Outdoor Living: Remote areas of Washington State for adventurous travelers
Washington State, located in the northwestern United States, is famous for its stunning nature and diverse landscapes. This region attracts adventurers and extreme lifestyle enthusiasts with its majestic landscapes that include mountains, ocean, rivers, lakes and national parks. The state’s borders are bounded by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the majestic Cascade Mountains to the east. Deep forests and meandering rivers run along the coast, creating unique opportunities for those seeking exciting outdoor adventures.
Washington offers diverse accommodations and a wide range of extreme sports and outdoor activities. Local national parks such as Mount Rainier, Olympic, and North Cascades provide plenty of opportunities for mountaineering, hiking, kayaking, and snowboarding. These factors make the state an attractive relocation destination for people who seek to live in harmony with nature and enjoy an active lifestyle.
Remote counties in Washington State
Washington State’s remote counties offer unique living and adventure opportunities. Let’s take a closer look at some of these counties, their natural features and extreme vacation opportunities.
Okanogan County
Location
Okanogan County is located in the north-central part of Washington State, bordered by Canada to the north and Ferry and Douglas counties to the south. With an area of about 13,481 square kilometers, Okanagan is the largest county by area in Washington State.
The main cities of the county are Omak, Okanogan, and Tonawanda. This county is known for its wide open spaces and magnificent views.
Natural Features
Okanogan County is known for its diverse natural landscapes. Its territory includes:
- East Cascade Mountains: These mountains provide excellent opportunities for mountaineering, mountain biking and hiking.
- Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest: This vast forested area covers much of the county and offers many trails for hiking and camping.
- Okanagan River and numerous lakes: There are many rivers and lakes in the county that are suitable for fishing, kayaking and swimming.
- Winter Sports Slopes: Looper Ski Resort and other local resorts offer excellent skiing and snowboarding conditions.
Climate
The climate in Okanogan County varies with altitude. Summer months are usually warm and dry, with temperatures reaching 30-35°C. Winter temperatures can drop to -10°C and below, especially in the higher elevations. Snowfalls in winter provide good conditions for winter sports.
Accessibility and infrastructure
The remote areas of Okanogan County can be difficult to access for some people, but roads and infrastructure provide access to most places. Although Okanogan County is remote, it is well connected by the road network. The main roads in the county are:
- US Route 97: A major highway running north-south through the county, providing access to Canada and southern Washington counties.
- State Route 20: Stretches from west to east, connecting Okanogan to other regions of the state and providing scenic views.
The cities of Omak, Okanagan and Tonawanda provide basic services and amenities such as shopping, schools, medical facilities and restaurants. These towns are also home to county administration buildings and other important institutions.
Extreme Recreation Opportunities
Okanogan County offers a wide range of extreme sports and outdoor activities including:
- Mountaineering and rock climbing: the East Cascade Mountains offer trails of varying difficulty for amateurs and professionals.
- Mountain biking: The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has many mountain biking trails.
- Kayaking and Rafting: The county’s rivers and lakes provide excellent conditions for water sports.
- Winter Sports: Looper Ski Resort and other local slopes are ideal for skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling.
- Hiking and Camping: Trails in national forests and mountainous areas offer spectacular views and adventure.
Chelan County
Location and Size
Chelan County is located in the central part of Washington State. It is bordered by Okanogan County to the north, Douglas County to the east, Kittitas County to the south, and King County to the west. The county covers an area of about 7,876 square kilometers, making it one of the largest counties in the state by area.
Natural Features
Chelan County is known for its spectacular natural landscapes, which include:
- Lake Chelan: One of the deepest and longest lakes in the United States, surrounded by mountains and offering excellent conditions for water sports and recreation.
- North Cascades National Park: This area of high mountains, deep gorges and glaciers provides unique opportunities for mountaineering, hiking and wildlife watching.
- Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest: Encompasses a large portion of the county and offers a variety of trails for hiking, camping, and mountain biking.
Climate
The climate in Chelan County ranges from continental to mountainous. Summer months are typically warm and dry, with temperatures reaching 30-35°C. Winters can be cold, with temperatures dropping to -10°C and below, especially in the mountainous areas. The considerable amount of snow in winter provides excellent conditions for winter sports.
