Things to do in Omak, Washington
Omak, Washington, a hot tourist destination? You may not think so... but then, you won't have seen the list of things to do that we built, just for you.
Below is a "local's only," exclusive itinerary to enjoying your time around Omak. read through and enjoy!
If you're a local, or if you think we missed something, please, please reach out so we can update this list and add whatever it is you think we missed.
Without further ado, Omak, Washington as guided by the locals...
Eat on the banks of Bridgeport- With over a mile and a half of Columbia River Waterfront running through the city, this is a beautiful place to visit.
Hike the Chewuch [River] and find a purple flower-This is one of the most scenic hikes you can take in Washington. You won't see these shades of green anywhere else. Ask us about the equipment you'll need, and let us get you outfitted.
Talk to someone who's climbed Coleman Butte- This mountain summit climbs to 1,450 feet above sea level. It is a pretty advanced hike to reach the summit, so be sure to check with staff about conditions and gear.
Find a rock from the Columbia Plateau- This plateau covers about 100,000 thousand square miles. People come here for the wild array of land forms caused by volcanic eruptions. The landscaped was scoured by erosion and is known as a scabland.
Hike & cross-county ski Conconully Lake- In the summertime: hiking, kokanee, rainbow and bass. In the winter: some of the best snowmobiling in Washington.
Eat crawfish from Crawfish Lake- The best kept culinary secret in WA. Our crawfish are almost the biggest in the US. There is also exceptional fishing at this lake. Ask an employee about the best months to get out on the water.
Hike Drift Hills- Encompassing part of the Colville Indian Reservation, the Drift Hills ecoregion is great for hiking and fishing.
Take an October fishing trip to Duck Lake- Best fished in October. This lake boasts jumbo rainbows averaging 4-6 pounds. Black crappie and bluegill are here in abundance. Public parking and put-ins are available as well.
Climb Fun Rock- A superb rock climbing destination offering climbs of varying grade and with some of the highest rated routes for Mazama. Take a look at Arapilesian Dog for one of the cleanest lines.
Fish Icicle River- It's more of a creek than a river, and great for salmon fishing.
Climb and eat lunch somewhere on Liberty Bell Mountain- Located one mile south of Washington pass, the Liberty Bell is part of a series of spires in the North Cascades. With many traditional climbing routes to choose from, the Liberty Crack was featured in the top 50 American climbs. Not to be missed. Incredible sunsets here.
Raft the Methow and take a picture (without ruining your camera)- Boasting an almost people-less habitat, much of this river basin is located in national forests and thick wilderness. The Native Americans called this place "Buttlemulee," or "salmon falls" it's great for fishing freestone steelhead or trout. One of the top spots for rafting as well. Highly recommended.
Listen to the sky on the top of Moses Mountain- One of the most isolated and prominent peaks in Washington- if you're a peakbagger, you'll have heard of this mountain. There is nothing around you for 25 miles once you reach the top.
Catch a cutty on Omak Lake- One the best trout fisheries in Washington State. Giant cutthroat trout. This lake lies within a steep-walled valley and is the primary body of water in the Omak Lake watershed.
Find and photograph Omak Rock a.k.a. Balance Rock- A huge boulder balanced on a small fulcrum lying on the Colville Indian Reservation near Omak Lake. The Native American's believe this rock is a sign of nature's perfection. You will too.
Camp in Osoyoos [Lake State Memorial Park] - This 47-acre camping park is located on a 14-mile lake stretching into British Columbia. Perfect for family camping and fishing trips as there are huge lawns leading down to the river's edge. The park has two boat ramps for those of you more into the "play" in "work and play."
Find a sign with the word "Omache"- The original spelling of the city.
Catch the jam on [Lake] Pateros- The water of many names, this reservoir was created in 1967 and has been called (among others) Butler Lake, Lake Azwell, Fort Okanogan and Chief Long Jim Lake. This lake hosts the Apple Pie Jamboree in mid-July. 65 years and running just ask about it.
Camp on Riverside- Originally established in the 1880's as a steamboat city, Riverside is now home to a 14,000-acre state park with camping along the Spokane and Little Spokane rivers. Good place for the family.
Watch the race on Suicide Hill- Home to the Suicide Races, a 70 year-old tradition and part of the Omak Stampede. There is 50 feet of clear ground before an abrupt cliff leading to the river's edge. Riders in the competition must ride down the cliff at full speed, across the river and into the arena where the crowds await. A must see event full of rich history.
Bike the Cascades and camp near a waterfall- For the most wide ranging recreational activities in winter or summer, the Cascades have it all. Hundreds of miles of skiing and snowmobiling, hiking, fishing, camping backpacking, mountain biking and any other activity you can imagine.
Eat in Twisp- A small city in Okanogan County with a population of just under 1,000. This city sits where the Methow meets the Twisp River.
Drive the Washington Pass- The northern most route across the Cascades Mountain Range, this scenic route offers stunning displays of nature and is a 400-mile long visual tour of the Cascades. You will want to hit it in summer as it is often closed in the winter due to heavy snowfall.
Find Sheep's Head in Whistler Canyon- Drive up Highway 97 and up a quiet dirt road just past the gravel pit. Park at the orchards you will see Sheep's Head face to the north. Ideal rock-climbing and/or hiking. Great for horseback as well. You will see big horn sheep, but watch for snakes during the summer.
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