About Chopaka Lake and Chopaka Mountain Wilderness Study Area
Hidden deep within the highlands of northern Okanogan County, visitors will discover a jewel of a mountain lake. Aspen tree groves and sagebrush line the shores, providing a scenic backdrop to many lakeside activities. Mountain goats are often seen high on the surrounding mountain sides. Try your luck fly fishing for trout or take a peaceful hike in the 5,518-acre Chopaka Mountain Wilderness Study Area (WSA). The WSA is accessed by non-motorized trails through the Chopaka Lake campground.Know Before You GoChopaka Lake is open YEAR ROUND, but due to snow conditions, road access is limited during the winter. Drive in access is available from approximately mid-April to mid-November.Motorized vehicles and mechanized transport (including bicycles) are not allowed in the WSA.Hike or boat-in camping is allowed in the WSA, but there are no developed campsites.The BLM Chopaka Lake campground has eight campsites with fire rings and a vault toilet.Cellular phone coverage may be limited.Point of InterestRemote Chopaka Lake and its surrounding hillsides are excellent places for viewing wildlife. Catch a glimpse of bald and golden eagles, peregrine falcons, bighorn sheep, black bear, mule deer, moose, and mountain goats.
How to Get There
From Highway 97 at Tonasket, take the Loomis-Oroville Highway west through Loomis. Approximately two miles past Loomis, turn left on the Toats Coulee road. The BLM camping area is north of the Washington State Department of Natural Resources campground and can be accessed via the Loomis State Forest off the Toats Coulee road.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Chopaka Lake and Chopaka Mountain Wilderness Study Area
Heading to Chopaka Lake and Chopaka Mountain Wilderness Study Area? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Chopaka Lake and Chopaka Mountain Wilderness Study Area?
No central reservation system listed for Chopaka Lake and Chopaka Mountain Wilderness Study Area. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1784) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Chopaka Lake and Chopaka Mountain Wilderness Study Area?
From Highway 97 at Tonasket, take the Loomis-Oroville Highway west through Loomis. Approximately two miles past Loomis, turn left on the Toats Coulee road. The BLM camping area is north of the Washington State Department of Natural Resources campground and can be accessed via the Loomis State Forest off the Toats Coulee road.
How do I contact Chopaka Lake and Chopaka Mountain Wilderness Study Area?
You can reach the park at phone: 509-665-2100 or email: BLM_OR_WN_Mail@blm.gov.
References & Official Resources
