North Washington Trip | July 30th Oroville to Colville –>

US near the pass on road FS 37, northeast of Winthrop, WA

MONDAY: Pasco to Winthrop We left Pasco at noon on Monday the 28th. It was already 100 degrees. It’s a good thing the jeep has air-conditioning! There was nothing particularly interesting (or I should say it’s a drive I’ve done often enough to be bored with it) until we reached Dry Falls State Park, which once was the site of the largest waterfall in the world. As you can see from the pics, the view is pretty good. They had some pretty good looking food, too. We had ice-cream. Just north of Sun Lakes – Dry Falls State Park I spotted the only flat fender I’ve seen on the trip. It looks like a CJ-3A to me. After another hour or so of driving we ran into the Carlton Complex Fire. There was plenty of destruction to be seen from the road. It’s amazing how the fire spares one house only to devour another. Quite fickle! I swear I saw a burnt up Dodge Command Car, but we passed it too fast to get a photo.

The fire burnt most all the hills looking in front of us (which was to the west)

Eventually we made it to Winthrop. We toured the western-themed town and got some pics. Then retired to the “Eagles Nest” room at Chewuch Inn. The second story room had a western view that was perfect for hanging out, playing some guitar and watching the sunset. Even several deer ate and hung out below us. IA very relaxing way to spend our anniversary.

Ann is stalking the deer. You can just barely make me out playing the guitar on the 2nd story porch.

Wonderful evening!

TUESDAY: Wintrop to Oroville At 10am we headed north out of the tiny western-themed town of Winthrop. Our goal was to read Forest Service Road 37 and take that over a semi-remote pass into Conconully (we eventually learned it’s pronounced: Kahnk kahnoly). I can’t tell you how often I mispronounced that one! What we didn’t know for sure was whether the road was open or not. The remains of the Carlton Complex fire (largest one in Washington State History) was still smolder over the ridge to the south of the FS 37, so we were concerned it could close. Fortunately, it remained open. Because we had all the maps we needed to track FS 37 as it wound through the Okanagon National Forest, the route was well marked and easy to follow. I’m sure had we not had maps, we’d have never found our way! The road was paved for the first third of the way, then was a pretty smooth gravel road for another third, before the pavement reappeared. We encountered no vehicles during our drive, but did pass two bicyclers a few miles into our drive. About half way into the drive, we encountered a Y, where FS 39 starts north, while FS 37 turns to the east. After consulting the map, we learned FS 39 looks like a fun drive north for thirty miles (don’t have the map in front of me) before FS 38 takes off to the east toward Palmer Laker. We considered following FS 38, but with my great Aunt waiting for us, we decided to keep on our planned route. While the drive over FS 37 was beautiful (and friendly enough I’d take the motorhome over it, with vistas, burned trees, gravel roads, and more, what surprised us is what we found after we arrived at Conconully. Conconully States Park is beautifully situated on the north side of Conconully Reservoir with mountains surrounding it. The State Park was large, flat, uncrowded, and very inviting. We plan to return in the motorhome sometime.

Guess we got a little dusty!

After lunch at Conconully State Park, we headed north on Sinlahekin Road, which followed Conconully Lake as it wound through a trees and a valley. The pavement only lasted a few miles before we encountered a gravel road. Though mostly flat, the road got much rougher than FS 37. But the rough road was worth it for the lake and mountain views. There were several different campsites along the way. The best part for Ann was when we stopped for photos she could see the fish swimming in the lake. She was ready to stop and fish! As we continued northward, the lakes gateway to a narrow valley barely wide enough for the rough road. Soon we entered the Sinlahekin Wildlife Refuge, which was open for camping and fishing (or maybe it was a state facility next to the wildlife refuge … it wasn’t entirely clear). I’m sure during hunting season the place was packed, but on a Tuesday there was one camper among many different primitive campsites. It’s another place we plan to add to the camping listing. From there the drive continued on gravel road until Loomis. From Loomis, we followed Palmer Lake for quite a while. It was pretty, but not as welcoming as the Conconully area. We eventually landed in Oroville, where my 94 year old great aunt took us on a driving tour (yes, she drove us and still drives well) of a town she’s lived in since 1944. She knew a thing or two about the area 🙂 Tomorrow we head east along the Canadian border. We expect to land in Kettle Falls, where I hope to catch up on some posts.

North Washington Trip | July 30th Oroville to Colville –>