Find off-the-beaten-path adventures in north-central Washington.
Oroville locals refer to their small town of around 2,000 just south of the Canadian Border in north central Washington as the “gold at the end of the road,” a nod to its location at the end of US Hwy 97 and its gold mining history. Situated at the top of Okanogan County surrounded by public lands with uncrowded outdoor recreation, it’s also a treasure trove of adventure possibilities. Oroville makes an awesome summer road trip destination. Here are a few of our favorite ways to hike, bike, and get on the water there.
Hiking Where the Cascade Foothills Meet Desert Country
Oroville sits in a scenic transition zone between the Cascade Mountains and eastern Washington’s arid, sage-dotted landscapes, making the area a unique hiking destination. The town and trails around it sit at the midway point along the Pacific Northwest Scenic Trail (PNT), a 1,200 mile-long hiking trail that runs from the Pacific Ocean to the Continental Divide in Montana. Within walking distance of downtown Oroville, you can trek for a few miles or days on the PNT.
The Whistler Canyon Trail southeast of town offers scenic views, wildlife spotting, and multiple hiking length and route options, including side-trail excursions on the Frog Pond and Black Diamond trails. Northwest of Oroville, the Similkameen Trail rail trail (a 4-mile, mostly flat roundtrip hike) offers stunning scenery, historical interpretive signs, a chance to cross the 375-foot Girder pedestrian bridge that spans the river and a final destination at the historic Enole Dam. Another locals-favorite hike is the Cactus Mountain Trail, aka “The Oroville Grind,” a climb of 699 feet of elevation in 1.3 miles that takes you to the top of the mountain with expansive views of Osoyoos Lake and up the valley into British Columbia.
Miles of Low-Traffic, Winding Road Bike Routes
Starting at Oroville’s Depot Museum, which has a bike repair station if needed, there are several out-and-back and loop biking options that range from short, mellow rides to all-day epics on north Okanogan County roads with light traffic. Ride destinations include lakes, historic sites, parks, and other small towns. Plan your ride routes with this handy, printable map that includes route descriptions and details.
Water Sports and Camping on Osoyoos Lake
Beautiful Osoyoos Lake, a 14-mile-long oasis, offers a wide range of water sports, swimming, and camping based out of the Osoyoos Lake Veterans Memorial Park. The warm summer waters and shallow shoreline make it a great family swimming and paddling option. There are two public boat launches, including one at the campground, for heading out on the water for lake cruising or wakeboarding, wake surfing or tubing.
Excellent Fishing at Oroville Area Lakes and Rivers
Oroville lakes and rivers feature excellent fishing for steelhead, salmon, perch, trout, and other species, including world-class bass fishing on Osoyoos Lake, which hosts several bass tournaments a year. Read more about Osoyoos Lake fishing here. The Similkameen and Okanogan rivers also boast some fine fishing for a wide range of fish species.
Authentic Small-Town Charm
Start planning your Oroville road trip at Discoverorovillewa.com. Time your stay for one of the unique Oroville-area events. The Chesaw Rodeo on July 4 includes a children’s chicken scramble, good times in the historic Chesaw Tavern, and the opportunity to sign up to ride a wild cow. And don’t miss the on-water spectacle of the Lake Osoyoos Cup Jet Ski Races, Aug. 3-4. The event features live music, a beer garden, and Oroville’s Summer Family Festival happening simultaneously at Deep Lake Park. Walk the idyllic downtown streets of Oroville past historic buildings, unique shops and eateries, and enjoy several pieces of public art that tell the stories of Oroville’s history, its people, and their dreams. Discover the golden outdoor recreation and rich history at the end of the road just 3.5 hours northwest of Spokane! //
