Back to the Simple Things

It’s easy to forget the simple things while on vacation. Get out in nature and spend a day at one of Omak’s local parks. Eastside Park, located near the Okanogan River, boasts a public swimming pool, 7 baseball fields, 4 soccer fields, 4 tennis courts, 2 basketball courts, a merry-go-round, 2 picnic shelters and cooking areas, restroom facilities, a walking trail, and lots more. Eastside is also home to the Stampede Arena which holds concerts and rodeos. It’s safe to say Eastside takes parks to a new level. The well-maintained, fully loaded park can serve as a place to go for an interactive day of actives, or your morning workout while on vacation. Whichever you choose, Eastside is the perfect place to spend an afternoon during your next visit to Omak, Washington.

Eastside Park, Omak, WA 98841, (509) 826-1170

Beautiful Patterson Mountain

If you have the time, and a penchant to see the region, wake early and drive an hour west of Omak for a hike atop Patterson Mountain. Step through the shrub-steppe and patchy trees to a glorious clearing over the Methow Valley with a 360-degree view from Twisp to Mazama in the east and the Sawtooth Mountains to the west. This month, you'll be treated to a bouquet of wildflowers. Two trails will guide you up the mountain. The Northern Loop Trail follows a series of switchbacks and then about halfway up a set of steps to cross a fence. Trees accompany much of your walk thereafter. The path crosses the Southern Loop Trail at mile marker 1.3. About 4 miles roundtrip, expect a good workout and a breathtaking reward at the top for your hard work. Find trail maps online as well as directions to Sun Mountain Trailhead.

Strike a Pose With Balanced Rock

Resting rather precariously on a small slope overlooking Omak Lake is a massive boulder. What makes it worth visiting is the fact that the boulder is perched on top of another very small rock and thus, has affectionately become known as Balancing Rock to locals. Sure there are others sprinkled within the 1.3-million-acre Colville Indian Reservation, punctuating the predominately sage-brushed hills, but this one is thought to be about 40 tons of granite that a glacier left behind a millennia ago! In scientific terms, it's called an erratic, the name for giant rocks left in the wake of moving glaciers. This one may also have survived an earthquake in the late 1800s. So why not take the scenic drive south and strike a pose with the stubborn monstrosity? Then breathe in the wide-open space around you and imagine how water and ice have carved out the reserve's natural beauty. Find directions online.

Winthrop's Balloon Roundup

Look up at a sky of floating rainbows. More than a dozen colorful hot air balloons visiting from around the Northwest will launch into the blue March 6th, 7th and 8th for Winthrop's annual Balloon Roundup. You're invited, of course, as a spectator and photographer with feet on the ground and without a reservation. Care to climb in a basket, and you'll need to make a reservation. Passenger rates for the Winthrop Balloon Roundup are $275 each. Before the main event, get yourself downtown for the Saturday evening Balloon Night Glow. If you miss the weekend, look ahead to May, when Morning Glory Balloon Tours will lift you into the sky every weekend through to September. Just after dawn, get an hour-long tour that will win you a birds-eye view of the beautiful Methow Valley below. Five are allowed in the basket at a time and all are treated to a picnic once you land!

Snowshoe Softball in Winthrop

Swing away your chocolate hangover and swing by the Winthrop Snowshoe Softball Softball Tournament. Saturday, February 15th, watch the town amble awkwardly 'round the bases, some in costume, all in good spirits. Sponsored by the Winthrop Chamber of Commerce and Three Fingered Jack’s Saloon, the annual event hosts eight out-of-town and local co-ed snowshoe softball teams at Winthrop’s ball field. It's a hoot, and you needn't feel bad for cracking a smile, the athletes are laughing at themselves, too! Teams are required to have equal numbers of men and women and the softballs are fluorescent yellow. Hey, you try finding a white ball in the snow! There's a lot to enjoy, between crazy costumes and snowshoe acrobatics to make even the silliest ball game, a blast. Tournament times and entry details are online, as is a phone number to call with any questions. See you at the game!

Strike into 2020 with a Perfect Game

Start the year with a perfect score, or at least roll for one! Valley Lanes Bowling and Arcade is an Omak tradition, and a visit to town isn't complete without a trip down 'valley' lane. Bowl to your heart's content or pin-ball your way to victory in the arcade where autumn renovations resulted in two new games. The locker room got an update, too, and the ice cream room got a facelift with brand new flooring, lights, and decorations. Speaking of food, Valley Lanes boasts the best milkshakes around as well as burgers, fries, and wings to beat the band. Stay awhile and watch a game on their big-screen TVs' or stay and celebrate the day. There are periodic concerts and bands scheduled, like those on New Year's Eve—just check the Valley Lanes Facebook page for details. Open from 10 am to 10 pm every day, closing at 6 on Sundays.

