Similkameen River Water Access Improvement

Category Overview

The State Lands Development and Renovation category provides funding to two state agencies to repair, renovate, and develop outdoor recreation facilities on existing recreation lands. As the popularity of outdoor recreation increases in our state, these grants help address overcrowding, ensure our outdoor amenities are safe for public use, improve visitor experience, and allow more people to enjoy our great outdoors.

Project Highlights

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will use this grant to improve three water access sites along the Similkameen River. WDFW will lay gravel in the parking areas, renovate the access roads, improve signs, and update fences and barrier rocks to keep visitors from impacting surrounding habitat. The work will be done along the river from near the Canadian border to 10 miles downstream. This constitutes the bulk of the Similkameen Water Trail. Kayaking, canoeing, fishing, wildlife watching, picnicking, photographing nature, and general day-use of these sites is expected to increase with improved facilities. The primary recreation opportunity provided by this project is water access.

Quick Facts

WWRP Applicant: Fish & Wildlife Dept of Category: State Lands Development & Renovation WWRP Grant: $281,200.00 Applicant Match: $0.00 Project Type: Development County: Okanogan Legislative District: 7 Status: Active RCO Project # 20-1257

Location Details

From Loomis, north on Loomis-Oroville Rd for 9.4 mi; left on Chopaka Rd for 7.2 mi to site on right

What is the WWRP

The Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) is a state grant program that creates and conserves local and state parks, wildlife habitat and working farms. The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office administers WWRP grants, and the legislature funds the program.