Chopaka Lake Campground

For Washington locals dreaming of an unspoiled alpine retreat, far from the crowds and connected deeply with nature, Chopaka Lake Campground offers a truly special experience. Tucked away in a remote basin near Loomis, within the magnificent Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, this primitive campground is a hidden gem for those who appreciate rugged beauty, challenging fly fishing, and genuine tranquility. It's a place where the journey is as much a part of the adventure as the destination, leading you to a pristine mountain lake often frequented by wildlife.

Chopaka Lake is renowned as a "remote alpine lake," offering a serene escape that appeals to dedicated anglers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Visitors consistently praise the "beautiful and special area," highlighting the unique blend of challenging access and rewarding experiences. The lake is a premier fly-fishing-only destination, managed for quality rather than quantity, meaning anglers can expect to encounter hard-fighting trout that can grow "quite large." One reviewer notes the "fishing can be a bit challenging but the fish here are hard fighting and can get quite large," which is often a thrill for experienced fly fishers.

The journey to Chopaka Lake Campground adds to its allure, with the road described as a "challenge if you don’t have a sturdy SUV/truck." This helps maintain its remote character, ensuring that those who make the effort are truly seeking an off-grid experience. While cell service is typically absent at the campground itself, a short drive up to "the hairpin turn above the lake" can often provide "1-2 bars of connection" for brief check-ins. Campers can expect basic amenities, including "pit toilets and there’s a cistern for potable water," emphasizing a rustic camping style where Leave No Trace principles are paramount. Visitors are often captivated by the surrounding scenery, with the area's natural beauty and the potential for "mountain goats often seen high on the surrounding mountain sides" adding to the unique charm.

It is crucial for potential visitors to note that access can be affected by weather and road conditions. As of a recent update (May 18, 2025), there was a report of the campground being "Closed due to flooding and road washed out per DNR." This highlights the importance of checking current conditions before planning your trip to this high-country destination.

Location and Accessibility

Chopaka Lake Campground is located near Loomis, WA 98827, USA, situated deep within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. It resides in northern Okanogan County, close to the Canadian border, at an elevation suitable for alpine and subalpine environments. The journey to Chopaka Lake is part of its wilderness appeal. From Loomis, access is typically via the Toats Coulee Road (Forest Road 39) or similar forest service roads, including the Chopaka Mountain Road. These roads are known to be unpaved, steep, and can be rough, especially the "Chopaka Grade." Therefore, a "sturdy SUV/truck" with high clearance is highly recommended for access. Drive-in access is generally available from approximately mid-April to mid-November, depending on snow conditions.

As a remote location, cell phone service at the campground is generally unavailable, though a weak signal might be found at higher points nearby. Always carry detailed maps, downloaded directions, and emergency supplies. Be prepared for potentially "changeable" weather and "abrupt" winds, even during summer months. Given the recent report of flooding and road washouts, it is absolutely essential to contact the relevant managing agency, such as the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) responsible for this section of the forest, for current road and campground status before attempting to visit.

Services Offered

• Primitive, designated campsites (typically 8 to 16 sites, depending on the managing agency's designation).
• Each campsite generally includes a picnic table and a fire ring with a grate.
• Vault toilet facilities are available, and often noted for being clean.
• A cistern or well provides a source of potable drinking water, though some campers may prefer to bring their own or treat additional water.
• A boat ramp is available for launching non-motorized boats onto Chopaka Lake.
• No electric hookups or other modern utility connections are present.
• No trash service; campers are expected to pack out all garbage and adhere to Leave No Trace principles.
• Operates on a first-come, first-served basis; reservations are typically not accepted.
• A fee may be required, often payable on-site via a self-service system. The Northwest Forest Pass may be applicable for some uses in the broader forest area.
• Pets are typically allowed but must be kept on a leash.

Features / Highlights

• Premier Fly-Fishing Lake: Chopaka Lake is a designated fly-fishing-only lake, renowned for its large, hard-fighting rainbow trout. It is managed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife as a "Quality Fisheries" lake.
• Non-Motorized Boating: Ideal for canoes, kayaks, float tubes, and pontoon boats, allowing anglers to access the best fishing spots on the lake. Motors are not permitted.
• Remote Alpine Setting: Offers a truly isolated and peaceful camping experience amidst stunning mountain scenery, far from urban noise and light pollution.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The surrounding Chopaka Mountain Wilderness Study Area is home to diverse wildlife, including a good chance of spotting mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and various bird species.
• Hiking Access: The campground sits at the entrance to the 5,518-acre Chopaka Mountain Wilderness Study Area (WSA), providing access to non-motorized trails for hiking and exploring the untouched wilderness. Note that motorized vehicles and bicycles are not allowed within the WSA.
• Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, the night sky at Chopaka Lake is exceptionally clear, offering incredible opportunities for stargazing.
• Historical Significance: The broader Chopaka area has a rich history, including Native American presence and a mining past.
• Challenging Road Access: While potentially difficult, the drive itself is scenic and acts as a filter, preserving the remote character of the campground.

Contact Information

Address: Loomis, WA 98827, USA

Phone: (509) 684-7474 (Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest - Tonasket Ranger District)

It is highly advisable to contact the Tonasket Ranger District of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest or the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for the most current information regarding Chopaka Lake Campground. This includes checking on road conditions (especially given the recent closure report), fire restrictions, seasonal accessibility, and any specific regulations pertaining to camping and fishing at the lake. Official websites for the BLM or USDA Forest Service in the region are also valuable resources.

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

For Washington locals, particularly those in Eastern Washington or the adventurous types from west of the Cascades, Chopaka Lake Campground represents the pinnacle of a remote, high-country escape. Its designation as a primitive campground, coupled with challenging road access, ensures that those who visit are genuinely seeking a deep connection with the wilderness. This "beautiful and special area" offers a stark contrast to more developed campgrounds, appealing to a segment of the local population that values solitude and self-reliance.

The primary draw for many is the exceptional fly fishing opportunities. As a "fly-fishing only" lake managed for "quality," it presents a unique and rewarding challenge for anglers, promising the chance to hook truly "hard fighting" and "large" trout. This specialized fishing experience makes Chopaka Lake a pilgrimage site for Washington's fly-fishing community. Beyond fishing, the direct access to the Chopaka Mountain Wilderness Study Area provides endless possibilities for hiking, wildlife photography, and simply immersing oneself in the breathtaking alpine environment, often with sightings of iconic mountain goats.

While the potential for changeable weather and the requirement to bring your own water (or filter from the cistern) and pack out all trash reinforce its primitive nature, these aspects are often seen as part of the appeal by experienced local campers. It's an opportunity to truly unplug, as cell service is minimal, allowing for genuine relaxation and appreciation of the natural surroundings. For Washingtonians who dream of crisp mountain air, starry nights untouched by light pollution, and the thrill of a hard-earned catch, Chopaka Lake Campground offers an unparalleled authentic wilderness adventure that remains one of the state's best-kept secrets.

Chopaka Lake Campground

Loomis, WA 98827, USA