Similkameen Trail
This one is a jewel. A railtrail with opportunities for biking, hiking, birding, wildlife, wildflowers, river views, salmon viewing, photography, waterfall, and history. If you want an urban trail this one has it all. The trail is 7 miles round trip from Oroville or 4 miles round trip from Taber's trailhead west of Oroville.
The trail follows the Similkameen River into the river gorge for incredible views. A 375-foot bridge is 86 feet above the river and provides excellent viewing for salmon and steelhead runs. The history of the Okanogan and Similkameen Valleys is told through interpretive signs along the trail and the local high school has placed benches at view points throughout. And lastly, Similkameen Falls is a real treat for hikers at trails end.
Driving Directions:
7 mile hike: from SR 97 follow signs to The Old Depot Museum and VC. The Oroville trailhead is just up the street from the museum - follow signs. Recent Trip Reports
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Day hike
Issues:
No water source
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This trail was pleasant. We started in the town of Oroville and headed down the gravel trail. The tr...
This trail was pleasant. We started in the town of Oroville and headed down the gravel trail. The trail head didn't look like much but we started out anyways. At first it seemed pretty iffy. The right side of the trail your view is an apple packing shed :(. But if you continue on you begin to follow the river and a nice well maintained gravel walkway.
A few benches and information fact signs dot the path as you go. Make sure to bring sun screen and water as there is little shade and NO water source. Eventually you make your way to a small fenced in vineyard on your left about halfway to the end of the trail. This half is the better half of the walk for sure. It also is an optional starting point. You continue over an impressive bridge and through partly shaded trail and eventually you will reach a gate and sign that says "END OF TRAIL" This whole trail in on private property but they graciously allowed for the trail to be put in. At the end of the trail there is an impressive view of Enloe Dam. Sit and eat your lunch here and take in the views!
Similkameen Trail
— Jul 02, 2012
— Cathie Mac
Day hike
Features:
Wildflowers blooming
Issues:
No water source
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7 miles round trip from behind the Oroville library. started by 9 am to avoid the heat. gradual incl...
7 miles round trip from behind the Oroville library. started by 9 am to avoid the heat. gradual incline due to old railroad bed. This trail will continue another few miles to the ghost town of Nighthawk. Very well maintained and easy. there's an alternate entrance/exit that cuts off about 2 miles from the Oroville/Loomis highway.
Lots of wildflowers, bear scat, birds. very few people. Day hike
Features:
Wildflowers blooming
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The Washington & Great Northern railbed follows the Similkameen River west from Oroville WA. A seco...
The Washington & Great Northern railbed follows the Similkameen River west from Oroville WA. A second trailhead 1 mile west of Oroville offers an easy hike to the tall girder bridge spanning the river. Another 2 miles takes you to the Similkameen Falls overlook and the end of the 3.5 mile trail.
Plans call for the trail to continue 12.5 miles to the ghost town of Nighthawk. A nice easy grade suitable for all ages. Benches and historic descriptions are available along the trail. Non-motorized. Be sure to visit the Old Depot Museum and VC near the Oroville trailhead. |
 Simlikameen River Gorge. Photo by T Murray.
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