Editing Omak, Washington

{{short description|City in Washington, United States}}
{{about|the city|other uses|Omak (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name               = Omak
| settlement_type    = [[City]]
| official_name      = City of Omak
| image_skyline      = Omak lake balancing rock.jpg
| image_caption      = The townsite of [[Omak Rock]] in the foothills of the [[Okanagan Highland|Okanogan Highlands]] adjacent to [[Omak Lake]]
| image_blank_emblem = City of Omak logo 1.jpg
| image_flag         = Omak Flag.jpg
| image_map          = Okanogan County Washington Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Omak Highlighted.svg
| mapsize            = 250x200px
| motto              = Heart of the Okanogan
| map_caption        = Location of Omak in<br />[[Okanogan County, Washington]]
| pushpin_map        = USA
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in the United States
| pushpin_relief     = 1
<!-- Location -->
| subdivision_type   = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_name   = United States
| subdivision_type1  = [[U.S. state|State]]
| subdivision_name1  = [[Washington (state)|Washington]]
| subdivision_type2  = [[List of counties in Washington|County]]
| subdivision_name2  = [[Okanogan County|Okanogan]]
<!-- Government -->
| established_title  = Established
| established_date   = January 1, 1907
| established_title1 = [[Municipal incorporation|Incorporated]]
| established_date1  = February 11, 1911
| founder            = Ben Ross
| government_type    = [[Mayor–council government|Mayor–council]]
| leader_title       = Mayor
| leader_name        = 
| leader_title1      = [[Local government|Governing body]]
| leader_name1       = Omak City Council
<!-- Area -->
| unit_pref          = Imperial
| area_footnotes     = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2019">{{cite web|title=2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2019_Gazetteer/2019_gaz_place_53.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=August 7, 2020}}</ref>
| area_total_km2     = 10.21
| area_land_km2      = 10.00
| area_water_km2     = 0.21
| area_total_sq_mi   = 3.94
| area_land_sq_mi    = 3.86
| area_water_sq_mi   = 0.08
| area_urban_sq_mi   = 4.83
<!-- Population -->
| population_as_of   = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
| population_footnotes = 
| population_total   = 4860
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_density_sq_mi = auto
| population_blank1_title = [[Demonym]]
| population_blank1  = Omakian
<!-- General information -->
| timezone           = [[Pacific Time Zone|PST]]
| utc_offset         = -8
| timezone_DST       = [[Pacific Time Zone|PDT]]
| utc_offset_DST     = -7
| elevation_footnotes = <ref name=gnis/>
| elevation_ft       = 925
| coordinates        = {{coord|48|25|20|N|119|30|15|W|region:US-WA_type:city|display=inline,title}}
<!-- Area/postal codes and others -->
| postal_code_type   = [[ZIP code]]
| postal_code        = 98841
| area_code          = [[Area code 509|509]]
| blank_name         = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
| blank_info         = 53-51340
| blank1_name        = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
| blank1_info        = 2411320<ref name=gnis>{{GNIS|2411320}}</ref>
| website            = {{URL|www.omakcity.com}}
| footnote           = 
}}

'''Omak''' ({{IPAc-en|oʊ-|ˈ|m|æ|k}} {{respell|o|MAK|'}}<ref name="merriam">[[#merriam|Merriam (1997)]], p. 869</ref>) is a city located in the foothills of the [[Okanagan Highland|Okanogan Highlands]] in north-central [[Washington (state)|Washington]], United States. With a population of 4,860 residents as of [[2020 United States census|2020]], distributed over a land area of {{convert|3.43|sqmi}}, Omak is the largest municipality of [[Okanogan County, Washington|Okanogan County]] and the largest municipality in [[Central Washington]] north of [[Wenatchee, Washington|Wenatchee]]. The Greater Omak Area of around 8,229 inhabitants as of the [[2010 United States census|2010 census]] is the largest [[United States urban area|urban cluster]] in the [[Okanagan Country|Okanogan Country]] region, encompassing most of its [[twin cities (geographical proximity)|twin city]] of [[Okanogan, Washington|Okanogan]]. The population has increased significantly since the [[1910 United States census|1910 census]], reporting 520 residents just prior to [[municipal corporation|incorporation]] in 1911.

The land that is now Omak had been inhabited by various [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] tribes before the arrival of non-[[indigenous peoples|indigenous]] settlers in the early 19th century. The city began to develop after the completion of the Okanogan Irrigation Project affecting the [[Grand Coulee Dam]] and other nearby electric facilities. The housing and municipal infrastructure, along with regional infrastructure connecting the [[planned community|new town]] to other municipalities, were built simultaneously in 1908 supported by the local [[Agriculture in the United States|agricultural industry]]. The name Omak comes from the [[Okanagan language|Okanagan]] placename [umák],<ref name="Bright2004">{{cite book|last=Bright|first=William|author-link=William Bright|title=Native American Placenames of the United States|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5XfxzCm1qa4C&pg=PA350|year=2004|publisher=University of Oklahoma Press|isbn=978-0-8061-3598-4|page=350}}</ref> or the [[Salishan languages|Salishan]] term ''Omache''{{mdash}}which is said to mean "good medicine" or "plenty", referring to its favorable climate, with an annual high of around {{convert|88|F}}. Omak acts as the gateway to the [[Okanogan–Wenatchee National Forest]] and consists of a [[central business district]] and residential neighborhoods.

Omak is a [[city government in Washington (state)|code city]] governed by a seven-member [[local government|council]] and located in the state's [[Washington's 4th congressional district|4th congressional district]]. Omak's economy is dominated by the [[primary sector of the economy|primary sector]] [[Industry (economics)|industries]] of agriculture and forestry, although economic diversification has occurred with sawmills and recreational tourism. Nearby recreational destinations include walking trails, [[List of Washington state parks|state parks]] and [[National forest (United States)|national forests]], such as [[Conconully State Park]], [[Bridgeport State Park]] and [[Osoyoos Lake State Park]]. The city is home to a weekly newspaper, the ''Omak–Okanogan County Chronicle'', and a [[Wenatchee Valley College]] campus. Standards for education in Omak are higher than the state's average, though drugs and alcohol remain a problem among students. [[U.S. Route 97 in Washington|U.S. Route 97]] passes through the town, while [[Washington State Route 155]], as well as [[Washington State Route 215]], connects the city to [[Okanogan, Washington|Okanogan]] and [[Nespelem, Washington|Nespelem]], respectively. By road, Omak is located approximately {{convert|235|mi|km}} from [[Seattle, Washington]], {{convert|140|mi|km}} from [[Spokane, Washington]] and {{convert|125|mi|km}} from [[Kelowna|Kelowna, British Columbia]].

==History==

===Origin===
The Okanogan Valley was the traditional homeland of the [[Syilx]] (also called Okanogan) Native Americans, whose territory extended north into what is now [[British Columbia]]. The Syilx acquired horses in the mid-18th century, which helped them expand northward. They first met non-native traders and missionaries in the early 19th century. The Syilx participated in trade fairs held at [[Kettle Falls]] and at the mouth of the [[Fraser River]]. Trading networks strengthened after the acquisition of horses in the mid-18th century.<ref name="Pritzker2000">{{cite book|last=Pritzker|first=Barry|title=A Native American Encyclopedia: History, Culture, and Peoples|url=https://archive.org/details/nativeamericanen0000prit|url-access=registration|year=2000|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-513877-1|pages=[https://archive.org/details/nativeamericanen0000prit/page/270 270]–272}}</ref>

In 1811, [[Fort Okanogan]] was built by the [[Pacific Fur Company]] at the confluence of the Okanogan and Columbia Rivers. The fort's ownership passed to the [[North West Company]], then the [[Hudson's Bay Company]]. [[Fort Colvile]], near Kettle Falls, was another important fur trading outpost. The Okanogan River was used by fur brigades traveling between Fort Okanogan and [[Kamloops]]. In the late 1850s this route became known as the [[Okanagan Trail]] and was widely used as an inland route to the [[Fraser Canyon Gold Rush]].

