Winter Activities in North Central Washington

Leisure Activities > Winter

Early winter at Eden Valley Guest Ranch Winter fun includes numerous activities both non-motorized and motorized in many different locations of north central Washington. The Okanogan Highlands is host to one of the oldest ski areas in Washington State, and that is Sitzmark. Sitzmark offers skiing and boarding at very affordable rates. There are many miles of groomed and non-groomed trails for snowshoeing, snowmobiling and cross country skiing. Eden Valley Guest Ranch has a special inner-tube hill for guests. Winter birding in the Highlands is a very popular sport as is ice fishing at local lakes. For those that enjoy indoor get togethers, the Molson Grange hosts Pinochle every Monday night in winter and has done so for over six decades.

Winter Trails in north Central Washington near Oroville

Eden Valley Guest Ranch and the bordering US Forest Service in the Okanogan Highlands of north central Washington have miles of non-groomed winter trails. On the ranch in addition to trails, there are also fields for snow play, cross country skiing and snowshoeing, and different fields for snowmobiling.

Skiing & Boarding at Sitzmark, Washington

Downhill (alpine) Skiing and Boarding are just a few minutes away. Sitzmark Ski Area a few miles east, offers boarding and skiing plus has a rental shop for both and lodge with meals. Cross country skies and snowshoes are at the rental shop too. Sitzmark has vast open views, charming facilities, no lines, and very low rates. Lessons for skiing and boarding are available at the rental shop. Sitzmark Ski & Boarding Area

Snow Tubing in north central Washington near Oroville

Guests are welcome to bring snow toys. Safe and fun tubing hills need to have proper topography to protect riders from hiting obstacles like trees, fences or rocks. Eden Valley in the Okanogan Highlands of north central Washington is blessed with the best. This hill is open with a dell also known as a hollow to contain downward movement and riders land in the center of an open hay field.

Snowshoeing the Okanogan Highlands of Washington near Oroville

Snowshoeing is very popular with many choices now for equipment, making it easier than ever before. Snowshoers at Eden Valley Guest Ranch have perhaps the most freedom of all our winter guests. Vast acres of snowshoeing is available here and on nearby public lands in the Okanogan Highlands of north central Washington.

Cross Country Skiing, Okanogan Highlands, Washington

Miles of non-groomed trails and open land fields and woods at Eden Valley Guest Ranch in the Okanogan Highlands of Washington are open for guests (and their dogs) to cross country ski. Groomed Cross Country Ski trails are just a few minutes away at the Highlands Snopark. Okanogan Highland Groomed Ski Trails, Washington

Winter Birding, Okanogan Highlands, Washington

Winter birding is becoming more popular in the Okanogan Highlands of Washington as more information is available. A quick web search will show data back to the late 1940's for the Okanogan Highlands. Winter visitors have been rewarded with a variety of owls, hawks, Bohemian Waxwings, young and mature Eagles, grouse, partridges, snow buntings, pine grosbeaks, Northern Goshawk, Common and Hoary Red-polls, and sometimes wood peckers. There are also mag-pies and ravens. The local rodent and squirrel populations have been high and although coyote hunt vigorously, the predator birds have been doing well too.

Snowmobiling in Okanogan Highlands, Washington

Snowmobiling, whether you own or rent is a big sport in Okanogan County. Okanogan Highlands is in the northeast part of Okanogan County, Washington. Eden Valley Guest Ranch borders the US Forest Service Mt. Hull Section of the Tonasket Ranger District. The Forest Service Travel plan identifies rules for use of the public lands both winter and summer. The Washington State Parks web site identifies winter trail locations with maps showing trails and parking areas and also has rules for use. That web site is www.parks.wa.gov/winter/trails.

The closest trail-head to Eden Valley Guest Ranch is called Highland Sno-Park about six miles south. It is small and advertised for nonmotorized. The main snowmobile trailhead is near Bonaparte Lake. There are 52 miles in this section of the groomed Bonaparte Trail System of the US Forest Service Tonasket Ranger District. The Bonaparte Trails can be accessed near Eden Valley Guest Ranch at the Hiland Snopark or Bonaparte Snopark. There are over 400 miles of groomed trails in the County. Washington State Sno-parks require permits and snowmobiles must be licensed to use the trails.

Ice Fishing in Okanogan Highlands of Washington

Ice fishing has been enjoyed in the Okanogan Highlands of Washington for generations and is still popular today. The Highlands experience a colder winter than in the Okanogan valley and as such ice thickness is usually fine in January and February. Check the Washington State Fishing regulations for the lake you are interested in fishing.

Molson Grange Pinochle, Okanogan Highlands, Washington

Winter history in the Okanogan Highlands of Washington includes Pinochle every Monday evening in winter at the Molson Grange Hall. This has been a winter activity for over 60 years and is still very popular. You do not need reservations -- just show up before 7:00 p.m. It will cost you a dollar. Donations for the Hall are always welcome. The historic hall is interesting and the artwork inside created decades ago for numerous local fairs will amaze you. Experience a fun game, our culture and friendly people. The public is welcome.

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