Celebrate Christmas on Main

There's more than one way to get into the holiday spirit, but we think Christmas on Main is Omak's best tradition. This December 14th from noon to 7 pm, run for fun and retire by the fire. Get ready for a full day of celebration, beginning with the Jingle Bell Jog at Eastside Park with registration beginning at 10:30 am. After the race, and with your exercise out of the way, relax with the Grinch at Omak Theater. Entry is free with a can of food for the food bank. Watch the kids sit with Santa in the old Courtyard next to Edward Jones, and catch the parade at twilight from 2nd and Main North to Apple. Caroling 'round the fire follows the fireworks finale. And if it's not enough to smile and sing with friends, we've sweetened the deal with marshmallows and roasted chestnuts too. Bring your sweetheart or bring the kids. There's something for everyone!

Wine and Cheese Charity Masquerade

Lake Chelan for Fall Foliage

Nestled into the edge of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, just a short drive west of Omak is the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. And this month, we suggest you visit. During the first two weeks of October, autumn is in full bloom and the colors are too spectacular to miss. Often overlooked by tourists visiting neighboring North Cascades National Park, Lake Chelan puts on a show of its own as the nation's third deepest lake at 1,500 feet. It is surrounded by the Stehekin Valley that was formed a millennia ago by glaciers that carved their way through the Cascades Range. In the summer, you can boat across the lake or go fishing and camp amidst the trees. But temperatures drop in October and services diminish, too. So to get to the recreation area, plan for a hike or consider a floatplane. Whatever you choose to explore in Omak's side yard, a rustic adventure awaits. 

Unleash Your Inner Warrior!

Buck aside, Broncos! Two-legged fighters are taking the ring. On September 14th, the Omak Warrior Stampeders take on a four-plus mile loop course that begins and ends at the Stampede Rodeo Arena, within Eastside Park. Listen for the thunder of fast feet racing along arena bleachers before competitors exit the arena and fight their way through an obstacle course in Eastside Park. They'll encounter an intimidating variety of obstacles that require creative moves and considerable strength to overcome. But when they do, participants will continue along the course to bordering Okanogan River where they'll have no option, but to get wet and wade across the river before scrambling up the infamous Suicide Hill. Warriors have to loop back around the course so once they reach the top of the hill, they have only to launch themselves off again. For the curious, it's a sight to behold, and for competitors, it's a true test of willpower. So come one, come all!

Omak Stampede and Suicide Race

It's that time of year again! Omak, in all of its wild and bucking bravado, invites you to the 86th annual Omak Stampede and Suicide Race. That's four days of hair-raising, saddle-scintillating excitement, beginning August 8th and ending Sunday, August 11th. Event organizers promise nothing but authentic cowboy fun, with rules identical to those first set in 1935. In addition to the hair-raising judged and timed events you'll see in the arena, other weekend highlights include a wrangler night for the kids, a traditional Indian Encampment & Pow Wow, an art show featuring Western & Native crafts, the Davis Shows Carnival and even a rodeo dance. Then on Sunday, horses and riders race 225 feet down a sandy bluff to swim across the Okanogan river before and sprinting 500 yards to the finish line in the center of the Stampede arena. Trust us, you don't want to miss it!

Deep Bay Fireworks

Independence Day is an all-day event in Oroville with the Okanogan County Chamber of Commerce promising a whole lot more than your average fireworks display.  The day starts at noon with a cannon salute, with salutes following once every hour, on the hour. Also at noon, the cafe carts will open with burgers, hot dogs, burritos, barbecued pulled pork, ice cream, granitas, snow cones and more. Get in line for a professional photo op or take a stroll through the park. Did we mention it's all happening at beautiful Deep Bay Park? Adjacent to the interstate, Deep Bay gets you off the open road and straight into nature. If you decide to walk-off your lunch, make sure you're back in time to see the patriotic singing competition at 7:00 pm and lighted boat parade that follows. Fireworks start at 10:00 pm, and trust us when we say that it's a show you won't want to miss!

Culpepper & Merriweather Circus

Lions, tigers, and clowns, oh my! For 32 weeks of the year, the Culpepper & Merriweather circus brings a fun-filled 90-minute show to more than 200 towns in 17 different states. Complete with spectacular animals and mesmerizing acrobatics, this circus is just like the big top carnival of your childhood. And this month, the circus is coming to a town near you. Drive just north to Oroville in time for the tent raising at 9:30 and spend the day with the circus crew. You'll get to meet the animals up close and personal, get the low down on their routines and care and learn all sorts of things about how the circus crew runs the show. It's a jam-packed event with plenty to laugh at and render you speechless. Everyone in your family is sure to leave the tent recounting their favorite act and asking where to visit the circus next.