In the 1850s, European-Americans settled in the area that is now Omak and built houses and inaugurated mining, logging and agricultural activities. As more white settlers arrived, a dispute about land ownership arose between them and the Native Americans.<ref name="sifce" />

[[File:Ben Ross cabin.jpg|thumb|left|Ben Ross' cabin]]

In response, a treaty stating that an [[Indian reservation]] would be formed on some of the disputed land while the European-Americans would own the remaining land was signed. The Indian land was later reduced to about {{convert|5,000,000|acre}}. [[Colville Indian Reservation]] was developed around 1872 during the [[Presidency of Ulysses S. Grant]]. In 1887, the [[Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation]], a [[federally recognized tribe]], was formed by executive order from 12 individual bands as per the [[General Allotment Act|General Allotment Act of 1887]]. The [[federal government of the United States|federal government]] decided to move Colville Indian Reservation's location west of [[Columbia River]], reducing its area to {{convert|2,800,000|acre}}. It would continue to be reduced for the next 60 years.<ref name="sifce">{{cite web |first=Lisa |last=Tobe |url=http://www.sierrainstitute.us/neai/WA_case_studies/Omak_WA.pdf |title=Omak, Okanogan County, Washington |publisher=Sierra Institute for Community and Environment |access-date=March 19, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120917020917/http://sierrainstitute.us/neai/WA_case_studies/Omak_WA.pdf |archive-date=September 17, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

Nearby Alma was [[plat]]ted as an [[unincorporated area|unincorporated community]] around 1886. Alma was renamed Pogue in honor of orchardist J.I. Pogue, and was later renamed [[Okanogan, Washington|Okanogan]]{{mdash}}the present name. J.I. Pogue was upset that his name was replaced, and requested that surveyor, civil engineer and settler Ben Ross establish another town {{convert|4|mi}} to the north.<ref name="stampedetown">{{cite news|first=Rick |last=Steigmeyer |url=http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2008/mar/20/omak-stampede-town/ |title=Omak{{mdash}}Stampede town |work=[[The Wenatchee World]] |date=March 20, 2008 |access-date=April 30, 2013}}</ref> Born in [[Bureau County, Illinois]], Ross worked for the Great Northern Railroad shortly before moving to Okanogan County.<ref name="thirdaddition" /> He decided to found a new community at Pogue's proposed location during 1907.<ref name="stampedetown" /> It was named Omak, supposedly for the Salishan word ''Omache''{{mdash}}said to mean "good medicine" or "plenty"{{mdash}}and referring to the town's favorable climate;<ref name="sifce" /> although according to [[William Bright]] the name comes from the [[Okanagan language|Okanagan]] placename [umák].<ref name="Bright2004"/> Ross sold various items on the present townsite, trying to have his town recognized,<ref name="stampedetown" /> and built a cabin in 1907 to provide shelter for his daughter, son and grandchildren{{mdash}}becoming one of the first white men to settle the area.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://content.lib.washington.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/wastate&CISOPTR=499 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130407004949/http://content.lib.washington.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/wastate&CISOPTR=499 |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 7, 2013 |title=Ben Ross cabin, Omak, Washington |publisher=[[University of Washington]] |access-date=April 30, 2013 }}</ref>

===Growth===
[[File:Omak Schoolhouse.jpg|thumb|right|Omak Schoolhouse, 1910]]

The town began to develop after the completion of the Okanogan Irrigation Project, which was designed to facilitate farming. At this time, many farmers came to Omak looking for homes.<ref>{{cite web |author=[[Frank S. Matsura|Matsura, Frank]] |url=http://kaga.wsulibs.wsu.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/matsura&CISOPTR=790&CISOBOX=1&REC=8 |title=Streets of Omak, Washington in 1910 |publisher=Washington State University |access-date=February 26, 2013 |archive-date=June 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170627222515/http://kaga.wsulibs.wsu.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=%2Fmatsura&CISOPTR=790&CISOBOX=1&REC=8 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=[[Frank S. Matsura|Matsura, Frank]] |url=http://kaga.wsulibs.wsu.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/matsura&CISOPTR=1567&CISOBOX=1&REC=2 |title=Concrete Lined Canal of the Okanogan Irrigation Project, ca. 1912 |publisher=Washington State University |access-date=March 20, 2013 |archive-date=June 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170627215357/http://kaga.wsulibs.wsu.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=%2Fmatsura&CISOPTR=1567&CISOBOX=1&REC=2 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Fruits including apples, berries, peaches, plums and watermelons were cultivated after 1910.<ref>{{cite web |author=[[Frank S. Matsura|Matsura, Frank]] |url=http://kaga.wsulibs.wsu.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/matsura&CISOPTR=1173&CISOBOX=1&REC=12 |title=Watermelon Picnic Near Omak, Washington, ca. 1910 |publisher=Washington State University |access-date=February 26, 2013 |archive-date=June 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170627203400/http://kaga.wsulibs.wsu.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=%2Fmatsura&CISOPTR=1173&CISOBOX=1&REC=12 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Omak served as a [[census-designated place]] (CDP) in 1910,<ref name="greaterplan" /> and incorporated as a city on February 11, 1911.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mrsc.org/library/inctable.aspx |title=Cities and Towns, State of Washington Dates of Incorporation, Disincorporation, and Changes of Classification |publisher=[[Municipal Research and Services Center]] |year=1979 |access-date=February 24, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131126032207/http://www.mrsc.org/library/inctable.aspx |archive-date=November 26, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Omak and Okanogan have shared a rivalry in [[High school (North America)|high school sport]]s. During the [[Great Depression of 1933]], several residents of Omak were forced to work in nearby communities. As a result, the [[United States Bureau of Reclamation]] promoted work which was available as part of an improvement project at [[Grand Coulee Dam]] in nearby [[Coulee Dam, Washington|Coulee Dam]], which employed approximately 5,000 people between 1933 and 1951 when the [[megaproject]] ended.<ref name="sifce" /> By 1950, the city was home to various buildings and structures including the St. Mary Mission church, which satisfied residential needs.<ref name="sifce" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://content.lib.washington.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/loc&CISOPTR=502&CISOBOX=1&REC=2 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130403112404/http://content.lib.washington.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/loc&CISOPTR=502&CISOBOX=1&REC=2 |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 3, 2013 |title=Colville mission and school, St. Mary's Mission, Omak, Washington |publisher=[[Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture]] |access-date=February 24, 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=[[Frank S. Matsura|Matsura, Frank]] |url=http://kaga.wsulibs.wsu.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/matsura&CISOPTR=793&CISOBOX=1&REC=9 |title=Omak, 1910 |publisher=Washington State University |access-date=February 26, 2013 |archive-date=July 12, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140712135536/http://kaga.wsulibs.wsu.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=%2Fmatsura&CISOPTR=793&CISOBOX=1&REC=9 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

