OkanoganWenatchee

The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest is a United States National Forest in Washington, managed by the U.S. Forest Service. It spans about 4.1 million acres in central and northern Washington, including portions of the Cascade Range and surrounding highlands. The current name reflects the historical consolidation of the Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forests into a single administrative unit.

The forest contains diverse landscapes, from glaciated peaks and deep canyons to alpine lakes and dense forests. It encompasses the Methow and Okanogan basins and parts of the eastern Cascades. Designated wilderness areas include Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness, Glacier Peak Wilderness, and Pasayten Wilderness. The Wenatchee, Methow, and Okanogan river systems thread through the forest, supporting boating, fishing, and scenic recreation. Popular access points surround towns such as Chelan, Leavenworth, Twisp, and Winthrop, with trails and scenic byways linking remote valleys.

Ecology features includes habitats for black bears, elk, mule deer, mountain goats, and numerous birds. Higher elevations support alpine meadows and glaciers on several peaks. Fire plays a natural role in some ecosystems, and forest management emphasizes balancing conservation with recreation and responsible resource use.

The forest headquarters is in Wenatchee, with ranger districts in Chelan, Entiat, Methow Valley, and Tonasket. It offers camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, winter sports, and timber and grazing programs on designated lands. It lies along major routes such as U.S. Route 97 and State Route 20, connecting communities across the North Central and North Cascades regions.

As a major public land area in Washington, the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest protects ecosystems, preserves wilderness, and provides outdoor recreation for residents and visitors.