Accessibility and Infrastructure
Chelan County is well connected by the road network, making it accessible to visitors and residents:
- US Route 97 and 97A: Major highways through the county connect it to neighboring counties and provide convenient access to various regions.
- State Route 2: Runs east-west and connects Wenatchee to the western part of the state.
The major cities in the county include Wenatchee and Chelan, where shopping, schools, medical facilities, and restaurants are located. These towns are also home to county administration buildings and other important institutions.
Extreme Recreation Opportunities
Chelan County offers a wide range of extreme sports and outdoor activities:
- Water Sports: Lake Chelan is ideal for swimming, kayaking, sailing, fishing and windsurfing.
- Mountaineering and Climbing: The mountainous areas of North Cascades National Park provide routes of varying difficulty for amateurs and professionals.
- Mountain biking: Trails in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest offer exciting routes for cyclists.
- Winter Sports: Mission Ridge ski resorts and other local slopes are ideal for skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling.
- Hiking and Camping: Numerous trails in national parks and forests offer unique hiking and camping opportunities.
Skagit County
Location and Size
Skagit County is located in the northwestern part of Washington State. It is bordered by Whatcom County to the north, Snohomish County to the south, the Cascade Mountains to the east, and the Puget Sound Bay to the west. The county covers about 4,464 square kilometers, making it the medium-sized county in the state.
Natural Features
Skagit County is known for its diverse natural landscapes, which include:
- Puget Sound: A coastline with many islands and coves ideal for marine sports and recreation.
- North Cascades National Park: Part of this park is located in the eastern part of the county and offers high mountains, glaciers and deep gorges.
- Skagit River: The county’s main river, suitable for fishing, kayaking and rafting.
Climate
Skagit County has a mild, maritime climate with moderate temperatures year round. Summer months are typically warm and dry, with temperatures around 20-25°C. Winters are mild and humid, with temperatures around 0-10°C. In the mountainous areas, the climate is more severe, with a lot of snow in winter.
Accessibility and Infrastructure
Skagit County has a well-developed road infrastructure, making it easily accessible to residents and visitors:
- Interstate 5 (I-5): The main north-south highway through the county, connecting it to major cities such as Seattle and Vancouver.
- State Route 20: Runs east-west through the county, providing access to the North Cascades National Park and the Puget Sound coast.
Major cities in the county include Mount Vernon, Annacorte, and Sedro-Woolley. These cities provide all the services and amenities you need, including shopping, schools, medical facilities, and restaurants.
Extreme Recreation Opportunities
Skagit County offers many opportunities for extreme recreation and active lifestyles:
- Marine Sports: Puget Sound is ideal for kayaking, sailing, diving and fishing.
- Mountaineering and Climbing: North Cascades National Park provides trails of varying difficulty for climbers and mountaineers.
- Mountain Biking: Trails in the national forests and mountains offer excellent mountain biking opportunities.
- Winter Sports: Skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling are available in the eastern part of the county in the mountains.
- Hiking and Camping: Numerous trails and campgrounds in North Cascades National Park and national forests make the county ideal for hiking and camping.
San Juan County
Location and Size
San Juan County consists of an archipelago located in northwestern Washington State, in Puget Sound, between the mainland state and Vancouver Island in Canada. The major islands of the county include San Juan, Orcas, Lopez, and Shaw. The total area of the county is about 1,621 square kilometers, of which about 621 square kilometers is land and the remaining 1,000 square kilometers is water.
Natural Features
San Juan County is known for its scenic coastlines, green hills and unique flora and fauna. Key natural features include:
- Shorelines and Bays: Rocky shores and sandy beaches create ideal conditions for nautical sports.
- Forests and Parks: The islands’ national parks and reserves offer many opportunities for hiking and wildlife watching.
- Marine Life: The islands are known for their inhabitants such as orcas, seals and sea lions, making them a popular destination for whale watching.
Climate
San Juan County has a temperate maritime climate, with mild winters and cool summers. Summer months are usually dry and sunny, with temperatures around 20-25°C. Winters are mild and humid, with temperatures around 5-10°C. Due to their location, the islands are protected from harsh weather conditions, making them comfortable to live in all year round.