[[File:Omak skyline 1909.jpg|thumb|left|View of Omak, 1909]]

In the 1910s, Omak was chosen as the location for a sawmill to expand [[economic growth]]. Omak Fruit Growers controlled the mill and a nearby orchard processing factory. The Biles-Coleman Lumber Company bought out the organization and built a sawmill outside municipal boundaries on the nearby Omak Mountain in 1924. A secondary sawmill was constructed in the Omak area. The company and their mills were purchased in 1975 by [[Crown Zellerbach]] and thus an associated organization{{mdash}}Cavenham Forest Industries{{mdash}}acquired the mills. The company ultimately went bankrupt, and in response, employees purchased the mill for 45&nbsp;million dollars and renamed it Omak Wood Products in an attempt to save their jobs.<ref name="sifce" /> Omak Woods Products' payroll decreased to 480 in the early 1990s and later went bankrupt themselves, along with Quality Veneer, who later owned the property for 19&nbsp;million dollars until 2000.<ref name="sifce" /> The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation later purchased the mill for 6.6&nbsp;million dollars, having closed in 2009 because of low demand, ending over 130 jobs.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2010219091_apwaomakmillclosing.html |title=Omak lumber mill closing in December |work=[[The Seattle Times]] |date=November 6, 2009 |access-date=March 30, 2013}}</ref> As of 2013, there are proposals to reopen the mills during the summer season.<ref>{{cite news |first=K.C. |last=Mehaffey |url=http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2013/mar/30/omak-plywood-mill-to-reopen-after-four-year/ |title=Omak plywood mill to reopen after four-year shutdown |work=The Wenatchee World |date=March 30, 2013 |access-date=April 14, 2013}}</ref> The mill has since partially burned down in the Cold Springs Fire on September 8, 2020.

==Geography==

===Topography===
[[File:Omak city limits.png|thumb|right|350px|Map of the city limits (in purple) for Omak]]

The [[Canada–United States border]]{{mdash}}with an official [[U.S. Customs and Border Protection|crossing]] into [[Osoyoos]], [[British Columbia]] from [[Oroville, Washington|Oroville]]{{mdash}}lies approximately {{convert|45|mi}} to the north. The [[Idaho]] border lies about {{convert|160|mi}} southeast. The state's largest city, [[Seattle]], lies {{convert|237|mi}} southwest of Omak.<ref name="WSDOT-Map">{{cite WSDOT map |year=2014 |link=yes |accessdate=November 24, 2024}}</ref> The Okanogan River, coming out of the town of [[Riverside, Washington|Riverside]], defines the city's northern border, while the southern border is defined by the city of Okanogan; the terrain here is mountainous and forested. The nearest [[primary statistical area]] is the [[Wenatchee – East Wenatchee metropolitan area]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov/popest/data/metro/totals/2012/tables/CBSA-EST2012-01.csv |title=Table 1: Annual Estimates of the Population of Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2012 |format=CSV |publisher=United States Census Bureau |date=July 1, 2012 |access-date=May 2, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130401093220/http://www.census.gov/popest/data/metro/totals/2012/tables/CBSA-EST2012-01.csv |archive-date=April 1, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> A CDP located northeast of the city was named [[North Omak, Washington|North Omak]] because of its proximity to Omak. It is part of two [[census county division]]s: Omak (western half) and Colville Reservation (eastern half).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www2.census.gov/geo/pvs/bas/bas11/st53_wa/incplace/p5351340_omak/BAS11P15300051340_000.pdf |title=Omak, CCD Reference Map |type=Map |publisher=United States Census Bureau |date=October 5, 2010 |access-date=June 22, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140426215459/http://www2.census.gov/geo/pvs/bas/bas11/st53_wa/incplace/p5351340_omak/BAS11P15300051340_000.pdf |archive-date=April 26, 2014 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>[[#2000censusbook|United States Census Bureau (2002)]], p. 166</ref>

Omak, situated in the foothills of the Okanogan Highlands in central Okanogan County,<ref name="home">{{cite web |url=http://www.omakcity.com/ |title=Welcome to the City of Omak, Washington, United States |publisher=City of Omak |access-date=February 27, 2013}}</ref> is part of the [[Okanagan Country|Okanogan Country]] region, extending into British Columbia.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |url=http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inland%20empire |title=Inland Empire |dictionary=[[Merriam-Webster]] |access-date=February 23, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Peg |last=Koellman |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=UBpXAAAAIBAJ&sjid=efoDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6516,1818211&dq=inland+empire+omak&hl=en |title=Omak events 'senseless' |work=[[The Spokesman-Review]] |date=March 11, 1987 |access-date=April 17, 2013}}</ref> It also lies within the [[Inland Northwest (United States)|Inland Northwest]], centered on [[Spokane, Washington|Spokane]], and the [[Columbia Plateau]] [[Columbia Plateau (ecoregion)|ecoregion]] near the Okanogan Drift Hills.<ref>{{cite web |first=Benjamin |last=Sleeter |url=http://landcovertrends.usgs.gov/west/eco10Report.html |title=Columbia Plateau Ecoregion Summary |publisher=United States Geological Survey |date=December 13, 2012 |access-date=March 29, 2013}}</ref> The Okanogan River, a {{convert|115|mi|adj=on}} tributary of the Columbia River, flows through the central portion of the city, and receives Omak Creek from the east just outside municipal boundaries.{{citation needed|date=November 2024}} Known for its [[balancing rock|balancing]] [[Omak Rock]],<ref>{{cite news|first=K.C. |last=Mehaffey |url=http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2012/mar/10/more-national-press-and-some-good-ol-hometown/ |title=More national press, and some good ol' hometown recognition |work=The Wenatchee World |date=March 10, 2012 |access-date=January 1, 2012}}</ref> the {{convert|3,244|acre|adj=on}} [[Omak Lake]]{{mdash}}{{convert|950|ft}} above sea level{{mdash}}is the largest saline [[endorheic]] lake in Washington.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wsu.edu/cctfish/omak.html |title=Omak Lake, Okanogan County, Washington |publisher=Washington State University |access-date=February 24, 2013}}</ref> The {{convert|80|acre|adj=on}} [[Crawfish Lake (Washington)|Crawfish Lake]] is located about {{convert|15|mi}} northeast of Omak at the border of the Colville Indian Reservation and [[Okanogan–Wenatchee National Forest]].<ref name="crawfish">{{cite web|url=http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/lakes/wq/docs/lkcraok1.html |title=Crawfish Lake – Okanogan County |publisher=[[Washington Department of Ecology]] |year=1997 |access-date=February 24, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130310201818/http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/lakes/wq/docs/lkcraok1.html |archive-date=March 10, 2013 }}</ref> The {{convert|1499023|acre|km2|adj=on}} forest comprises varied terrain and several mountain peaks.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fs.fed.us/land/staff/lar/2008/TABLE_6.htm |title=Table 6 – NFS Acreage by State, Congressional District and County |publisher=[[United States Forest Service]] |date=September 30, 2008 |access-date=February 24, 2013}}</ref>

[[File:Omak Lake.jpg|thumb|right|[[Omak Lake]]]]

