Okanogan Highlands

Okanogan, Washington, US

Chesaw

152 species

Okanogan Highlands

49.58157139280843, -119.00189671667364

Official Website

Tips for Birding

See the description of this area in the Birding Guide to Washington available free on the WOS website.  

Birds of Interest

American Goshawk, Gyrfalcon, Snowy Owl, Gray-crowned Rosy Finch, Snow Bunting, Gray Partridge, Chukar, Pine Grosbeak, American Tree Sparrow, Golden Eagle, huge flocks of Horned Larks in winter.  

About this Location

In the Oikanogan Highlands in Washington are an area of agricultural lands and glacial outcroppings that are home to many wintering birds as well as breeding species.  There are several access points, but most birders take Havillah Road northeast out of Tonasket, just north of the junction of Hwy 20 and Hwy 97.  From here you climb out of Tonasket onto the highlands area where the more specific hotsopts are located.  Although most popular with birders as a place to look for winter northern specialties like Gyrfalcon, Snowy Owl, Snow Bunting, Gray-crowned Rosy Finch and others, it can be interesting during spring and summer breeding season also. 

Another point of access is on Cameron Lake Road and Cameron Lake Loop Road.  This area makes a good loop drive as described in the specific hotspots.  

Take care in winter in all of these areas as roads can be icy, snowy and most are gravel roads that are plowed and keep an eye out for active snow plows. 

Content from Official Website

Last updated December 21, 2023