Okanogan National Forest
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
The Okanogan National Forest is a vast wilderness area located in the north-central part of Washington state.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The forest covers more than one million acres and offers visitors a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and wildlife watching.
One of the main reasons to visit the Okanogan National Forest is its stunning natural beauty. The forest is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the state, including rugged mountains, deep valleys, and pristine lakes and rivers. Visitors can explore the forest on foot, by car, or on horseback and see a wide variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, mountain goats, and black bears.
There are several specific points of interest in the Okanogan National Forest that are worth visiting. These include the North Cascades Highway, which offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and alpine meadows, as well as the Methow Valley, a popular destination for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Other notable attractions include the Pasayten Wilderness, the Twisp River Trail, and the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.
Interesting facts about the Okanogan National Forest include its designation as a UNESCO International Biosphere Reserve and its status as one of the largest national forests in the Pacific Northwest. The forest is also home to a number of historical and cultural sites, including Native American rock art and the remains of early homesteads and mining towns.
The best time of year to visit the Okanogan National Forest depends on what activities you are interested in. Summer is the most popular season for hiking, camping, and fishing, while winter offers opportunities for skiing, snowmobiling, and other winter sports. Spring and fall are also great times to visit, as the forest is less crowded and the weather is mild and pleasant.
Overall, the Okanogan National Forest is an amazing destination for anyone who loves nature and the outdoors. With its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and wide range of activities, it is a must-see destination for visitors to the Pacific Northwest.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Antilon Lake
|
||
Antilon Lake Campground
|
||
Lakeshore RV Park
|
||
Mitchell Creek
|
||
Mitchell Creek Campground
|
||
Lake Chelan State Park
|
Alta Lake State Park
Lake Chelan State Park
Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park