Elevations around the area range from {{convert|780|ft}} above sea level at the mouth of the Okanogan River to {{convert|6,774|ft}} above sea level at the Moses Mountain.<ref name="survey" /> The average elevation is {{convert|843|ft}} above sea level according to the [[United States Geological Survey]] (USGS). The Moses Mountain, with a summit, sits east of the city,<ref name="cushman">[[#Cushman|Cushman (1918)]], p. 14.</ref> while Little Moses Mountain, located {{convert|5,963|ft}} above sea level, and Omak Mountain, located {{convert|5,749|ft}} above sea level, are adjacent to the Moses Mountain.<ref name="survey">{{cite web |url=http://soils.usda.gov/survey/printed_surveys/state.asp?state=Washington&abbr=WA |title=Published Soil Surveys for Washington |publisher=[[United States Department of Agriculture]] |year=1923 |page=23 |access-date=March 15, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130228102122/http://soils.usda.gov/survey/printed_surveys/state.asp?state=Washington&abbr=WA |archive-date=February 28, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> West of the city are the [[North Cascades]], anchored by the [[Cascade Range]]. Mountain peaks on the western portion of the Omak area range between {{convert|6,000|ft}} and {{convert|8,000|ft}}.<ref name="airport">{{cite web|url=http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/NR/rdonlyres/E0165311-DF07-4C50-80C2-970B63E38429/0/Omak_Plan.pdf |title=Omak Municipal Airport, Omak, Washington |publisher=[[Washington State Department of Transportation]] |year=2011 |access-date=June 2, 2013}}</ref> The Coleman Butte mountain summit{{mdash}}{{convert|1,450|ft}} above sea level{{mdash}}is located directly adjacent to municipal boundaries.{{citation needed|date=November 2024}}

According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city encompasses a total area of {{convert|3.5|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, including {{convert|0.07|sqmi|sqkm|2}} of water, accounting for two percent of the overall area.<ref name="2010area"/> The area expanded in April 2010, when {{convert|0.56|sqmi}} of land formerly within the city of Okanogan was accumulated.<ref name="2000file">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geo/maps-data/data/docs/gazetteer/places2k.zip |title=National 2000 file containing a list of all municipalities and census-designated places (including Puerto Rico and the Island Areas) sorted by UACE code |type=ZIP |publisher=United States Census Bureau |date=April 1, 2000 |access-date=February 23, 2013}}</ref> Omak is the fourth largest settlement in Okanogan County by area after [[Nespelem Community, Washington|Nespelem Community]] ({{convert|23|mi2|km2|abbr=on|disp=semicolon}}), North Omak ({{convert|11.2|mi2|km2|abbr=on|disp=semicolon}}) and [[Disautel, Washington|Disautel]] ({{convert|3.80|mi2|km2|abbr=on|disp=semicolon}}).<ref name="2010area">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt |format=TXT |title=National 2010 file containing a list of all municipalities and census-designated places (including Puerto Rico and the Island Areas) sorted by UACE code |publisher=United States Census Bureau |date=April 1, 2010 |access-date=February 23, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130131081456/http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt |archive-date=January 31, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Omak covers {{#expr: 3.50/5315*100 round 2}} percent of the county's total area. Its {{convert|4.83|sqmi|adj=on}} [[List of United States urban areas|urban cluster]], the Greater Omak Area, includes the city of Okanogan and the CDP of North Omak.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/dc10map/UAUC_RefMap/uc/uc65296_omak_wa/DC10UC65296.pdf |type=Map |title=Urban Cluster Reference Map |publisher=United States Census Bureau |date=April 1, 2010 |access-date=March 24, 2013}}</ref><ref name="urbanized">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_ua.txt |format=TXT |title=National 2010 urban area file containing a list of all urbanized areas and urban clusters (including Puerto Rico and the Island Areas) sorted by UACE code |publisher=United States Census Bureau |date=April 1, 2010 |access-date=March 24, 2013 |archive-date=October 28, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121028181706/http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_ua.txt |url-status=dead }}</ref> The surrounding [[metropolitan area|metropolitan region]] comprises a total area of {{convert|1,037|sqmi}}, although it has not officially been designated as a [[statistical area]].<ref name="wwwcensusgov">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov |title=U.S. Census website |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |year=2013 |access-date=May 14, 2011}}</ref>

