Okanogan is a scenic community in hilly north central Washington
Located in the Okanogan Highland region of Washington, Okanogan is a small city known for its outdoor recreation and scenery. “The topography of our area is so beautiful and unique. We’re in the high desert, but we get all four seasons so that really draws a lot of people to us,” says Rachel Giovacchini, a broker at Re/Max Welcome Home with seven years of experience. “In the fall, you get beautiful colors, and in the winter, you get snow. In the spring, everything turns green, and you get all the pops of colors from flowers.” The community sits along the Okanogan River and borders the Colville Reservation. The larger city of Omak is just north, offering stores and amenities not found at home. Rolling hills and mountains make up the rest of the surrounding area, including public land that is open for activities like hiking, hunting and fishing.
Vintage homes and spacious farms make up the housing stock
Okanogan primarily consists of established cottages and Craftsman homes, many of which are from the early 1900s. Manufactured homes are also available throughout the area. Properties near the downtown area are often close together on small lots with tall, leafy trees and pines. It’s possible to find waterfront properties in town with backyard patios overlooking the river. Lots are larger north of downtown, ranging from 3 to 40 acres. These spacious properties often have ranch-style homes and include outbuildings like garages and workshops. Buyers can find farms and orchards in this area as well. Prices typically range from $160,000 to $440,000.
Hiking, hunting and fishing in the Okanogan Highland
Recreation sites in the hills surrounding Okanogan allow residents to enjoy peaceful activities. “A lot of lakes in our area are untapped diamonds where there’s not going to be a lot of people,” Giovacchini says. Fishing destinations include Leader Lake to the west and Omak Lake to the east. Leader Lake has multiple boat launches, campgrounds and bank access for anglers, and is full of rainbow trout. Loup Loup State Forest offers hunting, hiking and camping opportunities along state Route 20. Loup Loup Ski Bowl is a 300-acre area with several trails of varying difficulties. Parks within the community include Alma Park, which has a playground, basketball court and pool. Athletes can spend time at the Central Valley Sports Complex, which has multiple soccer and softball fields.
Locally owned and chain businesses offer a variety of options
Okanogan has a few locally owned shops and restaurants in the downtown area. Dawg House BBQ & Brew serves classic barbecue dishes like brisket and pulled pork alongside local beers. Other restaurants include a bar and grill and coffee shops. Groceries are available at Okanogan IGA Market, and Rawson’s Department Store is a locally owned business selling clothing and outdoor gear. Residents are willing to drive for a good meal; one of Giovacchini’s favorite restaurants is 1908 BBQ & Bourbon in Twisp, known for its pulled pork and mac and cheese. Omak has more shopping options, including stores like Walmart, Safeway, Home Depot and North 40 Outfitters.
Weekly and annual events bring residents together
Several events bring excitement to Okanogan year-round. The county fair takes place in September at fairgrounds on the east side of the river. Okanogan Days rings in summer each June with a parade, 5K run, pancake breakfast and more. The weekly farmers market at American Legion Park brings neighbors together to shop for local produce, baked goods and crafts.
Okanogan schools prepare students for careers and college
Students might attend Virginia Grainger Elementary School and Okanogan Middle School, each receiving a B-minus from Niche. Okanogan High School earns a B and offers multiple ways to prepare for college and careers. The school offers dual credit in partnerships with Eastern Washington University, Central Washington University and Wenatchee Valley College. Career and technical education courses include accounting, computer science and agriculture.
State and U.S. highways offer commutes throughout Central Washington
State Route 215 and U.S. Route 97 are the main roads through the area. Each road leads north to Omak, about 4 miles away. Giovacchini considers Wenatchee the closest large city to Okanogan, about 88 miles south on Highway 97. Spokane is about 144 miles east via state Route 155 and U.S. Route 2. Transit for Greater Okanogan operates multiple bus routes that connect the community to cities like Omak and Chelan.
Flooding and wildfires pose risks to the community
Much of the area along the Okanogan River is at risk of flooding, and the community also faces a significant risk of wildfires. Okanogan County has several online resources, including tips to prepare for wildfires and emergency alerts.
Written By
Matthew Atkins
