McLaughlin Canyon sits four miles south of Tonasket in the dry, open country of Okanogan County. The canyon's gneiss cliffs rise over 400 feet from the canyon floor, and the surrounding terrain is sage, bunchgrass, and scattered ponderosa pine. Despite its location just off US Highway 97, the canyon sees relatively few visitors. This guide covers the driving routes from Seattle, Spokane, and Wenatchee/Leavenworth, the final approach to the trailhead, BLM land boundaries, and essential safety information for rattlesnake season.

Driving from Seattle

McLaughlin Canyon lies roughly 240 miles northeast of Seattle. The drive takes approximately 4.5 hours under normal conditions. Two main routes cross the Cascades:

  1. US-2 over Stevens Pass: Take I-5 north to Everett, then east on US-2 over Stevens Pass to Wenatchee. More scenic and slightly shorter.
  2. I-90 over Snoqualmie Pass: East on I-90 to Ellensburg, then north on US-97 through the Okanogan Valley.

Both routes converge on US-97 heading north through Okanogan, Omak, and Tonasket. Four miles south of Tonasket, watch for Janis Bridge over the Okanogan River. Turn left onto Janis Road just before the bridge.

Fuel and food options thin out after Omak. Fill your tank and stock up on water before heading north. Download offline maps before leaving cell coverage, as GPS signal becomes unreliable north of Wenatchee on US-2 or north of Ellensburg on US-97.

Driving from Spokane

From Spokane, McLaughlin Canyon is approximately 155 miles west, a drive of about 3 hours. The route crosses the Columbia Basin and climbs into the Okanogan Valley:

  1. Take US-2 west from Spokane through Davenport to Wilbur.
  2. In Wilbur, turn north briefly onto WA-21, then west onto WA-174 toward Grand Coulee.
  3. From Grand Coulee, take WA-155 north through Nespelem and over Disautel Pass to Omak.
  4. Follow US-97 north through Omak and Tonasket.
  5. Four miles south of Tonasket, turn left onto Janis Road just before Janis Bridge.

Bad weather alternative: If Disautel Pass is snow-covered or icy, stay on WA-174 past Grand Coulee through Bridgeport to US-97 instead of taking WA-155. This avoids the pass and joins US-97 south of Brewster, adding roughly 20 minutes but staying at lower elevation.

Gas, food, and cell service are reliable through Wilbur and the Columbia Basin towns but become inconsistent north of Brewster. Carry water and snacks for the final stretch.

Driving from Wenatchee or Leavenworth

Wenatchee and Leavenworth are popular climbing hubs, and McLaughlin Canyon is approximately 130 miles north. The drive takes about 2.5 hours up US-97 through the Okanogan Valley:

  1. From Leavenworth, take US-2 east to Wenatchee (22 miles).
  2. From Wenatchee, take US-97 north through Chelan Falls and Pateros to Brewster, Okanogan, Omak, and Tonasket.
  3. Four miles south of Tonasket, turn left onto Janis Road just before Janis Bridge.

Fuel up in Wenatchee or Chelan. Services thin out north of Brewster.

Okanogan Valley at dawn in September, showing the highway corridor leading toward McLaughlin Canyon

Final Approach: Janis Road to the Trailhead

The final approach is straightforward but easy to miss at highway speed. From US-97, four miles south of Tonasket:

No permits, passes, or fees are required. The cliffs rise immediately south of the parking area, visible from the road.

Trailhead Parking

The main parking area is a gravel pullout managed by the BLM. Expect no facilities: no restrooms, no water, no trash service, and no shade. The lot holds roughly a dozen vehicles. On busy spring weekends it can fill by mid-morning.

BLM trailhead information sign at McLaughlin Canyon parking area

BLM Land Boundaries

Land ownership in McLaughlin Canyon follows a simple rule: all land south of McLaughlin Canyon Road is public Bureau of Land Management (BLM) property. All land north of the road is private and clearly posted.

The Trail

The main McLaughlin Canyon trail follows a former wagon road, a two-track path that winds 1.3 miles into the canyon. Round trip distance is 2.5 to 3 miles with roughly 200 feet of elevation gain. The route is easy by eastern Washington standards.

The BLM does not maintain formal trail signs, but the route is obvious. Side paths climb to the rim with panoramic views of the Okanogan Valley. Dogs are allowed but should be leashed due to rattlesnake risk.

What to Bring

McLaughlin Canyon has no facilities at the trailhead or on the trail. No water, no toilets, no benches. The nearest services are in Tonasket, four miles north.

High-desert terrain near McLaughlin Canyon in November showing dry grassland and sage

Rattlesnake Safety

The Northern Pacific rattlesnake is present in McLaughlin Canyon from April through October. They prefer sun-warmed rocks, grassy benches, and trail edges. Most encounters are benign, but preparation reduces risk.

If bitten, remain calm, immobilize the affected limb, and seek medical attention immediately. Do not attempt to suck out venom or use a tourniquet. North Valley Hospital in Tonasket (22 W First St) is the nearest emergency room, approximately 10 minutes from the trailhead.

Seasonal Conditions

Spring (late March through May) brings mild temperatures, wildflowers on slopes recovering from the 2007 and 2015 fires, and the start of rattlesnake season. This is the best time to visit.

Summer temperatures routinely hit 90 to 100 degrees. The canyon radiates heat and offers no shade. Avoid midday hiking from June through August.

Fall (September through November) offers cooler mornings, golden light, and fewer visitors. October is excellent for photography.

Winter access depends on snow conditions. McLaughlin Canyon Road has no snow removal. High-clearance vehicles may be required after storms.

Wildfire Awareness

The canyon burned in 2007 and 2015. Closures can occur with little notice during active fire seasons, typically June through September. Check the Okanogan County emergency management website and BLM fire closure notices before planning a trip in late summer.

Nearest Services

Tonasket (population ~1,000) sits four miles north on US-97 and provides all essential services:

Tonasket businesses close early on Sundays and holidays. Stock up before heading to the trailhead.