Peaceful Bonaparte Lake, tucked near Canadian border

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Bonaparte Lake Campground is part of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest in Eastern Washington, near the Canadian border. The forest offers four million acres and more than 150 campgrounds and picnic areas.

Visitors are able to experience the solitude of hiking in the wilderness on hundreds of miles of trails. We hiked the Pipsissewa Trail that lead from the campground along several switchbacks up to rock cliffs with great views of Bonaparte Lake and campground (left). This trail is farther than the advertised ‘one’ mile.

The forest is also “a prime location for plenty of great fishing, hunting, horseback riding, mountain biking, climbing, off road vehicles, and winter activities such as cross-country and downhill skiing and snowmobiling. Hundreds of miles of forest roads offer access and sightseeing opportunities.”

As with most campgrounds on this national forest, all the sites at Bonaparte Lake are on first-come, first-serve . There is a total of 25 single sites ($12/night), 3 double sites ($24/night).

We stayed in a double site for $12 (half price with Senior pass) because it was the last open site. And what a great site it was, right on the lake.  Only dry-camping. Potable water and flush toilets are  available.

Directions: From Tonasket take State Route 20 east for 20 miles to Bonaparte Recreation Area exit on Okanogan County Road #4953 which turns into FS Road #32. Travel 6 miles to the campground on left.

Photos: (Julianne G. Crane)

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