Leave the world behind and explore this immense forest reserve, which is carved by pristine rivers and speckled with alpine lakes and rugged peaks.
The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest is comprised of over 4 million acres (1.6 million hectares) of pristine woodland across the eastern foothills of Washington’s Cascade Range. Bordered to the north by British Columbia, this vast tract of protected forest extends south toward the Stehekin and Lake Chelan valleys and incorporates varied terrain. Explore a network of hiking and biking trails or tackle wild rivers on a rafting adventure. Take advantage of the national forest’s collection of wheelchair-accessible lookouts.
Start your trip to the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest with a visit to the Omak Visitor Center. Chat with staff or speak with the on-site ranger to learn about what you can do during your visit.
Choose from a range of hiking trails, which include easy day walks and challenging multiday hikes. The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has 8 miles (13 kilometers) of barrier-free trails and 1,285 miles (2,068 kilometers) of wilderness tracks. Popular trails include Boulder Trail, Echo Ridge and the Icicle Gorge Loop. Check out beautiful Rainy Lake or hike through the canyon that emerges out of Boulder Cave. In winter, traverse some of these trails with your snowshoes or cross-country skis.
Some trails are accessible by wheelchair, ensuring easy use by visitors of all abilities. Visit the Washington Pass Observation Site to look out toward Liberty Bell Mountain, Early Winters Spires and Kangaroo Ridge. Ride through the forest on horseback or pick up the pace on a mountain bike. Rock climbing, fishing and gem-hunting are also popular activities in the forest.
Stay overnight in the pristine environment by bunking in a cabin, pitching a tent or parking your RV. Select from more than 150 campgrounds and picnic areas spread across the national forest. The Black Pine Lake campgrounds include access to a boat launch and floating docks.
There are ranger districts in ChelanOpens in a new window, Cle Elum, Entiat, Winthrop, Naches, Tonasket and LeavenworthOpens in a new window. The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Headquarters is in Wenatchee and the visitor center is in Omak. Some sites are accessible only with a permit or by paying a fee. Check with your closest ranger office to find out more.
