Many Lakes Loop
As its name suggests, this road trip takes you on a journey through dozens of lakes with quiet towns and wildlife viewing opportunities. From Oroville, follow the Similkameen River west along Loomis-Oroville Road. Approximately 13 miles (21km) in, you’ll reach the ghost town of Nighthawk, a well-established mining district that boomed during the mid-late 1800s. The last mine closed in 1951 but original structures, including the Nighthawk Hotel, the old mill, and the schoolhouse, still stand today.
As you continue south another 12.5 mi (20 km) toward the small town of Loomis you’ll pass Palmer Lake, a year-round fishing hole. Make sure you keep your eyes open for Bighorn sheep as they stroll through town. Connect with Highway 7 east of Loomis and head south to Route 97 in Tonasket. From there, it’s approximately 40 mi (64 km) to Omak, home of the 12 Tribes Resort Casino.
From Omak, head westbound to Conconully. Once a silver-mining town, it was washed away by a flash flood in 1894. Today, Conconully State Park provides ample recreation opportunities with 5,400 feet of freshwater shoreline, and an early schoolhouse and replica of the town’s first courthouse can be found on the grounds.
Map
Not to be Missed
Sinlahekin Wildlife Area
This is the oldest wildlife area in Washington State with 23,000 acres assigned to preserve mule deer winter range. Activities include birdwatching, wildlife viewing, camping, fishing, and hiking.
How the Animals Got Their Names
In the Omak Eastside Park there is a collection of sculptures representing the traditional Indigenous story.
The Conconully Museum
This museum is open through the spring and summer months on weekends and holidays offering visitors a glance into how things looked and worked in the early part of the 20th century.
Key Annual Events
Founders Day Parade & Rodeo (Tonasket, May)
Omak Stampede (Omak, August)
Outhouse Races (Conconully, January)
Communities
