LAKE OSOYOOS STATE 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.
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.
A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to Washington state parks for day use. For more information about the Discover Pass and exemptions, please visit the
Discover Pass web page.