38 Acres in Wauconda, WA - $495,000

Renovations: The farmhouse has been thoughtfully updated with a brand-new kitchen, complete with modern appliances and finishes. The entire home boasts new wiring and upgraded plumbing, ensuring safety and efficiency. A new furnace and an updated water system add to the home’s comfort and convenience.

Bathrooms: The second-level bathroom is a luxurious retreat, featuring a large soaker tub. A new shower is currently being built, adding to the home’s modern amenities.

Living Space: Enjoy spacious living areas designed for comfort and practicality, perfect for both relaxing and entertaining.

Barn and Outbuildings:

Barn: The property includes a substantial 6040 foot barn with five stalls and ample hay storage. It is equipped with water and power, a large heated tack room with a composting toilet, making it ideal for equestrian enthusiasts.

Shop: The 6025 foot shop is a versatile space with two car-sized bays and a 14-foot door, perfect for an RV. It also includes a workshop area for all your projects and storage needs.

Wood Shed/Carport: A 4515 foot structure provides lots of storage space.

Chicken Coop: The 2516 foot chicken coop is perfect for your feathered friends.

Cabin: A charming 1416 foot old cabin on site offers potential as an Airbnb with a little renovation.

Fencing: The property is fully fenced, providing a safe and secure environment for your livestock.

Water Sources: A year-round creek and an artisan spring flowing out of the hillside ensure a reliable water supply for your animals.

Recreation

Outdoor and Recreational Opportunities:

Land: The 38 acres offer rolling hills, lush fields, and plenty of space for livestock. The maintained road leading to the property meanders up into the mountains, providing stunning views and easy access.

Equestrian: Head out on your horse directly from your field and explore the beautiful surroundings.

Recreation: The Okanogan Highlands is known for its abundant wildlife and outdoor recreation opportunities, including hunting, fishing, hiking, and bird watching.

Convenience: Located on a maintained road, this property ensures easy year-round access. The serene, rural setting is balanced by the convenience of being close to Republic and Tonasket, where you can find all necessary amenities.

This farmhouse is a beautiful place to live, offering a unique combination of modern updates, practical outbuildings, and stunning natural surroundings. Don’t miss this opportunity to own a slice of paradise in the Okanogan Highlands!

Agriculture

Fencing: The property is fully fenced, providing a safe and secure environment for your livestock.

Water Sources: A year-round creek and an artesian spring flowing out of the hillside ensure a reliable water supply for your animals.

Soil and Timber: The soils are ideal for horses, cows, or whatever you want to raise. The east side of the property boasts a good amount of timber, including Red Fir and Pine, along with plenty of green grass. The artesian spring is a significant bonus, providing year-round water bubbling out of the ground.

Region & Climate

History

History of the Okanogan Highlands

The Okanogan Highlands, located in north-central Washington State, have a rich and diverse history that spans thousands of years. This region’s history is marked by its indigenous heritage, exploration, fur trading, mining, agriculture, and development into the unique area it is today.

Indigenous Peoples

Pre-European Contact:

The Okanogan Highlands were originally inhabited by Native American tribes, primarily the Southern Okanogan Tribe, also known as the Sinkaietk or Uknaqinx. These tribes were part of the larger Interior Salish group.

The indigenous peoples lived a semi-nomadic lifestyle, relying on hunting, fishing, and gathering. They made use of the abundant natural resources, including the Okanogan River, which was rich with salmon and steelhead.

Seasonal movements were common, with winter camps in the lower valleys and summer camps in the higher elevations to gather plants and berries and hunt game.

European Exploration and Fur Trade

Early 1800s:

European exploration of the region began in the early 19th century. The Okanogan River was well known to fur traders and early non-Indian explorers.

The North West Company, a Canadian fur trading enterprise, established Fort Okanogan at the confluence of the Okanogan and Columbia Rivers in 1811. This fort became a significant hub for trade between the indigenous populations and European traders.

In 1821, the Hudson’s Bay Company took over operations and continued to expand the fur trade in the area.

