- 1). Do your research ahead of time to understand the geography and history of the region. The Cariboo Trail was a well-traveled trade route between Washington and Canada throughout much of the 19th century. Try reaching a Washington State Travel Counselor at (800) 544-1800 to help plan your trip.
- 2). Anticipate some driving just to get there, as the Byway is in the middle of the state of Washington--about 200 miles from Seattle and 130 miles from Spokane. But if you travel from Seattle, plan to take a side trip or two before you get to the Okanogan Byway. Along I-90 out of Seattle, you'll find Mount Rainier National Park to the south and the Glacier Peak Wilderness to the north. Pick one or both and explore the rugged and breathtaking Cascade Mountains.
- 3). Start in the town of Brewster, known for its orchards and Lake Pateros. From there, it's up to Fort Okanogan State Park and then you pick up part of the Cariboo Trail, which runs along the Okanogan River. Indians used the trail for centuries. The area's current residents, including white-tailed deer and golden eagles, can be found a little farther north in the Chiliwist Wildlife Area.
- 4). Plan to spend some time in the city of Okanogan. The county museum has some great exhibits and models that capture the spirit and history of the Old West, and you can also find a replica of an Old West town and fire hall--complete with antique fire trucks and equipment. You'll learn plenty about the Cariboo Trail and the Indians, fur traders, miners and settlers who explored and settled the area. Rent a cabin and paddle a canoe in the river. If your kids only know the cities and suburbs, this is about as get-away-from-it-all as you can get and still be surrounded by beauty.
- 5). Go farther north to the reservation inhabited by the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Indians. Schedule a May trip and you can enjoy the Sun Flower Festival there. Plan an August trip and you can take in the Stampede, one of Washington state's most thrilling rodeos, as well as an Indian-themed festival in the town of Omak. McLaughlin Canyon looks straight out of a western movie and the nearby Oroville Train Depot wonderfully captures a bygone era of Americana. Continue up to Osoyoos State Park and Lake Osoyoos. The lake is 14 miles long and straddles the U.S.-Canada border. This is the northern tip of the scenic byway and offers a chance to wrap up your journey with some of the finest fishing in the region.
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