This Charming Washington State Park Is Between North Cascades & Colville National Forest

Tucked away in Okanogan County, Conconully is one of the best-kept secret travel destinations in North America. This tranquil 97-acre park sits between North Cascades National Park and the Colville National Forest, providing a peaceful escape for picnicking, boating, and walking along the shoreline. The calm lakes inside the park are ideal for launching a canoe and spending time away from the crowds. Located just a few miles from the Canadian border, Conconully isn't just a park; it's an adventurous escape.

The drive from Omak to Conconully State Park takes about 25 minutes along Highway 97. If you are in Winthrop, it takes about one hour and 15 minutes to get to the park. The nearest airport is Omak Municipal Airport (KOMK) if you are flying in. From the airport, you can get a taxi or rent a car to Conconully State Park. The park's location was initially a booming mining settlement in the 19th century. When the flood reshaped the landscape, the Conconully Dam was built to control the floods and provide irrigation water. The park was created in 1945 with recreation facilities like picnic areas and campsites.

Conconully State Park's greatest advantage is its location near the North Cascades to the west and the Colville National Forest to the east. This makes Conconully the perfect launching spot for exploring the surrounding areas. With both the Upper and Lower Conconully Reservoirs, you can spend your mornings fishing. The reservoirs are stocked with rainbow trout, Kokanee salmon, and smallmouth bass. If you love boating or kayaking, the park has boat ramps providing easy access to both reservoirs. Rent a boat, canoe, or kayak and discover the calm waters as you enjoy the beautiful forest scenery. Conconully State Park is also home to different animal species that you can spot as you stroll through the forests. You are likely to spot mule deer, coyotes, chickadees, and white-tailed deer.

Want to sleep under the stars as you touch base with nature at the park? Conconully State Park is also one of the best places to go camping in North America. It has a campground with different camping facilities and cabins near the lower reservoir. The site has 40 campsites and 20 hookup sites for RVs. You can spend the day picnicking at the park in one of the unsheltered picnic tables; there are a few sheltered options available for reservation. The picnic table is available on a first-come, first-served basis. During winter, the park's amenities are closed, but it is the best time to snowshoe around the park. You can also ski through the woods or rent a snowmobile to explore the snow-covered landscape.

Conconully State Park is a short drive from Omak town, known for its Stampede Rodeo, where you can experience the small-town charm and interact with the locals. Stroll along the downtown area to discover some of the best art-inspired destinations in the US, such as Omak's art galleries, or go to Omak Performing Arts Center for live shows. If your stomach starts to rumble, stop for a bite at the Loggerhead Omak for a taste of NY-style pizza, delicious side dishes, and drinks. The menu also features mac & cheese, salads, and white base pizza.

Within a two-hour drive, you can reach the North Cascades, known for its virgin forests and glaciers. Drive along North Cascades Highway 20 for a spectacular mountain drive with beautiful views of the rugged peaks and Diablo Lake. A drive around the North Cascades National Park Complex takes around an hour. Do not forget to stop along the way at some of the overlooks. To the east of Conconully, about three hours away, is Colville National Forest, a 1.1-million-acre forest with beautiful valleys and ranges. You can hike or bike through the forests lined with red cedar, ponderosa, pine, and Douglas fir. Some of the wildlife you may spot include black bear, elk, and deer.