Okanogan River | Washington State Hiking Pursuing Balance Thru Adventure

TONASKET, WASHINGTON

Activity: Canoeing

Date: August 2019

Distance: 6 miles, duration 3 hours

What a delightful way to spend half a day, paddling a canoe down the Okanogan River. My brother-in-law Dale Crandall was kind enough to drop me and his canoe off before he headed for work at his law practice, North Cascades Law Group. I put in at Ellisforde north of Tonasket. There was a chance of a thunderstorm in the afternoon, but I would be off the water well in advance of the coming storm.

It was a nice hot day and a canoe trip on the water was just what I was looking for. In the summer the river is not running high nor hard, an easy current. Just a lazy river outing winding through this scenic country. One bend in the river and there would be rugged hillsides nearby, and another bend and it would be farm land. I passed a tree with a rope swing. The Okanogan River has that small town, country feel. Really relaxing. You could float along and let the current carry you, or paddle hard and get some exercise.

There were a couple places on the river with some very mild rapids. They were so fun that I went back and enjoyed them a couple times, as did a few kayakers that I was sharing the river with.

As I mentioned, there was some turbulent weather expected, and the wind started picking up. It wasn’t straight on the nose, but close to it so I had to paddle harder on one side then the other, to keep the canoe on course. The wind continued to increase such that it was windy enough to counter act the current. Suddenly there was no choice but to paddle hard if I wanted to get anywhere. The exercise was welcome and I dug the paddle deep making my way along the banks of the Okanogan River.

After going under the bridge leading into Tonasket, the river got very shallow, so shallow that I was bottoming out, and in one place I actually had to get out and walk the canoe through the area. It was just a short distance so it was no big deal.

Soon afterwards it was time to go ashore beaching my canoe at Chief Tonasket Park, named after the Okanogan Indian Chief that the entire town is named for.

As I mentioned in the beginning of this post, paddling the Okanogan River in a Canoe is a very delightful experience if you happen to be ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure.’

I put in at Ellisforde as you can see I have my life jacket on, two paddles, always a good idea in case you lose one in a rapid. After all you certainly do not want to find yourself in the proverbial position of “Up a Creek without a Paddle.” I have my day back with which to stay hydrated on this warm summer day, and some healthy snacks. As you can see the river is pretty calm with a gentle current, so the life jacket came off pretty quickly along with the shirt in order to catch some rays.

**End of Paddle takeout at Chief Tonasket Park**

”Have you also learned that secret from the river; that there is no such thing as time?” That the river is everywhere at the same time, at the source and at the mouth, at the waterfall, at the ferry, at the current, in the ocean and in the mountains, everywhere and that the present only exists for it, not the shadow of the past nor the shadow of the future.” -Hermann Hesse

Thanks for joining me on the Okanogan River as I was ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure” with a paddle. If you enjoyed this article then you will want to COMMENT, LIKE, FOLLOW, and SHARE so that you do not miss further journeys.

Roger Jenkins, Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

WHISTLER CANYON-FROG POND-BLACK DIAMOND LAKE TRAILS

Orville, Washington

Activity: Day Hike

Distance: 9 miles, over 1500’ elevation change, duration 5 hours, rated Moderate

Whistler Canyon Trail near Orville Washington, part of the Pacific Northwest Trail, is actually a 14 mile trail that encompasses an elevation change of 3,776’ and is used by hikers, rock climbers, horse back riders, and just simply nature lovers. This area has all kinds of wildlife such as wild turkey, hawk, eagle, vulture, rattle snake, big horn sheep, mule deer, bear, marmot, coyote, moose, and cougar. There are sweeping vistas of the Okanogan River and Valley, the town of Orville, Osoyoos Lake, and Canadian mountains in the distance.

I bundled three trails in my day hike excursion: Part of the Whistler Canyon Trail, the Frog Pond Trail, and a portion of the Black Diamond Lake Trail.

If you only have a couple hours or so then the Frog Pond Trail might be a fun hike to do. Starting at the Whistler Canyon Trail you climb pretty quickly in elevation then off to your left you will find the sign to the Frog Pond Trail which is a delightful hike through an Ponderosa Pines wooded area with rocky cliffs on both sides. There is a great overlook that is not to be missed with super views of the Okanogan River and Valley. Finally you will arrive at the Frog Pond. When I was there in late August there was no pond only a grassy area surrounded by lovely Aspen, Birch, and Cottonwood Trees. I assume that the “pond” takes on a different look in the Spring.

After enjoying the Frog Pond I rejoined the Whistler Canyon Trail and headed up. It climbs 1000’ in the first two miles. I ventured off to the Black Diamond Lake Trail and went as far as the Overlook that once again had fantastic views, but this time wrapping around a little further north.

I really enjoyed this hike, and hopefully I will get the chance to go back and hike further into this area as the highlands above looked intriguing.