Mining and Settlement

Mid to Late 1800s:

The discovery of gold in the mid-1800s brought prospectors to the Okanogan Highlands. Gold rushes in the surrounding areas, such as British Columbia’s Fraser River and Cariboo regions, attracted miners who also explored the Okanogan for potential riches.

Although the region did not experience a massive gold rush like some other areas, mining for gold, silver, and other minerals became a significant part of the local economy.

By the late 1800s, as the mining boom started to decline, settlers began to realize the agricultural potential of the fertile valleys.

Agricultural Development

Early 1900s:

Around 1900, as the mining fever cooled, settlers turned their attention to agriculture. The Okanogan Valley, with its rich bottomlands, became known for its potential as orchard land and farmland, especially with the addition of irrigation.

In 1905, the U.S. Department of the Interior approved the Okanogan Irrigation Project, the first U.S. Reclamation Service project in Washington State. This project brought water to the arid region, transforming it into productive agricultural land.

Pioneer entrepreneurs platted townsites, leading to the development of communities like Tonasket, Oroville, and Omak.

Modern Development

20th Century to Present:

The region continued to grow, with agriculture (especially apple orchards) becoming a cornerstone of the local economy. Ranching also played a significant role.

The construction of highways and the development of transportation infrastructure improved access to the region.

In the latter half of the 20th century, tourism and recreation emerged as important economic activities. The natural beauty and recreational opportunities of the Okanogan Highlands attracted visitors for activities like hiking, hunting, fishing, and skiing.

The area’s rich history and natural resources continue to shape its identity, making it a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern development.

The Okanogan Highlands’ history is a tapestry woven from the threads of indigenous heritage, exploration, fur trading, mining, agriculture, and modern recreational development. This diverse history contributes to the region’s unique character and enduring appeal.

Location

Location Description for Wacounda, WA Property

Geographic Setting

Wacounda, WA: The property is located in Wacounda, a serene and picturesque area in Okanogan County, Washington. Nestled in the Okanogan Highlands, Wacounda is characterized by its rolling hills, abundant wildlife, and stunning natural beauty.

Nearby Towns

Tonasket, WA: Approximately 25 minutes from Wacounda, Tonasket offers essential amenities, including grocery stores, healthcare facilities, schools, and various dining options.

Republic, WA: Located about 30 minutes from Wacounda, Republic is a quaint town known for its historical significance and charming downtown area. It provides additional services such as restaurants, shops, and local attractions.

Omak, WA: A 45-minute drive from Wacounda, Omak is a larger town that offers more extensive amenities, including a Home Depot, Walmart, and a variety of retail stores, medical facilities, and entertainment options.

Airports

Tonasket Municipal Airport: A regional airport located in Tonasket, approximately 25 minutes from Wacounda. It features a 3,000-foot paved landing strip suitable for private aircraft.

Republic Airport: Located in Republic, about 30 minutes away, this airport caters to private planes and offers convenient access for small aircraft.

Spokane International Airport: Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours away, Spokane International Airport is the closest major airport, providing commercial flights and a wide range of services.

Wenatchee Pangborn Memorial Airport: About 2.5 hours from Wacounda, this regional airport offers commercial flights and connections to major cities.

Local Attractions and Amenities

Loomis, WA: Just a few miles away, Loomis is a small town offering a food deli, gas station, and a selection of everyday necessities. With a population of around 100 people, Loomis also has a post office and serves as a convenient stop for basic needs.

Recreational Opportunities: The surrounding Okanogan Highlands offer endless recreational activities, including hiking, horseback riding, hunting, fishing, and birdwatching. The area is known for its pristine lakes, abundant wildlife, and scenic landscapes.

Shopping and Dining: For more extensive shopping and dining options, the nearby towns of Tonasket, Republic, and Omak provide a variety of choices. These towns offer everything from local eateries and cafes to larger retail stores and specialty shops.

Healthcare: Medical facilities are available in Tonasket, Republic, and Omak, ensuring that healthcare services are within a reasonable distance.

This property in Wacounda, WA, offers the perfect blend of seclusion and convenience, with easy access to nearby towns, essential amenities, and a wealth of recreational opportunities in the beautiful Okanogan Highlands.