Okanogan National Forest - Washington

Explore one of the oldest national forests in the U.S. From craggy peaks and rolling meadows to rich old-growth forest and classic groves of ponderosa pine, Okanogan National Forest is nature at her best!

Unlike forests west of the Cascades, the summers at Okanogan National Forest are hot and dry, and the winters are filled with plenty of snow. The forest has diverse east and west sides and its 1.7 million acres encompasses wilderness areas, hiking trails, and old mining towns. The vegetation here includes grass and shrubs, Ponderosa Pine, and Douglas-Fir. The highest peak in the Forest is North Gardner Mountain at 8974 feet, with many other peaks above 7000 feet in the surrounding area.

Winter visitors can enjoy over 150 km of cross-country skiing and snowmobiling and in the summer, the mountains and rivers provide pleasant places to hike, bike, river raft, camp and fish. If you want to spend the night, the forest has many small campgrounds and approximately 1,600 miles of mountain trails to enjoy. Wildlife buffs will enjoy the mule deer herds, sports fisheries in various lakes and streams, and acres upon acres of backcountry. And if it's scenery you seek, the Washington Pass Scenic Overlook along the North Cascades Scenic Highway 20 gives a spectacular view of massive Liberty Bell Mountain and Early Winters Spires. From Okanogan, north 25 miles on US highway 97 will lead you to the Okanogan National Forest.