Wagons Ho!

Round up your best pals and take a journey by horseback across the great Methow Valley. The Ride to Rendezvous is an annual horseback ride organized and led by the Washington Outfitters and Guides Association. Complete with teamsters and covered wagons, this four-day excursion, from May 6th-10th, includes campfire entertainment, three delicious meals a day, and educational opportunities for anyone interested in horses, camp cooking, packing, teamwork, and regional history. Day one will take you to the Methow Valley Rodeo Grounds and the last day you'll get to participate in the annual ‘49ers Celebration and Packer's Rendezvous in Winthrop.

Bring your own horse and wagon if you have one, or rent a pair. Bring a tent and we'll teach you how to set it up. We're well stocked with food, supplies, and feed for the horses but don't delay. Call today to see if any seats remain in this once-in-a-lifetime adventure!

Learn About Okanogan County's Butterflies

It's been a long winter in Okanogan County and nothing says spring like the sweet green shoots of budding flowers. But what's that flitting about? A butterfly?! That's right, it may come as a surprise that Okanogan County is host to 124 of the 155 butterfly species recorded in Washington State. And waiting for you, on April 5th, at the Community Cultural Center of Tonasket is a presentation to teach you all about them. Your host for the evening will speak about some of the ecogeographical factors that contribute to the area's diversity, and she'll share the names of species you can easily spot as well as the names of the more reclusive varieties. You may also be surprised to learn how your own photographs and videos could contribute to important research. Dinner will be served at 5:15 for nine dollars. The free presentation begins at 6:30. Desserts by donation.

Taste the Rockwall Legacy

Drive to 110 Nichols Road in Omak and feel like family. Make a beeline straight for the tasting room counter and wait for owner Doug Sheets to greet you. Or make a pit stop halfway down the drive to scoop an antique treasure at Nana's Nook. Indeed, every piece of a visit to Rockwall Cellars means getting to know the family who created it. Doug and his wife Sandy experimented with various fruit wines back in the early 2000s, but grapes won out and their early Riesling won awards. Today, the passionate couple offers samples of 10 reds and eight whites, a pink Gewurztraminer and a port, all available in their inviting tasting room. Join the wine club for 'family' discounts if you plan a return visit. And check online for evening events and contact information. Doug advertises personal guided tours so call ahead to put your name on the calendar!

Alice in Wonderland at Omak PAC

Omak Performing Arts Center (PAC) is Okanogan Valley's premier venue for student arts, community organizations, and touring professionals. Getting its start as a glorified school auditorium, the now state-of-the-art 526 seat arena owes its growth to the dedicated non-profit Omak PAC Foundation and generous funding from local citizens and organizations. Lucky for you, the venue introduces the month of February with stage magic, Alice in Wonderland. Be transported as performers take your imagination for a wild ride down the rabbit hole. Talented set designers will transform Omake PAC's spacious stage while AV crews delight your senses with lights and sounds straight out of Lewis Caroll's fairy tale. Like any Omak PAC production, this will be one to remember. If you won't be here February 2nd or 3rd, check the schedule for more events, like the musical mystery "Who Dunit?" on February 9th. Tickets are available online.

Spa Day at the Casino

After a cold day spent on the slopes or ducking from shop to shop in downtown Omak, pamper yourself or your partner to a day at Renew Spa at 12 Tribes Casino. Their restful retreat offers all sorts of luxuries. A hot stone massage will relax those muscles after an invigorating day of skiing or hiking. Or treat yourself to a manicure, pedicure, and aromatherapy massage. Enjoy a renewing facial by a professional esthetician or relish in the meditative and peaceful murmurs of soothing waters and jasmine-scented air. Enhance your natural beauty with paraffin treatments, exfoliation, herbal wraps, essential oils, and aromatherapy. Before or after your appointment, take advantage of the sauna or hot tub and soak in the new you. Spa staff will make it their mission to help your inner beauty shine in harmony with one of the most beautiful locations in North Central Washington.

Celebrate Christmas in Omak

The holidays are still the holidays no matter where you are, be it right in your own hometown or miles away in Omak. The city of Omak celebrates with a slew of seasonal festivities. On December 8th, Omak starts off the holiday season with ‘Christmas on Main.’ This festive family day kicks off with the Jingle Bell Jog starting in Eastside Park. The jog is then followed by a Christmas movie. This year’s movie is A Christmas Story which will be playing at the Omak Theater. The evening continues with visits from Santa and plenty of pictures. Then begins the twilight Christmas parade. Afterward, guests can enjoy bonfires, caroling and a fireworks show, coffee and cocoa, shopping, and chestnut and marshmallow roasting. Don’t miss out on the fun and fanfare! Celebrate Christmas in Omak with a celebration on Main.