Getting to Aeneas Valley: Directions, Road Access, and What to Know

Aeneas Valley lies in the rural heart of Okanogan County, roughly 13 miles east of Tonasket by road. No commercial airports serve the immediate area, and no public transit runs to the valley. You will need a vehicle. The roads are straightforward, but the last stretch is gravel, cell service is limited, and winter conditions demand preparation. This guide covers the main driving routes, final approach details, road conditions by season, and the nearest towns for fuel and supplies.

The Route from Tonasket

Tonasket is the gateway town for Aeneas Valley and the last place to fuel up, grab groceries, and confirm your directions. From Tonasket, take State Route 20 east. Drive approximately 13 miles through rolling terrain past Havillah Road and the Bonaparte Lake turnoff. Turn right (south) onto Aeneas Valley Road, also known as County Road 64. A road sign marks the junction, but it is easy to miss at speed.

Aeneas Valley Road runs 18 miles from its northern junction at SR 20 to its southern terminus at SR 21 near the community of Malo. The first several miles from SR 20 are paved. The road transitions to well-maintained gravel as you head south into the valley proper. The Aeneas Valley Country Store sits at approximately milepost 11, roughly the midpoint. All passenger vehicles can handle the road in dry conditions. In winter or after heavy rain, higher-clearance vehicles and cautious driving are advisable on the gravel sections. There is no cell service for most of the drive once you leave SR 20.

From Seattle

The drive from Seattle to Aeneas Valley takes approximately five hours, covering roughly 280 miles. The most reliable year-round route follows I-90 east over Snoqualmie Pass to Ellensburg, then US-97 north through the heart of Washington. From Ellensburg, US-97 climbs through the Blewett Pass area to Wenatchee, continues north through Chelan and Pateros to Okanogan, and then on to Tonasket. From Tonasket, take SR 20 east 13 miles to Aeneas Valley Road.

A scenic alternative runs I-5 north from Seattle to Burlington, then SR 20 (the North Cascades Highway) east through Newhalem, Diablo Lake, and Washington Pass before descending through the Methow Valley to Okanogan and Tonasket. This route is roughly the same distance but takes longer due to mountain curves. It is also closed seasonally, typically from November through April, when snow shuts the passes. Do not plan on SR 20 through the Cascades in winter. Fuel up in Wenatchee or Chelan on the US-97 route; services thin out north of Chelan.

From Spokane

Spokane to Aeneas Valley runs approximately 220 miles and takes about four hours. The primary route follows US-2 west from Spokane through Davenport and Wilbur, then picks up WA-174 or WA-155 north through the Grand Coulee area to Omak and Okanogan, continuing north on US-97 to Tonasket. From Tonasket, SR 20 east to Aeneas Valley Road.

An alternative route heads north from Spokane on US-395 to Colville, then west on SR 20 through Republic and Wauconda Pass to Tonasket. This northern route is slightly shorter in distance but takes roughly the same time due to winding mountain roads. Wauconda Pass (elevation 4,310 feet) can be snow-covered from November through March, so check conditions before choosing this option. Either way, gas up in Colville or Omak. The stretch between Republic and Tonasket has no fuel stations.

From the Tri-Cities

From Kennewick, Richland, or Pasco, the drive to Aeneas Valley is approximately 280 miles and takes about five hours. Head north on US-97 from the Tri-Cities through Ellensburg and over Blewett Pass to Wenatchee. Continue north on US-97 through Chelan, Pateros, Brewster, Okanogan, and Omak to Tonasket. From Tonasket, take SR 20 east 13 miles to Aeneas Valley Road.

This is essentially the same corridor as the Seattle route from Ellensburg northward. The road is well-maintained two-lane highway for the entire length. Plan fuel stops in Ellensburg, Wenatchee, or Chelan. North of Okanogan, services are limited to Omak and Tonasket. Carry water and snacks for the final stretch, and download offline maps before leaving Wenatchee, where cell service starts to become spotty.

Road Conditions

Aeneas Valley Road is paved for the first several miles south of SR 20 and gravel for the remainder. Okanogan County maintains the road year-round, but grading frequency varies by season. In summer, the gravel surface is firm and smooth enough for any vehicle. In spring, washboard sections and soft spots develop during snowmelt. After heavy rains, mud can accumulate in low areas.

Winter is the most demanding season. Aeneas Valley sits roughly 1,000 feet higher than Tonasket, so expect more snow, colder temperatures, and icier conditions than the valley floor below. Carry tire chains or run studded tires from November through March. County plows clear the road, but not always promptly after storms. Some side roads and driveways in the valley are maintained by the Sun Ranch Owners' Association rather than the county, so conditions vary. Cell service is limited to nonexistent throughout the valley. Download offline maps (Google Maps, Gaia GPS, or similar) before heading in. Let someone know your travel plan and expected arrival time.

Nearest Towns

Tonasket is the primary service town, 25 miles northwest of the valley center via SR 20. It has grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, a hardware store, and North Valley Hospital with a 24-hour emergency room. Most visitors will stock up here before heading into the valley. Oroville, 43 miles northwest near the Canadian border, offers similar services plus border-crossing access. Okanogan and Omak, twin towns 53 miles southwest on US-97, provide larger retail, a Walmart, chain restaurants, and additional medical facilities.

To the northeast, Republic (population ~1,100) sits 32 miles away in Ferry County. Republic has gas, groceries, dining, and a small hospital. It is the closer option for anyone entering the valley from the south via SR 21. Wauconda, 16 miles north on SR 20, is a very small community with limited services. Do not count on Wauconda for fuel or supplies. For any serious shopping, medical needs, or hardware, plan on Tonasket or Omak.

Distances from Aeneas Valley