Grand Coulee--maintain visitor centers, both offering daily tours from late spring to early fall. Grand Coulee’s nightly laser light show on the dam’s face entertains visitors with a sight-and-sound chronicle of the land, the river and the dam itself. Visitors can sample Okanogan Country’s booming
agricultural industry at its numerous roadside produce stands and thriving farmers’ markets in Okanogan, Omak, Oroville, Tonasket and Twisp. Eleven area rodeos demonstrate the region’s ranching tradition. Te largest is the Omak Stampede and World Famous Suicide Race that takes place during the second week of August, featuring four days of competition, colourful parades, an art show and a Native American encampment. Across the region, guest ranches, cattle drives and wagon trips provide an authentic Old West experience. Museums in Conconully, Molson, Okanogan, Oroville and Winthrop display the area’s rich history. Hydroplane racing, a hot air balloon festival,
Outhouse Races, the Snow Dog Super Mush, and 49’er Days are just a taste of what visitors will find. Te Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival brings nationally known performers to the fields and streets of town in mid-July. Te meadows and barns between Twisp and Winthrop host musical performances (primarily, but not exclusively, classical) during the annual late July-early August Methow Music Festival, and in late August, the Oldtime Fiddlers Contest draws all ages into Winthrop. Wildlife abounds in Okanogan Country. Visitors
16 OKANOGAN COUNTRY contributed by Okanogan Country Tourism Council
Washington’s biggest county offers visitors one of the state’s largest to-do lists. Extending from the North Cascade Mountains to Grand Coulee Dam and bordered by Canada and the Columbia River, Okanogan Country is a recreation lover’s paradise, with 5,000 square miles of the great outdoors beckoning adventure seekers. More than 70 percent of the county is public land--national and state forests, state parks and wilderness areas-- each presenting year-round opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Several of Washington’s most popular state parks
can be found within Okanogan Country. Alta Lake State Park, near Pateros, lures sailboarders and trout anglers to its waters. Pearrygin Lake State Park, north of Winthrop, features swimming and boating. On Conconully Reservoir, Conconully State Park attracts anglers and hunters. Osoyoos Lake State Veterans’ Memorial Park at Oroville, lies at the south end of a 14-mile-long lake, the shores of which are split between Oroville and British Columbia. Two dams on the Columbia River--Chief Joseph and
might encounter deer, quail, eagle, osprey, hawk and coyote on any drive, while less traveled roads may yield glimpses of bear, cougar, turkey and even the occasional elk or moose. Bird watching is also rewarding, and plentiful wildflowers bloom from May through September. Cross-country skiers consider the Methow Valley
Sports Trail Association’s 200-kilometre trail system one of the finest in America, as do hikers, bicyclists and horseback riders during the warmer seasons. MVSTA has the largest connected groomed trail route in North America. Te route follows the Methow River, up Sun Mountain and into the frontier-themed town of Winthrop. Skiers seeking downhill action can enjoy Sitzmark,
a family-oriented hill near Tonasket, and Loup Loup Ski Bowl - sporting 10 major runs -between Twisp and Okanogan. More than 1,000 miles of trails suitable for snowmobiling wind through state and federal forests and across highland meadows, with access through 16 snoparks (large ploughed lots, permit required).
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