The town of Oroville, Wash., located near the Canadian border in the central part of the state, sits at a low elevation (912 feet) and is surrounded by scenic desert vistas and mountain views that make it a perfect destination for spring hiking. One of the main attractions for hikers is the easy, early-season access to segments of 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.
The trailheads for the PNT are actually within walking distance or a short drive from downtown Oroville, which makes the historic town perfect for a hike-and-stay getaway. Most well-known, and for good reason, the Whistler Canyon Trail southeast of Oroville offers great views, out-and-back and loop hiking options of varying lengths, and a chance to see bighorn sheep and other wildlife. With a 1-hour car shuttle, you can also use the Wildhorse Trail cutoff to the Wilcox Mountain Trailhead to make a 12-mile one-way hike down the canyon. Popular side-trail excursions include the Frog Pond and Black Diamond trails.
Northwest of Oroville, the Similkameen Trail rail trail (a 4-mile, mostly flat roundtrip hike that’s also part of the PNT) offers stunning scenery and historical interpretive signs. The hike includes a walk across the 375-foot Girder pedestrian bridge that spans the Similkameen River and an interesting turnaround point at the historic Enole Dam. The Washington Trails Association recommends an extension to this hike from the Oroville Trailhead right in town, making a 7-mile roundtrip hike. To do the longer hike from Oroville, follow the signs to the trailhead just up the street from the Old Depot Museum and Visitor’s Center.
Time Your Trip around the Oroville May Festival, May 10
This annual festival has been around for 90 years and is steeped with tradition. May Festival includes a “Grande Parade” on Oroville’s Main Street followed by other festivities at nearby Osoyoos Lake Veteran’s Memorial Park. Listen to live music all day, sample the food, and check out the festival vendors. Other activities include family games, a 5k or 2-mile fun run, and a bass fishing tournament, along with other entertainment. Get your hike in and then enjoy the small-town charm at this fun, friendly festival.
Plan your Oroville spring hiking trip and find lodging options at Discoverorovillewa.com.
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