Conconully combines a distinctive waterscape with local history and recurring events. Conconully State Park covers 97 acres and has 5,400 feet of freshwater shoreline. Its views extend across forests, creeks and lakes to the mountains. In town, parks, a museum and historic buildings offer a different focus from the expansive landscape around the state park.
Lakes, Shorelines and Nature Around Conconully
Both the shoreline measurements and the views define the landscape of the state park: its freshwater shoreline stretches for 5,400 feet, while forests, creeks, lakes and mountains frame the views. Conconully Lake, also called Upper Lake, is associated with rainbow trout and black bass. Fish species and stocking conditions can vary seasonally.
Upper Conconully Lake Campground has 11 renovated campsites, including one fully accessible site. This makes camping a distinct lodging option alongside other accommodations.
Another natural setting lies outside town: the Scotch Creek Wildlife Area Unit is four miles southeast of Conconully. Hiking, biking and horseback riding are possible there on service roads and off established trails. Access and road conditions can vary seasonally. These details are especially relevant when planning activities outside town; they differ from the shoreline and landscape views in the state park.
From Founding to Irrigation History
Conconully was incorporated by charter in 1887 and served as the Okanogan County seat from 1889 to 1914. Another chapter of its early history is located in today’s state park: on March 1, 1890, the land at its center passed into private ownership by James F. DePue, Thomas Lowthian and William Yeargin as the patented “Golden Sand” placer mining claim in the Salmon River Mining District.
On December 2, 1905, Conconully Dam was authorized as part of the Okanogan Irrigation Project, which was considered the first federal irrigation project in Washington. A historic log cabin is also part of the park’s history: it was moved from John Perkins’s ranch to Conconully State Park. The Conconully Museum offers insights into residents’ lives and the work of local businesses in the early years of the 20th century.
In the wider Conconully area, Conconully Reservoir and the dam have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since September 6, 1974. The dam is considered the first and one of only a few hydraulic fill dams built by the Bureau of Reclamation.
Local Highlights and Seasonal Events
Matsura Park spans the north arm of Salmon Creek, which flows through Conconully. This puts a named waterway right in town, while the state park is characterized by its extensive freshwater shoreline and views of the surrounding landscape. United Methodist Church in Conconully continues to hold Sunday services; check service times before visiting.
The Conconully Trout Derby takes place every year on opening weekend of fishing season. Dates and registration details may change, so it’s a good idea to check before planning your trip. The annual Independence Day Celebration includes a judged show of classic and vintage cars; the program and activities may also change.
At Conktoberfest, the food and beers on offer draw on German Oktoberfest traditions. The selection may vary from year to year. The annual Outhouse Races feature head-to-head races in several classes, with winners crowned at the end of the day. The course runs along snow-covered Main Street. Together, these events offer different reasons to visit: the Trout Derby is timed to the start of fishing season, while the Outhouse Races depend on a snow-covered course.
Discover more destinations: Okanogan, Twisp, Riverside, Brewster, Omak, Mazama.
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