===Climate===
[[File:Monthly Climate Normals (1991-2020) - Omak Area, WA(ThreadEx).svg|thumb|right|Climate chart for Omak]]
The city experiences a [[semi-arid climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]] ''[[Cold semi-arid climate|BSk]]''), with little precipitation, hot summers and cold winters. Average temperatures in Omak range from a {{convert|23.3|F}} minimum in January to a {{convert|89.4|F}} maximum in July. The lowest temperature recorded was {{convert|-26|F}} on February 1, 1950, and the highest was {{convert|117|F}} on June 27, 2021. The annual daily mean temperature is {{convert|49.9|F}}. Average monthly precipitation ranges from {{convert|0.49|inch}} in August to {{convert|1.66|inch}} in December.<ref name = WRCC >
{{cite web|url =http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/cgi-bin/cliMAIN.pl?wa6123|title=Omak 2 NW, Washington (456123) – Period of Record Monthly Climate Summary |publisher=Western Regional Climate Center|access-date=November 25, 2012}}</ref><ref name="twc">{{cite web |url=http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/USWA0320 |title=Average Weather for Omak, Washington |publisher=[[The Weather Channel]] |access-date=November 15, 2011}}</ref> Despite Omak's geographical location further north and very close to the Canadian border, the city of Wenatchee, further to the south has almost the same average annual temperature.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/compare/USWA0487?sfld1=Wenatchee,%20WA&sfld2=Omak,%20WA&clocid1=USWA0487&clocid2= |title=Compare Averages and Records – Wenatchee, Washington to Omak, Washington |publisher=The Weather Channel |access-date=March 11, 2013 |archive-date=July 3, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140703135204/http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/compare/USWA0487?sfld1=Wenatchee,%20WA&sfld2=Omak,%20WA&clocid1=USWA0487&clocid2= |url-status=dead }}</ref> as well as several other southern communities.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/compare/USWA0487?sfld1=Yakima,%20WA&sfld2=Omak,%20WA&clocid1=&clocid2=USWA0320 |title=Compare Averages and Records – Yakima, Washington to Omak, Washington |publisher=The Weather Channel |access-date=April 20, 2013 |archive-date=April 26, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140426234042/http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/compare/USWA0487?sfld1=Yakima,%20WA&sfld2=Omak,%20WA&clocid1=&clocid2=USWA0320 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/compare/USWA0487?sfld1=Kennewick,%20WA&sfld2=Omak,%20WA&clocid1=&clocid2=USWA0320 |title=Compare Averages and Records – Kennewick, Washington to Omak, Washington |publisher=The Weather Channel |access-date=April 20, 2013 |archive-date=April 26, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140426233233/http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/compare/USWA0487?sfld1=Kennewick,%20WA&sfld2=Omak,%20WA&clocid1=&clocid2=USWA0320 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Omak experiences four distinct seasons.<ref name="airport" /> Summers are hot and relatively dry, with a daily average of {{convert|72.2|F}} in July, while winter is the wettest season of the year, with {{convert|22.3|inch}} of snowfall between November and February. Spring and autumn are mild seasons with little precipitation.<ref name="WRCC" /><ref name="twc" /> The city is located in [[plant hardiness zone]] 6a, according to the [[United States Department of Agriculture]] (USDA).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/wp-content/uploads/2004/10/washington_map_lg.gif |type=Map |title=Plant Hardiness Zone |publisher=United States Department of Agriculture |date=October 1, 2004 |access-date=March 10, 2013}}</ref> In July 2012, a severe thunderstorm occurred in Omak, producing heavy rainfall, gusty winds and hail, and forced the temporary closure of [[U.S. Route 97 in Washington|U.S. Route 97]] and requiring repairs to public streets.<ref>{{cite news |first=Michelle |last=McNiel |url=http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2012/jul/23/omak-still-cleaning-up-from-last-fridays/ |title=Omak still cleaning up from last Friday's thunderstorm |work=The Wenatchee World |date=July 23, 2012 |access-date=March 11, 2013}}</ref> Omak was affected by the [[1872 North Cascades earthquake]]{{mdash}}the state's largest historical earthquake{{mdash}}which occurred on December 14, 1872.<ref>{{cite web |first1=Timothy |last1=Walsh |first2=Wendy |last2=Gerstel |first3=Patrick |last3=Pringle |first4=Stephen |last4=Palmer |url=http://www.dnr.wa.gov/researchscience/topics/geologichazardsmapping/pages/earthquakes.aspx |title=Earthquakes in Washington |publisher=[[Washington Department of Natural Resources]] |access-date=March 11, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130403085423/http://www.dnr.wa.gov/ResearchScience/Topics/GeologicHazardsMapping/Pages/earthquakes.aspx |archive-date=April 3, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/states/washington/history.php |title=Washington – Earthquake History |publisher=United States Geological Survey |date=November 1, 2012 |access-date=March 11, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130327002837/http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/states/washington/history.php |archive-date=March 27, 2013 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> The epicenter was at Omak Lake.<ref>{{cite journal |first=Dieter |last=Weichert |url=http://bssa.geoscienceworld.org/content/84/2/444.abstract |title=Omak rock and the 1872 Pacific Northwest earthquake |journal=Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America |publisher=GeoWorldJournal |date=April 1, 1994 |access-date=March 11, 2013}}</ref> The earthquake had a magnitude of between 6.5 and 7.0 and was followed by an aftershock.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.earthquakescanada.nrcan.gc.ca/histor/15-19th-eme/1872-eng.php |title=The 1872 Magnitude 7.4 Washington State USA earthquake |publisher=[[Natural Resources Canada]] |date=March 17, 2011 |access-date=March 11, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202165743/http://www.earthquakescanada.nrcan.gc.ca/histor/15-19th-eme/1872-eng.php |archive-date=February 2, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last=Bakun|first=W.H.|author2=Haugerud, R.A. |author3=Hopper, M.G. |author4= Ludwin, R.S. |year=2002|title=The December 1872 Washington State Earthquake|journal=Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America|publisher=[[Pacific Northwest Seismic Network]]|volume=92|issue=8|pages=3239–3258|doi=10.1785/0120010274|bibcode=2002BuSSA..92.3239B|url=https://zenodo.org/record/1235776}}</ref> Another earthquake with minor shaking affected the city in November 2011.<ref>{{cite news |first=K.C. |last=Mehaffey |url=http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2011/nov/18/omak-quake-felt-throughout-ncw-state/ |title=Omak quake felt throughout NCW, state |work=The Wenatchee World |date=November 18, 2011 |access-date=March 20, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/small-earthquake-hits-b-c-s-okanagan-1.1034441 |title=Small earthquake hits B.C.'s Okanagan |publisher=[[CBC News]] |date=November 18, 2011 |access-date=March 20, 2013}}</ref>

{{Weather box
|location = Omak, Washington, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1909–present
|single line = Yes
|collapsed = Y
|Jan record high F = 62
|Feb record high F = 63
|Mar record high F = 79
|Apr record high F = 96
|May record high F = 104
|Jun record high F = 117
|Jul record high F = 114
|Aug record high F = 109
|Sep record high F = 102
|Oct record high F = 90
|Nov record high F = 77
|Dec record high F = 74
|Jan avg record high F = 45.6
|Feb avg record high F = 51.9
|Mar avg record high F = 66.0
|Apr avg record high F = 77.3
|May avg record high F = 88.0
|Jun avg record high F = 95.2
|Jul avg record high F = 101.7
|Aug avg record high F = 101.4
|Sep avg record high F = 92.5
|Oct avg record high F = 76.4
|Nov avg record high F = 58.3
|Dec avg record high F = 46.2
|year avg record high F = 103.3
|Jan high F = 32.8
|Feb high F = 39.8
|Mar high F = 52.5
|Apr high F = 62.8
|May high F = 72.4
|Jun high F = 79.1
|Jul high F = 89.4
|Aug high F = 88.8
|Sep high F = 78.2
|Oct high F = 60.7
|Nov high F = 43.0
|Dec high F = 32.5
|year high F = 61.0
|Jan mean F = 28.0
|Feb mean F = 32.5
|Mar mean F = 41.8
|Apr mean F = 49.8
|May mean F = 58.8
|Jun mean F = 65.1
|Jul mean F = 73.7
|Aug mean F = 72.8
|Sep mean F = 63.3
|Oct mean F = 49.1
|Nov mean F = 35.9
|Dec mean F = 27.9
|year mean F = 49.9
|Jan low F = 23.3
|Feb low F = 25.2
|Mar low F = 31.1
|Apr low F = 36.8
|May low F = 45.1
|Jun low F = 51.1
|Jul low F = 58.1
|Aug low F = 56.8
|Sep low F = 48.4
|Oct low F = 37.5
|Nov low F = 28.9
|Dec low F = 23.3
|year low F = 38.8
|Jan avg record low F = 4.2
|Feb avg record low F = 10.2
|Mar avg record low F = 18.8
|Apr avg record low F = 24.6
|May avg record low F = 30.5
|Jun avg record low F = 38.8
|Jul avg record low F = 45.1
|Aug avg record low F = 44.9
|Sep avg record low F = 33.5
|Oct avg record low F = 22.3
|Nov avg record low F = 12.7
|Dec avg record low F = 6.1
|year avg record low F = -0.6
|Jan record low F = -22
|Feb record low F = -26
|Mar record low F = -7
|Apr record low F = 15
|May record low F = 19
|Jun record low F = 30
|Jul record low F = 35
|Aug record low F = 31
|Sep record low F = 20
|Oct record low F = 5
|Nov record low F = -6
|Dec record low F = -21
|Jan precipitation inch = 1.33
|Feb precipitation inch = 0.91
|Mar precipitation inch = 1.06
|Apr precipitation inch = 0.83
|May precipitation inch = 1.19
|Jun precipitation inch = 0.98
|Jul precipitation inch = 0.52
|Aug precipitation inch = 0.27
|Sep precipitation inch = 0.40
|Oct precipitation inch = 0.92
|Nov precipitation inch = 1.24
|Dec precipitation inch = 1.95
|year precipitation inch = 11.60
|Jan snow inch = 8.0
|Feb snow inch = 4.7
|Mar snow inch = 0.8
|Apr snow inch = 0.0
|May snow inch = 0.0
|Jun snow inch = 0.0
|Jul snow inch = 0.0
|Aug snow inch = 0.0
|Sep snow inch = 0.0
|Oct snow inch = 0.0
|Nov snow inch = 3.0
|Dec snow inch = 8.5
|year snow inch = 25.0
|unit precipitation days = 0.01 in
|Jan precipitation days = 10.0
|Feb precipitation days = 8.0
|Mar precipitation days = 7.6
|Apr precipitation days = 5.8
|May precipitation days = 7.6
|Jun precipitation days = 6.7
|Jul precipitation days = 3.1
|Aug precipitation days = 2.3
|Sep precipitation days = 3.8
|Oct precipitation days = 6.0
|Nov precipitation days = 9.1
|Dec precipitation days = 11.5
|year precipitation days = 81.5
|unit snow days = 0.1 in
|Jan snow days = 4.1
|Feb snow days = 2.3
|Mar snow days = 0.5
|Apr snow days = 0.0
|May snow days = 0.0
|Jun snow days = 0.0
|Jul snow days = 0.0
|Aug snow days = 0.0
|Sep snow days = 0.0
|Oct snow days = 0.0
|Nov snow days = 1.4
|Dec snow days = 3.9
|source 1 = NOAA<ref name=NOAA>
{{cite web
|url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&stations=USW00094197&format=pdf&dataTypes=MLY-TMAX-NORMAL,MLY-TMIN-NORMAL,MLY-TAVG-NORMAL,MLY-PRCP-NORMAL,MLY-SNOW-NORMAL
|publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
|title = U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access
|accessdate = September 22, 2022
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230913095738/https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&stations=USW00094197&format=pdf&dataTypes=MLY-TMAX-NORMAL,MLY-TMIN-NORMAL,MLY-TAVG-NORMAL,MLY-PRCP-NORMAL,MLY-SNOW-NORMAL
|archive-date = 2023-09-13}}
</ref>
|source 2 = National Weather Service (average snowfall/snow days 1909-1997) <ref name = NOWData>
{{cite web
|url = https://www.weather.gov/wrh/Climate?wfo=otx
|publisher = National Weather Service
|title = NOAA Online Weather Data
|accessdate = September 22, 2022}}
</ref>
}}

