What to do

Hiking

Hiking bug got you? Okanogan Country offers the best Washington State hiking trails for people of all ages and experience levels. We have easy paved trails that wind through quiet forests leading to gorgeous cascading waterfalls and for the more experienced hikers the opportunities are endless for longer day hikes and backpacking trails. North Central Washington is the hiking paradise with wilderness paths that lead to soaring summits and wide vistas

In the Methow Valley, the Methow Valley Sports Trail Association, or MVSTA, maintains a vast array of hiking trails through high mountain meadows awash in color, quiet forest paths with cooling shade, and steep summits with soaring views. For the outdoor enthusiast, the Methow Valley is a fantastic base for exploring the North Cascades National Park or the half million acre Pasayten Wilderness. Check out Winthrop Mountain Sports for maps, guides, information, transportation, food, equipment, and anything else you might need.

The Many Lakes Region near Conconully has numerous trailheads in the Okanogan National Forest, the Loomis State Forest, and also has access to the Pasayten Wilderness. The Toats Coulee area also provides trails for hiking. Try a late summer trip to Salmon Meadows to watch the August meteor showers, brilliant against dark skies with no light pollution!

Whether it’s day hike or a multi-day backpacking venture, many people wonder what to pack for any length of hike. Pack the essentials like appropriate clothing and footwear, first aid kit, snacks, sunscreen, and water. Mountain weather can change quickly, so dress in layers and always take along a light jacket, hat, and gloves. Many local fruit stands and shops carry healthy snacks like fresh fruit, homemade granola, and scrumptious food for lunch on the trail. Wear sunscreen, drink plenty of water, and always pack a first aid kit to treat minor scrapes and twisted ankles. For the most part, Okanogan Country is bug free, but in the spring the mosquitoes can get pesky around moist areas like waterfalls and lakes – bug spray, hats, and lightweight long sleeved shirts will make the hike more enjoyable.

Please stay safe on the trails and remember that wild animals are dangerous and should be enjoyed only from a safe distance. Some of the more remote hikes lead into wilderness areas where wildlife such as black bear, cougar, and the occasional grizzly make their homes.

The U.S. Forest Service offers a variety of trail maps, pamphlets, and guidebooks detailing trails for day hikes and backpacking. Some are free, and some are offered for a small fee that goes to support national forest conservation efforts. The rangers are an excellent source or trail information. Forest Service offices, visitor centers and stores in the area also offer a variety of guidebooks on the subject. Contact the U.S.F.S. Winthrop Visitor Center at (509) 996-4000.

USFS Trails -Methow Ranger District (Western Okanogan Country)

USFS Trails - Tonasket Ranger District (Eastern Okanogan Country)

One-Day Hikes

Lake Ann/Maple Pass
Blue Lake
Foggy Dew Falls
Rainy Lake
Big Tree Trail

Paved Trails (Wheelchair Accessible)

Rainy Lake
Washington Pass Lookout
Lone Fir
Blackpine Lake
Falls Creek
Happy Creek (boardwalk)

United States Forest Service
Go to the USFS information centers, website or call ahead
for complete trail information in Okanogan County l www.fs.fed.us

Methow Valley Sports Trails Association
(800) 682-5785 l www.MVSTA.com

Sun Mountain Area Trails
Mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding l 996-4735

Salmon Meadows
Conconully, hiking, horse corral, birds & wildlife.

Tiffany Springs
Hiking and horse trails, near Conconully.

Grand Coulee Downriver Trail
6 mile hike/jog/bike trail along the Columbia River below Grand Coulee Dam.

Historical Walking Tour of Grand Coulee Dam

Start at the Visitor Arrival Center in Grand Coulee, and follow the signs