OSOYOOS LAKE VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK.
Osoyoos Lake State Veteran's Memorial Park is a 47-acre camping park on a 14-mile-long lake that stretches several miles north into British Columbia. Located in the midst of a hot and arid environment, the park provides welcome respite with its sandy shores, green lawns and shade trees. A war veteran's memorial is in the park.
Osoyoos Lake State Park was a Washington state park in Okanogan County until it was sold to the city of Oroville and renamed Osoyoos Lake Veterans Memorial Park.
14-mile-long Osoyoos Lake is formed by the Okanogan River widening south of the Canadian Rockies. The park has expansive lawns leading down to the sandy shore of the lake. Shade is provided by willow trees.
The area is hot and dry in the summer, with usual temperatures of 80 to 90 degrees. The area's average annual rainfall is13 inches, with 10 inches of cool-weather snowfall.
The park's full name is Osoyoos Lake State Veteran's Memorial Park because some of the land was given to the state by the American Legion. In 1998, veterans groups donated a plaque and memorial that dedicate the park to all veterans who served their country in war and peace. The lake originally was called "Soyoos," meaning "The Narrows," by Native Americans. The area was historically used by Native Americans as a campsite and for horse races. In the mid-19th century, the same area was used by miners and cattle drivers following the Caribou Trail north to the Fraser River gold fields in Canada.
Watercraft launch reopens March 15.
The park has two boat ramps and 40 feet of dock. Motorized and non-motorized boating are allowed, along with other water sports.
A daily permit is available for watercraft launching, vehicle parking and trailer dumping at the park for $5.Annual permits also may be purchased at State Parks Headquarters in Olympia, at region offices, online, and at parks when staff is available.