Center of the Okanogan Valley

Welcome to Okanogan County

You have just discovered Washington State’s best-kept secret — Okanogan.

Okanogan is the heart of the scenic, historic, and fruitful Okanogan Valley. Located in north central Washington, 50 miles from the Canadian border, Okanogan residents enjoy a quality of life characterized by extraordinary scenic beauty, low taxes, recreation, low cost of living and four distinct seasons each year.

The Okanogan Valley is one of the few remaining locations where individual boldness and enterprise are rewarded, and where past, present and future are viewed with enthusiasm and promise.

Okanogan is a Salish Indian word meaning “Rendezvous.” Sometimes called “The Late Frontier,” the Okanogan Valley saw habitation by Native Americans for thousands of years, and — belatedly, compared to other regions of the country — saw a succession of explorers, prospectors, miners, trappers, cattlemen, settlers, loggers, farmers, missionaries, and orchardists, providing in every respect a colorful history that carries forward to the present day.

The history of the region is ably depicted in the acclaimed Okanogan County Historical Museum in Okanogan.

Part of that history now includes a replica of the old Okanogan fire department building in Legion Park.

It’s an exact replica of the original fire station building. It is used as a fire department museum, as well as a research center for the Okanogan County Historical Society and the Okanogan County Genealogical Society.

A refurbished, early model fire truck is displayed, along with other interesting items.

The scenic Okanogan River winds its way through the center of the city. Each year, thousands of Canada geese and other waterfowl migrate throughout the Okanogan Valley, following the river.

Visitors can hike, camp, fish, hunt, swim, boat, ski, snowmobile, golf, climb, sightsee, as well as enjoy clean air, clean water and all the amenities of an urban locale with a hometown feeling.

Omak

The busy hub of the Okanogan features yearround entertainment for tourists from all walks of life. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation full of camping and recreation activities or you want to attend a play, go to a rodeo or play some softball, you can do it all in Omak.

Visiting Omak is like taking some good medicine. At least that’s what some of the Indians thought when they traveled across the vastness of what is now called Okanogan County.

The center of the county is Omak, which means “good medicine,” because of its dry, healthful climate. Warm summers and mild winters lead to an average of over 300 days of sunshine a year.

Located in the fertile Okanogan River Valley near the pristine Pasayten National Wilderness, this lumber town is the largest in the north central part of the state and is known for its production of apples and its many orchards.

Visitors are encouraged to make the Tourist Information Center their first stop. A friendly staff will provide updated information for all areas of Okanogan County, the state of Washington and neighboring British Columbia, including available tourist attractions, facilities and services.