Stay & Play

 Methow Valley Rodeos, Winthrop, May & Sept dates TBD. Tonasket Rodeo, May date TBD. My forever favorite: Chesaw Rodeo on July 4th -- gorgeous loop drive takes in Molson ghost town and a swim in Lake Osoyoos. The Omak Stampede and its famous Suicide Race, Aug 8-11 (always 2nd weekend in Aug), is 4 miles from the cottages.  

Fantastic fishing in the upland streams and lakes. For a rare treat, check out the uncrowded opportunities on the Colville Indian Reservation -- alkaline Omak Lake is a stone's throw away and boasts big Lahontan cutthroat (tribal license required). Delightful south-facing sandy beach for fishing in cooler months or sunbathing and water sports in summer (tribal permit required).

Wineries, breweries, cideries, and distilleries. More craft beverageers are popping up all the time. Rockwall Winery is only 6 miles away. And just an hour away is Oliver, BC -- Canada's leading wine-producing region (their lower Okanagan valley). Take advantage of the exchange rate! Passport or enhanced license required to cross border.

Bring back the Sunday (any day) drive. Miles and miles of winding back roads take you through lowland orchards and farms to high and higher valleys with incredible vistas at every turn. Watch for deer, bighorn sheep, eagles, bluebirds, wild turkeys. Camera a must. Stop and smell the lupines. I can recommend some glorious side trips, pretty loops through parallel and higher valleys. You can borrow the map book and field guides in the cottages for your outings. Also, gas is way cheaper over here compared to the Puget Sound region.

Hike and bike to your heart's content. Water ski or jetski on the Columbia, raft on the Wenatchee, or paddle on quiet lakes -- that's Lauralee and her 85-year-old mom Patti on nearby Omak Lake (tribal permit required). The sit-on-top kayaks are yours to borrow -- at you own risk and if you have a vehicle to transport them. Plenty of groomed trails year round for snowmobiling and quadding. Ski and snowboard at great rates at Loup Loup Ski Bowl. Good golfing, I hear. And if you want to come in from the cold, or the heat, there's bowling in nearby Omak at Valley Lanes!  

  Conconully Outhouse Races, Jan 13 (if there is snow!). Leavenworth Winter Karneval, weekends in Jan. Chelan/Manson Winterfest, Jan 12-21. Winthrop Balloon Roundup, Mar 1-3. Lake Chelan Wine and Jazz Festival, May 16-19.  Grand Coulee Dam Laser Light Show May-Sep, dates TBD, also Festival of America laser light show & fireworks July 4. Tonasket Truck & Tractor Pull, July date TBD. Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival, July 19-21. The Gorge (George, WA) Watershed Festival, Aug date TBD. Pateros Hydroplane Races, Aug 20-22. Okanogan Family Faire (aka Barter Faire), near Tonasket, Spring/Fall dates TBD. Leavenworth Oktoberfest, possibly cancelled for 2024.