Forest Facts




The 1,706,000-acreOkanogan National Forest, located in northern Washington, includes the Pasayten and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness. Vegetation in the forest varies with grass and shrubs in the lowest elevations near the Columbia River, to the beautiful ponderosa pine at mid-elevations, to the Douglas-fir in the Cascade Mountains, and the subalpine and alpine zones at elevations above 6000 feet. The highest peak is North Gardner Mountain at 8974 feet, with many other peaks above 7000 feet. Moderate daytime temperatures and cool nights characterize the climate during the summer; during the winter, sub-zero night-time temperatures are not unusual, but days are frequently sunny.



The Okanogan National Forest has many small campgrounds and approximately 1,600 miles of mountain trails. The area is famous for its mule deer herds, sports fisheries in the various lakes and streams, and acres and acres of backcounty to traverse.

Okanogan county has become a major cross-country skiing and snowmobiling center. Over 150 km of ski trails in the Methow Valley have been developed and are maintained as a partnership with the Methow Valley Sport Trail Association. Over 300 miles of forest roads become snowmobile tracks in winter with grooming costs paid by Washington State snowmobile registration fees. The Loup Loup Ski Bowl, off State Route 20, west of Okanogan, attracts many alpine and cross-country skiers. A small Alpine ski facility, Sitzmark, is outside the national forest near Tonasket, Washington. Nordic and Alpine heli-skiing is also available in the Methow Valley.

The Washington Pass Scenic Overlook along the North Cascades Scenic Highway 20 gives a spectacular view of massive Liberty Bell Mountain (7790 elevation) and Early Winters Spires. Interpretive information is available at a small visitor centers during the summer months. There are picnic tables, restroom facilities, and a paved trail, all designed for wheelchair use. The highway is usually open from late April through early November; the overlook is accessible from June to October.

The western boundary of the forest borders the North Cascades National Park, and the Ross Lake National Recreation Area. To the south is the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area and the Wenatchee National Forest. To the north, in the Canadian Province of British Columbia, are Cathedral and Manning provincial parks. Both immediately adjacent to the Pasayten Wilderness. Permits are necessary in the North Cascades National Park and Ross Lake Recreational Area if you stay overnight.

Due east of the national forest some 45 miles, via State Highway 155, is Grand Coulee Dam. This world-famous attraction has a visitor center and tours operated by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Information about the Okanogan National Forest is also provide there.

author unknown



 

1999 Firewood Program for the Okanogan National Forest


TONASKET, Wash., December 18, 1998 -- If you are used to cutting your firewood in the Okanogan National Forest, you'll be glad to know that the Special Forest Product Program for 1999 will be largely unchanged from this year's program. "The one change we're making," said Craig Bobzien, district ranger for the Tonasket district, "is the elimination of free use permits for lodgepole pine."

As in the past, firewood permits will be available at Forest Service offices in Tonasket, Okanogan, Twisp, and Winthrop. Beginning in January, woodcutters will receive the 1999 Firewood Removal Guide Map when they purchase their permits.

"Prices will remain the same as last year," Bobzien said.

The federal agency charges $2.50 per 1/2 cord of wood and requires a two cord minimum. A cord of wood measures four feet wide by four feet high by eight feet long, or 128 cubic feet.

The one change in the 1999 program--the elimination of free lodgepole pine firewood--is due to the cooperation of woodcutters in previous years.

"Several years ago, we had a large number of lodgepole pines killed by insects and disease," said Bobzien. "We were concerned about the hazards that falling trees presented, especially along roadways, and we were looking for a way to handle it. We decided to handle the problem by encouraging woodcutters to take the trees for firewood."

As a result, for the past few years, woodcutters have been able to get free-use permits to cut the dead lodgepole pine along roads bisecting the Tonasket district.

Like all good things, the free firewood program has come to an end. "We've accomplished our goal," Bobzien said, "roadside safety in no longer the problem it was, and a lot of firewood cutters got their wood for free. Everyone came out ahead."

Bobzien acknowledged that there is still a lot of dead lodgepole pine on his district, but the crisis is over. "We were concerned about safety," he said, "and we--well, the woodcutters--took care of that."
 

Okanogan Highlands Museum and Old Molson


The Okanogan Highlands Museum and Old Molson are located in the former boomtown of Molson in the Okanogan Highlands 15 miles (by highway) east of Oroville.

The museum is in a 3-story brick schoolhouse built in 1914. It includes a restored classroom, the original Molson school library, a unique display of antique hand tools, pioneer post office fixtures, household artifacts, and photographs.



Old Molson is a reassembled pioneer town consisting of authentic buildings, farm machinery, and numerous other relics. Old Molson was created by Molson-area pioneer Harry Sherling.

Managed for the Society by the Okanogan Highlands Association and staffed by dedicated volunteers these museums are very much worth visiting. A visit to the tea room prior to completing your museum visit will leave a lasting memory of this area.

The Molson school museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. Old Molson is open daylight hours April through December for self-conducted tours. Group tours can be arranged.
 

Okanogan County Historical Museum

This outstanding county museum is located in the county seat of Okanogan, WA., on Business Alternate Hwy. 97 connecting the downtown districts of Okanogan and Omak.

In the museum, a series of dioramas, models, photographs and displays of relics tell the Okanogan County story from earliest to modern times. Beside the museum is a replica of an Old West town of the early 1900's. Outdoor displays include farm equipment and what is believed to be the Okanogan's oldest structure, a log cabin built in 1879.

The museum is located adjacent to the Legion Park which can accomodate over-night RV parking (no hookup) for a small fee which will facilitate seeing the museum as well as visiting the surrounding area.

The museum was built by the Society in 1975 and is managed by a dedicated committee of the Society.

The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week from mid-May to mid-September. The museum is managed and staffed by dedicated volunteers.

...your lake-forest realty...