Landscape Dead and Alive

September 1, 2010

Okanogan Falls, B.C.

Before we left the campground in Wenatchee we walked three miles of the 10-mile walk or bike Apple Loop Trail around the city. Our walk took us through the Horan Natural Area to the Walla Walla park where we saw the confluence of the Wenatchee and Columbia Rivers. This man-made wetland area with its interpretive trail, eagles, shore birds, and the sound of loons is another feather in Wenatchee’s cap.

We followed the Columbia River north from Wenatchee on the east side of the river until we reached the Okanogan valley where the river goes east and we continued north. This stretch of placid water reminded me of a quarter mile wide lake because it is water harnessed by the Rocky Reach and Wells dam. Dale said, “Parts look dead and parts look alive.” The “dead” parts are the tumbled, jumbled upheavals of granite that have been exposed by millions of years of wind, water, ice and snow, and the “alive” parts are the verdant, irrigated orchards below. The contrast is breathtaking, and I never tire of it.

This landscape became low scrub, sage brush and barren when we arrived at Pateros Lake, but became lush again in the Okanogan Valley. After we crossed the border into Canada vineyards dominated.

Today’s Route:

WA and CA Hwy 97 from Wenatchee to Okanogan Falls, B.C.