===Cityscape===
[[File:Omak, WA post office 01.jpg|thumb|right|The post office of Omak, managed by the [[United States Postal Service]] (USPS)]]

Omak is a [[planned community|planned city]]. Throughout the 20th century, Ross designed what would become the city of Omak.<ref name="thirdaddition">{{cite web |url=http://kaga.wsulibs.wsu.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/maps&CISOPTR=388&CISOBOX=1&REC=3 |title=Ross's third addition to Omak, Okanogan County, Washington, (1928) |publisher=[[Washington State University]] |access-date=February 26, 2013 |archive-date=July 12, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140712052626/http://kaga.wsulibs.wsu.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=%2Fmaps&CISOPTR=388&CISOBOX=1&REC=3 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://kaga.wsulibs.wsu.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/maps&CISOPTR=316&CISOBOX=1&REC=1 |title=Omak [verso], January 1, 1907 |publisher=Washington State University |access-date=May 19, 2013 |archive-date=February 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201192911/http://kaga.wsulibs.wsu.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=%2Fmaps&CISOPTR=316&CISOBOX=1&REC=1 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Within a year of its establishment, the town had a central business district with a public bank and hotel supported by the local agricultural industry.<ref name="sifce" /><ref>{{cite web |author=[[Frank S. Matsura|Matsura, Frank]] |url=http://kaga.wsulibs.wsu.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/matsura&CISOPTR=437&CISOBOX=1&REC=18 |title=Bart Robinson's Hotel in Omak, Washington ca. 1910 |publisher=Washington State University |access-date=February 26, 2013 |archive-date=February 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201192931/http://kaga.wsulibs.wsu.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=%2Fmatsura&CISOPTR=437&CISOBOX=1&REC=18 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The town was provided with a post office, previously known as ''Epley''. Ross founded [[Omak School District]] in 1906; soon after this its first school, Omak Schoolhouse, was built. In 1910, a meat market, hardware shop, law office, stationery and confectionery store were constructed in Downtown Omak.<ref>{{cite web |author=[[Frank S. Matsura|Matsura, Frank]] |url=http://kaga.wsulibs.wsu.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/matsura&CISOPTR=791&CISOBOX=1&REC=2 |title=Street Scene in Omak, Washington, 1910 |publisher=Washington State University |access-date=February 26, 2013 |archive-date=February 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201192933/http://kaga.wsulibs.wsu.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=%2Fmatsura&CISOPTR=791&CISOBOX=1&REC=2 |url-status=dead }}</ref> A steel bridge built the following year collapsed into the Okanogan River upon initial use. It was quickly rebuilt with no further problems.<ref name="stampedetown" /><ref>{{cite web |author=[[Frank S. Matsura|Matsura, Frank]] |url=http://kaga.wsulibs.wsu.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/matsura&CISOPTR=991&CISOBOX=1&REC=8 |title=Omak Bridge Collapses, ca. 1911 |publisher=Washington State University |access-date=February 26, 2013 |archive-date=February 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201192913/http://kaga.wsulibs.wsu.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=%2Fmatsura&CISOPTR=991&CISOBOX=1&REC=8 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The city consists of a central business district and residential areas.<ref name="sifce" /><ref name="usa">{{cite news |first=Michelle |last=Hornaday |url=http://traveltips.usatoday.com/hotels-omak-washington-25822.html |title=Hotels in Omak, Washington |work=[[USA Today]] |location=[[McLean, Virginia|McLean]] |access-date=February 27, 2013}}</ref> Downtown Omak, the central business district, is the economic center for Omak and Okanogan County. There are several functional churches in the city.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://local.yahoo.com/WA/Omak/Government+Community/Religion+Spirituality/Churches |title=Churches in Omak, Washington |publisher=[[Yahoo! Local]] |access-date=February 27, 2013}}</ref> The post office in Omak{{mdash}}managed by [[United States Postal Service]] (USPS){{mdash}}is the city's only listing of the [[National Register of Historic Places]] (NRHP).<ref>{{cite web |url={{NRHP url|id=91000651}} |format=PDF |title=National Register of Historic Places Registration Form |publisher=[[National Register of Historic Places]] |access-date=February 27, 2013}}</ref> The Breadline Cafe is a notable restaurant and music venue in Downtown Omak.<ref name="spi">{{cite news |first=Jeff |last=Larsen |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/Short-Trips-Omak-has-a-big-reputation-and-heart-1156583.php |title=Short Trips: Omak has a big reputation and heart |work=[[Seattle Post-Intelligencer]] |date=October 13, 2004 |access-date=March 10, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=al1WAAAAIBAJ&sjid=9_ADAAAAIBAJ&pg=5531,2147139 |title=Great jazz, big-band sounds, can be heard locally, bar none |work=The Spokesman-Review |date=February 4, 1994 |access-date=March 10, 2013}}</ref> The City of Omak maintains the Omak Memorial Cemetery, comprising around 3,747 graves in a region located adjacent to [[Washington State Route 215]], having been formerly known as Okanoma Cemetery.<ref>{{cite web |author=[[Kim Wyman|Wyman, Kim]] |url=http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/1316 |title=Omak Memorial Cemetery |publisher=[[Secretary of State of Washington]] |access-date=March 9, 2013}}</ref> The {{convert|118|acre|adj=on}} North Omak Business Park, the city's business park, is bordered by U.S. Route 97 from the east.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.northomakbusinesspark.com/info.htm |title=Important Development Information |publisher=North Omak Business Park |access-date=March 3, 2013}}</ref><ref name="Aerial Photographs">{{cite web |url=http://www.northomakbusinesspark.com/aerials.htm |title=Aerial Photographs |publisher=North Omak Business Park |access-date=April 18, 2013}}</ref> The city's residential neighborhoods are encompassed by East Omak and South Omak.<ref name="sifce" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uhaul.com/Locations/Omak-WA-98841/Results/ |title=Moving Truck Rental in Omak, Washington at Mac's Tire of Omak |publisher=[[U-Haul|U-Haul International Inc]] |access-date=May 1, 2013}}</ref>

