The McLaughlin Canyon Trail is a part of the Brigade Trail used by the Hudson's Bay Company in the early 1800's and became known as the Caribou Trail during the Gold Rush in the 1850's. Today it is an easy 3 mile round trip. There was a wildfire here in 2007, but wildflowers are just starting to take hold in this area, which makes it worth the trip in spring and summer.
Back in the 1850s, these trails diverged from the Okanogan River as the shoreline was impassable and climbed into the confined canyon. This became the perfect ambush site. On July 29, 1858, Native Americans from the Chelan, Okanogan, and Columbia tribes ambushed a group of approximately 160 prospectors in McLoughlin Canyon. Six of the travelers are killed, about nine others are wounded, and several Indians may have been killed. The miners withdrew crossed the river and continued their journey amid sniping and theft of stock, but no one else will be killed.
Today, the trail descends the canyon and overlooks the Okanogan River. Even with a wildfire so recent, it is interesting and beautiful to see life returning to the canyon. One note: watch for blowdowns.
McLaughlin Canyon Trail
48.6513,
-119.4383
Map & Directions
-
Length
- 3.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 200 feet
Parking Pass/Entry Fee
None
The McLaughlin Canyon Trail is a part of the Brigade Trail used by the Hudson's Bay Company in the early 1800's and became known as the Caribou Trail during the Gold Rush in the 1850's. Today it is an easy 3 mile round trip. There was a wildfire here in 2007, but wildflowers are just starting to take hold in this area, which makes it worth the trip in spring and summer.
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Hiking McLaughlin Canyon Trail
McLaughlin Canyon Trail
Map & Directions
Trailhead
Before You Go
Parking Pass/Entry Fee
NoneWTA Pro Tip: Save a copy of our directions before you leave! App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead.
