide—that includes warm water fisheries and cold water trout and steelhead fisheries. Don’t miss fly fishing the in the Methow Valley, then head further south and east to experience some of the most popular bass fishing sites in the state. Consider staying at Howard’s on the River on Lake Pateros and check out the fishing near Brewster, Bridgeport and the Grand Coulee Area.

Winter Adventures

A winter wonderland, Okanogan Country has over 3,000 miles of trails and the largest Nordic ski trail system in North America. Known for its rugged beauty, snowy winters and big blue skies, the Pacific Northwest’s best-kept secret is ready to become your weekend adventure.

EVENTS/ATTRACTIONS:

Sun Mountain Lodge 

A year-round destination resort, Sun Mountain Lodge in the beautiful Methow Valley offers the outdoor enthusiast a unique playground and luxurious lodging.

Inspired by the enduring beauty of nature, Sun Mountain Lodge reflects harmony with its surroundings down to the last detail. Whether you’re looking for refined elegance or a rugged wilderness experience, a place to come together with the family or a romantic getaway, thrill-of-a-lifetime recreation or quiet reflection, or perhaps that rarified place where business and pleasure do mix, Sun Mountain Lodge is poised to exceed your expectations.

Old West Winthrop 

Take a step back into the Old West. Located on the North Cascades Scenic Byway in Washington’s magnificent Methow Valley, Winthrop is a old west town with wood boardwalks and western charm. Stay in a romantic cabin, a charming cottage or an elegant resort. Get ready to enjoy saloons, sunshine, festivals, rivers, snow, trails, hiking, biking, and more!

Grand Coulee Dam

Grand Coulee Dam, one of the largest structures built by mankind, is the largest hydropower producer for the country. 

Enjoy year-round fishing on Banks Lake, Lake Roosevelt, Lake Rufus Woods, or one of the numerous smaller lakes in the area. Experience a scenic hike through Northrup Canyon or to the top of stunning Steamboat Rock, view all sorts of wildlife & 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 9 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 September 30 onto the mile-wide face of the Grand Coulee Dam! For indoor fun, learn about the history of the region 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.

Annual Omak Stampede 

Always the second weekend in August, come experience the Annual Omak Stampede! Join us for a weekend of western entertainment that will be one of your fondest memories. From the Thursday morning ride-in to the Sunday running of the World Famous Suicide Race, you will enjoy an action-packed weekend. Festivities include the Davis Shows Carnival, Wrangler Kids Night, Indian Encampment & Pow Wow, Western & Native Art Show, Rodeo Dances and Vendor Row, Omak Stampede "Company Store". 

Rhythm & Blues 

Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival is the longest-running, most successful blues event in Washington State, and takes place in one of the region’s most spectacular festival settings—the Methow Valley of the North Cascades. A truly world-class event, the festival this past year received the coveted Keeping the Blues Alive award for Best US Festival from the Memphis-based Blues Foundation, which lauded the event for its strong, long-time commitment to its community and for presenting the best of the blues. 

North Cascades Scenic Highway - The North Cascades scenic Highway stretches across the Cascade Mountain Range, finding its way through  an array of high vistas and incredible views paired with miles of outdoor trails and incredible hiking terrain. This mountainous drive features high hairpin turns and steep, climbing vistas, that are smothered with snow during the winter months. The area becomes too rugged to travel during this time, meaning they close their gates to cars and open up a world of recreation for snowmobilers and winter enthusiasts. 

Tribal Gaming -

The 12 Tribes Colville Casinos include 12 Tribes Resort Casino in Omak, Mill Bay Casino and the Deep Water Amphitheater in Manson, and Coulee Dam Casino in Coulee Dam. All three Washington State casinos are owned and operated by the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. As casino operators, the Confederated Tribes of Colville Reservation believe in striving for respect, integrity and excellence in everything they do. While each destination is unique in its offerings, all three casinos in Washington share a common commitment to delivering outstanding guest experiences, unique gaming opportunities, unparalleled customer service and individual player recognition.

Vacation Giveaway