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 Okanogan County Child Development Association
Phone: (509) 826-2466
| Head Start | Early Head Start | Okanogan County | Contact Us |
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ABOUT OKANOGAN COUNTY
The County was established in 1811 when the Pacific Fur Company developed a settlement at Fort Okanogan. The county prospered with fur trading and later with various types of mining.
Okanogan County is rural and remote and is located in North Central Washington State. Our county is nestled in the shadows of the Cascade Mountains on the west, Ferry County to the east, the north is bordered by British Columbia, Canada and the Columbia River is located to the south. The county is 5,281 square miles. Okanogan County is the third largest county in the continental United States and the largest county in Washington.
The western half of Okanogan County is dominated by dense, rugged mountain terrain that makes up most of the Okanogan National Forest. From ruggedness of surrounding mountain ranges the terrain descends into rolling hills and valleys. There are two valleys that make up the characteristics of the county, the Okanogan Valley and the Methow Valley. Rivers with corresponding names feed both valleys. Only 30% of the land within the county is in private ownership due to the amount of state and federal land.
The Colville Indian Reservation covers the southeastern quarter of the county. The 1.4 million acre reservation is one of the largest Indian Reservations in Washington State. Approximately 700,000 acres of tribal land is located in the county and is an integral part of the heritage of the county.
- The population for Okanogan County is 39,600. The population density is 7.1 people per square mile.
- The Okanogan Valley is 835 feet above sea level with average temperatures ranging from minimum of 17.4 degrees Fahrenheit in January to an average of 92 degrees in July.
- Average annual precipitation is 11.65 inches. The climate supports agricultural production, primarily fruit orchards and encourages tourism/recreation.
- The major industries that make up the economy of Okanogan County is: tourism, recreation, construction, retail trade and natural resources.
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