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
| 1910 = 520
| 1920 = 525
| 1930 = 2547
| 1940 = 2918
| 1950 = 3791
| 1960 = 4068
| 1970 = 4164
| 1980 = 4007
| 1990 = 4117
| 2000 = 4721
| 2010 = 4845
| 2020 = 4860
| footnote = Sources:<br />Greater Omak<br />Comprehensive Plan<ref name="greaterplan"/><br /><ref name="Omakcensus"/> U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|author=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=October 4, 2013}}</ref><br />2020 Census<ref name="2020 Census">{{cite web |date=May 2023 |title=Census Bureau profile: Omak, Washington |url=https://data.census.gov/all?q=Omak%20city,%20Washington |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=May 12, 2024}}</ref>
}}

The [[1910 United States census]], before the city's incorporation, recorded 520 residents. The following [[1920 United States census|1920 census]]{{mdash}}the first to define Omak as a distinct subdivision{{mdash}}counted 2,500 residents, making it the most populous municipality of Okanogan County, having surpassed Okanogan (1,519 residents).<ref name="sifce" /><ref name="greaterplan">{{cite web|url=http://www.ncidata.com/omakcity/2005%20Comp%20plan%20complete.pdf|title=Greater Omak Comprehensive Plan|publisher=City of Omak|date=July 1, 2005|access-date=March 15, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610085139/http://www.ncidata.com/omakcity/2005%20Comp%20plan%20complete.pdf|archive-date=June 10, 2015|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Subsequent census counts documented an increase to 4,000 residents before a shrink in population at the [[1980 United States census|1980 census]], when fruit prices rose, land was lost, and major employers were shut down.<ref name="sifce" /> After this decline, the population steadily increased, approaching approximately 5,000 residents by the [[2000 United States census|2000 census]]. Between 1990 and 2000, the city's population experienced a [[population boom|boom]] of 14.7 percent,<ref name="greaterplan" /> while between 2000 and 2010, the population increased by around 2.6 percent.<ref name="2000file" /><ref name="Washingtoncensus" /> The United States Census Bureau estimated that there were 4,792 residents in 2013, representing a 0.6 percent increase over the [[2010 United States census|2010 census]],<ref name="2013 Pop Estimate">{{cite web|title=Population Estimates |url=https://www.census.gov/popest/data/cities/totals/2013/SUB-EST2013-3.html |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=2014-06-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140522161634/http://www.census.gov/popest/data/cities/totals/2013/SUB-EST2013-3.html |archive-date=May 22, 2014 }}</ref> while an estimate from [[Office of Federal Financial Management]] in 2013 documented a population decrease of 0.3 percent to 4,830 people.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ofm.wa.gov/pop/april1/ofm_april1_population_final.pdf|title=April 1, 2013 Population of Cities, Towns and Counties – Used for Allocation of Selected State Revenues – State of Washington|publisher=[[Office of Federal Financial Management]]|date=June 15, 2014|access-date=June 15, 2014|archive-date=January 20, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130120165945/http://www.ofm.wa.gov/pop/april1/ofm_april1_population_final.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> A 2011 study from the United States Census Bureau showed that there were 4,881 residents, a 0.7 percent increase over the 2010 census.

[[File:House near St Marys Mission WA.jpg|thumb|left|The historic St. Mary's Mission church]]

According to the 2010 census, Omak had 4,845 residents living in 2,037 households, with {{convert|1412.5|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. These residents created an average age of 38{{mdash}}one year higher than that of the entire state.<ref name="Washingtoncensus" /> About 15 percent of residents were single and 13 percent were lone-parent households. With 2,168 housing units at an average density of {{convert| 632.1|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}, the city's populace consisted of 2,540 females and 2,305 males, giving it a gender balance close to national averages with 14.8 percent male and 11.9 percent female.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_11_5YR_DP02 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200212210819/http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_11_5YR_DP02 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 12, 2020 |title=Community Facts – Selected Social Characteristics in the United States – 2007–2011 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates – United States |publisher=United States Census Bureau |date=April 1, 2010 |access-date=April 25, 2013}}</ref> The racial makeup was dominated by white people, with 71 percent of the population. Between the 2000 and 2010 censuses, Omak had an increase of 10 families to 1,230 and a decrease of 21 lone-parent families. Omak had an urbanized population of 8,229 people, with {{convert|1,737|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}} and around 20 percent of the county's residents.<ref name="urbanized" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/53/53047.html |title=State & County QuickFacts – Okanogan County, Washington |publisher=United States Census Bureau |year=2012 |access-date=April 23, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607094632/http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/53/53047.html |archive-date=June 7, 2011 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> The last complete census in 2000 found that the average household consisted of around two residents and the average family consisted of approximately three people.<ref name="Omakcensus" />

Approximately 89.5 percent of residents over the age of five spoke English at home, according to the 2007–2011 [[American Community Survey]]. It was then estimated that 889 people, comprising 18.5 percent of local inhabitants have German ancestry{{mdash}}the largest ethnicity in Omak{{mdash}}and 15.3 percent have Irish ancestry. The Omak area has a relatively high percentage of people of [[American Indian (U.S. Census)|American Indian]] and Mexican ancestries; there were over 800 American Indians and over 535 Mexican immigrants, with a combined percentage of 28 percent of residents. Conversely, the city has a small Asian population, making up less than one percent of Omakians. The 2010 census showed that approximately 35 percent of residents lived alone, most of whom were female. Those over the age of 65 comprised about 16 percent of the population.<ref name="Omakcensus" /> There have been several efforts to provide service to the homeless people of Omak,<ref>{{cite news |first=Matt |last=Crownover |url=http://www.omakchronicle.com/archives/db_stories.asp?story=20080604A03-4 |title=Commissioners updated on homelessness efforts |work=Omak–Okanogan County Chronicle |date=June 4, 2008 |access-date=May 3, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130615125647/http://www.omakchronicle.com/archives/db_stories.asp?story=20080604A03-4 |archive-date=June 15, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> although official population figures have not been released.

