Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Headquarters

The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest is located on the sunny side of the Cascades and is known for four seasons of recreation. With 40% of the land base designated Wilderness, the forest contains some of the most remote terrain in the Northwest. Water, from rivers to lakes to snow in the winter, is a major attraction on the forest. Glacial-fed Lake Chelan is known for its deep blue waters, fjord-like gorges and water-based access extending 55 miles into the heart of the remote Cascades. Nationally recognized Scenic Byways and other major travel corridors provide convenient access to the forest from the west side of the Cascades...and relief from the weather on the wet, west side! The forests host nine national recreation trails and the final leg of the 2500-mile Pacific Crest Trail. With over 8,000 miles of roads and 3,000 miles of trails that accommodate a variety of skill levels and activities, recreationists can choose their way to get into the woods. Scenic corridors include major highway corridors (I-90, Hwys 2, 12, 410, 20, 97), paved forest and county roads, and travel on Lake Chelan. Many roads are state or federally designated Scenic Byways. Lake Chelan is a unique water corridor that provides access to a largely unroaded area of the forest by boat or plane. These corridors bisect the forest and highlight its contrasting geography and vegetation. They provide easy access to the forest and to recreation destinations year-round. Many of the lower elevation areas of the forest are easily accessible and close to communities. These areas vary from dry forest and open valleys to dense forest and mountain slopes. Visitors have opportunities to challenge themselves year-round on designated OHV (4x4, ATV, motorcycle and snowmobile) and multiple-use routes. The general forest area includes glacially carved valleys, steep slopes and open meadows. Local communities use the forest as their backyard and visitors have opportunities to explore the forest and "get away" on a variety of multi-use trails. The Okanogan Valley is in the northeast portion of the forest and includes rugged shrub-steppe rolling hills. Forestland interspersed with working ranches offers a traditional and rustic experience for visitors. Backcountry areas of the forest lie along the crest of the Cascades and include high-glaciated alpine peaks. They contain designated Wilderness as well as remote, unroaded areas. Opportunities for finding solitude, discovering self-reliance and exploring rugged terrain are found there. Visitors have opportunities for adventure on land, water and snow while enjoying the scenic beauty of the forest year-round. Developed campgrounds and dispersed camps along rushing rivers and streams are a destination during the summer. Fall brings outstanding opportunities for big game hunting. Winter activities are a key offering of the recreation program due to reliable snow and easy access. Family and group activities for increasingly diverse visitors are found throughout the forest. Recreation opportunities abound in the national forest and include boat-in camping on Lake Chelan, driving for pleasure, viewing scenery and wildlife, rock climbing, alpine skiing, winter and summer OHV routes and multiple-use trails, water-based developed and dispersed camping, gathering forest products, berry picking, Christmas tree cutting, horseback riding, hunting, fishing and the list goes on. Come visit the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, mountains to see and places to be!