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Washington’s Big Sky Country by Karen Reed-Matthee

The Okanogan has much to offer us nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts in all seasons, whether it’s cross-county skiing on dry snow — in the sunshine — during the winter; fishing, river rafting or hot air ballooning in the spring; or swimming, hiking, biking and horseback riding in the summer. But if you ask which is my favorite season to head east of the Cacades, into the Methow Valley, the Pasayten Wilderness or some other part of this enormous county, I’d have to say it’s fall. You can pursue many of the same sports and activities you would in the summer, but in milder temperatures surrounded by gorgeous color. And if that’s not incentive enough for a fall visit, this is the time when the Okanogan’s world-famous apples are ripe for the picking and when hikers can access the alpine areas since the snow has finally melted away (from late August through early September). Here are some recommendations for places to go and things to do at one of the prettiest times of year in a place that manages to retain its Wild West flavor — and where you can still get a morning latté and a massage.

LOCATION AND FUN FACTS

Larger than several states, Okanogan County is bordered on the north by the Canadian Okanagan (note the difference in spelling by one letter), on the south and east by the Columbia River Basin and Lake Roosevelt, and on the west by the 10,000-foot peaks of the North Cascade Mountains. The region offers a diverse blend of wide-open spaces teeming with wildlife; snow-covered peaks; hundreds of lakes, rivers and streams; a number of small towns; art galleries and museums; live theatre; farmers markets and roadside produce stands; wineries; music festivals; rodeos; country fairs; numerous historic sites and two famous dams. And, important to those of us who reside west of the Cascades, it is blessed with mostly sunny days and starry nights.

Fall Color Walks and Scenic Drives

Big Valley Ranch: For a 2-mile trail walk, park at the BVR trailhead, 8 miles west of Winthrop on Highway 20.

The Beaver Ponds at Sun Mountain Lodge: A 1-1/2 mile trail around the pond easily reached along the road one mile below the lodge.

Chewuch River Road North: From Winthrop drive the short loop of 16 miles or the longer 30-mile loop. Call 1-888-463-8469 for more information.

Mazama River Walk: Begin at the Mazama store and follow the river for about 2 1/2 miles.

Highland Historic Loop Drive: This 153-mile loop north from Tonasket to Oroville, east to Curlew, south to Republic and west back to Tonasket will take you through numerous attractions and historic sites. Do all or part and take in the beauty and historical richness of the region. Visit the Stonerose Interpretive Fossil Center in Republic and the ghost town of Old Molson. See other historic townsites, museums, homesteads, mines, mills, cemeteries and notable gravesites along the way. A map of the Highland Historic Loop Drive is available online at www.okanogancountry.com or at any of the local chambers of commerce or visitor centers.

HORSEBACK RIDING

Canaan Guest Ranch
Bed & Barn Get-Away
474 Cape LaBelle Rd, Tonasket
509-486-1191 / 866-295-4217
www.canaanguestranch.com

Eden Valley Guest Ranch
31 Eden Valley Lane, Oroville
509-485-4002
www.edenvalleyranch.net

K Diamond K Guest Ranch
15661 Hwy. 21 S, Republic
509-775-3511 / 888-345-5355
www.kdiamondk.com

Similkameen Adventures, LLC
1898 Loomis-Oroville Rd, Loomis
509-223-4020 / 509-429-2142
www.geocities.com/similkameen_adventures

Sun Mountain Lodge
604 Patterson Lake Rd, Winthrop
509-996-2211 / 800-572-0493
www.sunmountainlodge.com

BIKING

The Methow Valley has the most miles of mountain biking trail available in the Okanogan and offers riding adventures for all skill levels. Its quiet roads and varied terrain also make the Methow an ideal destination for road biking.

Bike Rentals:

Winthrop Mountain Sports (mountain bikes and road bikes)
257 Riverside Ave
Winthrop
509-996-2886/800-719-3826

Methow Cycle & Sport (mountain bikes)
134 Riverside Ave, Suite A, Winthrop
509-996-3645

Sun Mountain Lodge (mountain bikes)
604 Patterson Lake Rd, Winthrop
509-996-2211/800-572-0493

Freestone Inn (mountain bikes)
31 Early Winters Dr, Mazama
509-996-3906/800-639-3809

Mazama Country Inn (mountain bikes)
15 Country Rd, Mazama
509-996-2681/800-843-7951

WINE (AND BEER) TASTING

Alpine Brewing Co.
821 14th Ave
Oroville
509-476-9662
www.alpine-brewing.com

Copper Mountain Winery
33345 Hwy 97
Oroville
509-476-2762
www.coppermountainwinery.com

Lake Crest Winery
718 Appleway
Oroville
509-476-2259
www.lakecrestwinery.com

Lost River Winery
26 Hwy 20
Winthrop
509-996-2888
www.lostriverwinery.com
509-476-2259
www.lakecrestwinery.com

Okanogan Estate & Vineyards
205 Main St (tasting room)
Oroville
509-476-3646
www.okanoganwine.com

RockWall Cellars
110 Nichols Rd
Omak
509-826-0201
www.rockwallcellars.com

FALL EVENTS

September
Winthrop Rodeo Days, Winthrop (8/30-31)
Okanogan County Fair, Okanogan (9/13-14)
Grand Columbian Triathlon, Grand Coulee (9/13)
Rendezvous Rhythm and Blues Festival, Oroville (8/29-31)

October
Fall Bike Festival, Winthrop (10/5-7)
Autumn Salmon Festival, Tonasket (10/18)
Okanogan Harvest Festival and Autumn Leaf Run, Okanogan (10/11)
Wauconda Hall Halloween, Wauconda (10/25)

November
Sports Swap, Winthrop (11/8)
Community Thanksgiving Dinner, Republic (11/26)
Christmas at the End of the Road, Winthrop (11/28-12/7)
Christmas Tree Lighting and Caroling, Oroville (11/29)
Get Lit in Okanogan Christmas Lighting Celebration (11/28)

PLACES TO STAY

Brown’s Farm
887 Wolf Creek Rd, Winthrop
509-996-2571
www.methownet.com/brownsfarm

Chewuch Inn & Cabins
223 White Ave, Winthrop
509-996-3107/800-747-3197
www.chewuchinn.com

Freestone Inn
31 Early Winters Dr, Mazama
509-996-3906/800-639-3809
www.freestoneinn.com

Mazama Country Inn
15 Country Rd, Mazama
509-996-2681/800-843-7951
www.mazamacountryinn.com

North Cascades Lodge
255 Lost River Rd, Mazama
509-996-2334/866-617-8632
www.northcascadeslodge.com

Sun Mountain Lodge
604 Patterson Lake Rd, Winthrop
509-996-2211 / 800-572-0493
www.sunmountainlodge.com

The Winthrop Inn
960 Hwy 20, Winthrop
509-996-2217 / 800-444-1972
www.winthropinn.com

For more information on activities, accommodations and outfitters, visit www.okanogancountry.com.

©2008 Caliope Publishing Company