Accessibility and Infrastructure
San Juan County has limited automobile infrastructure, but it is well connected to the mainland via ferries and aviation:
- Ferries: Washington State Ferries provides regular service to the mainland, connecting the main islands to Annacorte on the state mainland.
- Airports: There are small airports on the San Juan and Orcas Islands, providing air service to Seattle and other regions.
- Roads: Inland roads on the islands are mostly paved and well-maintained, providing convenient travel between communities.
Major cities and towns in the county include Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, Eastside on Orcas, and Lopez Village on Lopez. Major shopping, restaurants, schools and medical facilities are located here, providing all the necessary amenities for living.
Extreme Recreation Opportunities
San Juan County offers a variety of opportunities for extreme recreation and active lifestyles:
- Kayaking and Canoeing: The shorelines and bays provide ideal conditions for kayaking and canoeing, allowing you to explore coastal waters and observe marine life.
- Sailing and Yachting: The calm waters of Puget Sound are ideal for sailing and yachting, providing unforgettable adventures.
- Diving and Snorkeling: The waters around the islands are rich with marine life, making them popular for diving and snorkeling.
- Whale Watching: Boat tours allow you to observe whales and other marine life in their natural habitat.
- Hiking and Camping: Numerous trails and campgrounds on the islands offer unique hiking and camping opportunities, allowing you to enjoy nature and solitude.
Pend Oreille County
Location and Size
Pend Oreille County is located in the northeastern part of Washington State, bordered by Canada to the north, Stevens County to the west, and Idaho to the east. The county covers approximately 3,703 square kilometers, making it relatively small compared to other counties in the state.
Natural Features
Pend Oreille County is known for its diverse natural landscapes, which include:
- Pend Oreille River: The county’s main waterway, flowing through scenic valleys and offering excellent water sports.
- Selkirk Mountains: These mountains cover much of the county and provide opportunities for mountaineering, hiking and wildlife watching.
- Lakes and Forests: The county abounds with lakes such as Quinslake and Salmon Lake, as well as extensive forested areas.
Climate
The climate in Pend Oreille County ranges from continental to mountainous. Summer months are typically warm, with temperatures around 25-30°C. Winters can be cold and snowy, with temperatures dropping to -10°C and below. The large amount of snow in winter provides good conditions for winter sports.
Accessibility and infrastructure
Pend Oreille County, despite its remoteness, has a well-developed infrastructure for comfortable living and active recreation:
- US Route 2: The main highway through the county connects it to other regions of the state and provides convenient access to major transportation hubs.
- State Route 20: Runs through the northern part of the county, connecting it to Canada and other Washington counties.
The major cities in the county include Newport and Metaline Falls. These cities contain major institutions such as shopping, schools, medical centers, and restaurants. Newport is the administrative center of the county and is the most developed population center.
Extreme Recreation Opportunities
Pend Oreille County provides many opportunities for extreme recreation and active lifestyles:
- Water Sports: The Pend Oreille River and the county’s many lakes offer excellent conditions for kayaking, canoeing, fishing and swimming.
- Mountaineering and Climbing: The Selkirk Mountains provide routes of varying difficulty for climbers and mountaineers.
- Mountain Biking: Forest trails and mountain routes are ideal for mountain biking enthusiasts.
- Winter sports: The area offers excellent conditions for skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling due to the abundance of snow during the winter months.
- Hiking and Camping: National forests and mountainous areas offer numerous trails and campgrounds for hiking and camping.
Washington State offers unique opportunities for nature lovers and extreme lifestyle enthusiasts. The state’s remote counties such as the Okanagan, Chelan, Skagit, San Juan, and Pend Oreille provide a variety of natural settings for outdoor activities and adventure.
Our moving company is ready to take on all the challenges of moving to these remote areas, ensuring your comfort and safety at every stage of your move. Whether you are planning to move to the mountains, a lake, or islands, we can help you realize your dream of outdoor living.
Contact us to learn more about moving and begin your new adventure in one of the most scenic and extreme areas of Washington State! Our experts are available to answer all your questions and help with your relocation arrangements.
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