Forecast: Nighthawk Boarder Crossing

WABDR Section #6: Conconully to the Canadian Border

  • Start: Conconully, WA

  • End: Nighthawk Border Crossing (near Oroville, WA)

  • Distance: Approximately 75 miles

  • Time: 4–6 hours

  • Technical Difficulty: Moderate. Features steep, rocky climbs and narrow shelf roads. The "Skull and Crossbones" section is the technical highlight—it’s narrow and rocky, requiring focus on a heavy adventure bike.

Highlights

  • Lone Frank Pass: 48.6531, -119.8275. A high, remote pass that feels miles away from civilization. The air is thin, and the views of the Pasayten Wilderness to the west are massive.

  • Skull and Crossbones Ridge: A legendary stretch of the WABDR. The road is narrow and carved into the side of the mountain, offering dizzying views and a true "backcountry" feel.

  • Chopaka Mountain Viewpoint: 48.9192, -119.6894. As you begin the final descent, you’ll get a panoramic look at the Similkameen Valley and the mountains of British Columbia across the border.

  • Palmer Lake: A stunning, deep blue lake nestled between high desert cliffs. The road follows the shoreline, providing a scenic, flat break after the technical mountain riding.

  • Nighthawk Ghost Town: Just before the border, you’ll pass through the remains of Nighthawk, once a booming mining town. Several historic buildings and old mining equipment still stand.

Gas & Refueling

  • Recommended Minimum Range: 100 miles.

  • Primary Fuel: Refill in Conconully at the start.

  • The Finish Line: There is no gas at the Nighthawk border crossing. Once you reach the border, you must ride approximately 15 miles east to Oroville, WA for fuel and services.

Where to Stay

  • Mid-Route (Remote):

    • Dispersed: There are several high-mountain dispersed spots near Lone Frank Pass, but be prepared for cold temperatures even in mid-summer.

  • Oroville/The Finish (End):

    • Hotels: Camaray Motel or various local lodges in Oroville.

    • Camping: Osoyoos Lake State Park (Veteran's Memorial Park) offers great lakeside camping just minutes from the border.

Pro-Tip for Section 6

Border Crossing Hours: If you plan on crossing into Canada, check the hours for the Nighthawk Port of Entry. It is a small, remote crossing and is not open 24 hours (usually 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, but seasonal changes occur). If it’s closed, you’ll need to head east to the 24-hour crossing at Oroville/Osoyoos.

The Victory Photo: Don't forget the tradition! Take your photo at the "International Boundary" monument at the end of the dirt road. You’ve just completed roughly 600 miles of the most diverse terrain Washington has to offer.