==Economy==
[[File:Omak, WA - Breadline Cafe 01.jpg|thumb|right|Breadline Cafe]]
[[File:Omak, WA - Mirage Theatre 01.jpg|thumb|right|Mirage Theaters]]

Omak is the commercial center for the rural communities of Okanogan County and other nearby settlements.<ref name="sifce" /> It is the regional center for services and trade in the county. {{As of|2007}}, the city's economy is experiencing significant growth, according to the County of Okanogan.<ref name="countyokan">{{cite web |url=http://okanogancounty.org/demographics.htm |title=Okanogan County, Washington – Demographics |publisher=[[Okanogan County|County of Okanogan]] |access-date=March 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130625135357/http://www.okanogancounty.org/demographics.htm |archive-date=June 25, 2013 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> It is an agricultural community with a reliant forestry industry. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, almost 90 percent of Omak's manufacturing jobs were in the city's two sawmills. Infrastructure services and retail trades were also major industries. About 425 private firms employed a total of 3,332 workers in local industries including manufacturing, retail and infrastructure, at this time.<ref name="sifce" /> Located within Greater Omak, the adjacent city of Okanogan serves as the administrative center for Okanogan County, the region's largest employer.<ref name="workforce">{{cite web |url=http://www.skillsource.org/WDC/WDC/content/Plans/Strategic%20Plan_Final2009_11.pdf |title=North Central Workforce Development Council – Serving Region 8: Chelan, Douglas, Grant, Adams & Okanogan Counties |publisher=North Central Workforce Development Council |date=May 1, 2009 |access-date=May 5, 2013 }}{{Dead link|date=August 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

{{as of|2010}}, there are 1,859 civilians over the age of 16 employed in the city of Omak. Despite its recognition as an agricultural community, there were only 26 inhabitants employed in the agriculture and forestry industries, but the surrounding area has more agricultural jobs. Office and sale services were the largest occupation in Omak, comprising approximately 30 percent of the city's total employees, followed by business occupations, with 26.5 percent. Majority of residents work in public services.<ref name="acs" /> Approximately seven percent of people in Omak are unemployed, while 25 percent live below the [[poverty line]], including 34 percent of those under 18 and 10 percent of those aged 65 or over. The [[cost of living]] rate is 85.5 per unit, less than state and national averages. During the 2007–2011 American Community Survey, the city had a [[per capita income]] of $17,785 and an average income of $31,649 per household.<ref name="acs">{{cite web|url=http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_11_5YR_DP03 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200212211753/http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_11_5YR_DP03 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 12, 2020 |title=Community Facts – Selected Economic Characteristics – 2007–2011 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates – Omak city, Washington |publisher=United States Census Bureau |date=April 1, 2010 |access-date=April 25, 2013 }}</ref> Omak's 98841 zip code maintained 265 businesses in 2011, with an average payroll of $78,884.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://censtats.census.gov/cgi-bin/zbpnaic/zbpsect.pl?Zip=98841 |title=98841 – Omak, Washington – Number of Establishments |publisher=United States Census Bureau |year=2011 |access-date=April 23, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050418000155/http://censtats.census.gov/cgi-bin/zbpnaic/zbpsect.pl?Zip=98841 |archive-date=April 18, 2005 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

The city has a [[Walmart]] store, which was built in 1993 as the state's first such store,<ref name="historylink">{{cite web |first=David |last=Wilma |url=http://www.historylink.org/index.cfm?DisplayPage=output.cfm&file_id=8169 |title=Wal-Mart opens its first store in Washington at Omak on May 1, 1993 |work=[[HistoryLink]] |date=July 1, 2007 |access-date=February 24, 2013}}</ref> serving over 60,000 residents.<ref name="firstwalmart">{{cite news |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19930502/1698904/enter-the-giant----largest-retailer-in-the-nation-steps-into-small--town-washington |title=Enter the Giant – Largest Retailer in the Nation Steps into Small-Town Washington |work=The Seattle Times |date=May 2, 1993 |access-date=February 24, 2013 |first=O. Casey |last=Corr}}</ref> The process of opening the retail facility took various discussions and approvals. Proposals in Omak began around 1992, in which {{convert|93,188|sqft}} of land were expropriated from the Omak Planning Commission.<ref>{{cite news|first=Sylvia |last=Nogaki |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19920617/1497559/look-out-here-comes-wal-mart |title=Look Out, Here Comes Wal-Mart |work=The Seattle Times |date=June 17, 1992 |access-date=February 24, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Sylvia |last=Nogaki |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19920616/1497409/wal-mart-to-open-store-in-kennewick |title=Wal-Mart To Open Store In Kennewick |work=The Seattle Times |date=June 16, 1992 |access-date=February 24, 2013}}</ref> Local retailers feared that the chain would devastate their businesses, although other people felt that it would increase business at other shopping regions in the city.<ref name="firstwalmart" /> Shortly after its opening, numerous shoppers came to the Omak area looking for items. Walmart hired approximately 200 employees, boosting the city's economy significantly and becoming among Okanogan County's largest retailer for a short period.<ref name="historylink" /> The store was later allowed to remain open for 24 hours per day.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.walmart.com/storeLocator/ca_storefinder_results.do?sfsearch_city=omak&sfsearch_state=WA |title=Omak Walmart Supercenter Store #1947 |publisher=[[Walmart|Walmart Stores, Inc]] |access-date=February 24, 2013}}</ref>

Omak's economy is also driven by a mixture of tourism. Nearby recreational destinations, with their mild climate, increase the local economy significantly. The local [[Harbor Freight]], [[Big 5 Sporting Goods]], North 40 and Walmart retail stores maintain license vendors for recreational activities.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://wdfw.wa.gov/licensing/vendors/county/OKANOGAN/ |title=License Vendors – Authorized License Sales Locations – Okanogan County, Washington |publisher=Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife |access-date=March 3, 2013 |archive-date=July 13, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140713162229/http://wdfw.wa.gov/licensing/vendors/county/OKANOGAN/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> There is a {{convert|1,541,470|sqft|adj=on}} shopping mall, the Omache Shopping Center, located in North Omak Business Park along U.S. Route 97,<ref name="Aerial Photographs" /><ref name="omache">{{cite web |url=http://www.omacheshoppingcenter.com |title=Omache Shopping Center, Omak, Washington |publisher=Black Realty Management |access-date=February 24, 2013}}</ref> which attracts residents from nearby rural communities.<ref>{{cite news |first=K.C. |last=Monattey |url=http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2011/nov/26/omaks-commercial-area-sees-big-changes/?print |title=Omak's commercial area sees Big changes |work=The Wenatchee World |date=November 26, 2012 |access-date=December 30, 2012}}</ref> Established in 1987,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:U2HYDNhP6sAJ:www.omakcity.com/ESW/Files/2012_DRAFT_Comp_plan_PART_2_A_LAND_USE.docx+&hl=en&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESj_NxYharcdDE9qX_SKyVlHQm_UxhakpbkOaD7nBpy17lamqXksSfPsCMHWtfo2SnS-abBOU6l2AZBIvEexsH4LiYLcBtcny_4zXJPYl4--sm6NVrRP2VydRJvKLIk8d6I5d_wH&sig=AHIEtbS1_UTe9QhKn5Qc9zoE9YQsY2B6PQ |type=[[Microsoft Word|Doc]] |title=2012 Draft Comprehension Plan – Part 2 A – Land Use |publisher=City of Omak |date=October 1, 2012 |access-date=February 24, 2013}}</ref> the mall is home to 12 stores and services.<ref name="omache" /> Omak is the headquarters of two infrastructure organizations: Okanogan County Transportation & Nutrition<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.octn.org/ |title=Home – Contact Information |publisher=[[Okanogan County Transportation & Nutrition]] |access-date=May 5, 2013}}</ref> and [[Cascade and Columbia River Railroad]].

==Culture==

===Nicknames===
The municipality has been named a "[[Tree City USA|tree city]]" for ten consecutive years since April 2007.<ref>{{cite news |first=Chris |last=Thew |url=http://www.omakchronicle.com/archives/db_stories.asp?story=20070425A11-1 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130615101438/http://www.omakchronicle.com/archives/db_stories.asp?story=20070425A11-1 |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 15, 2013 |title=Okanogan, Omak plant Arbor Day trees; gazebo named |work=Omak–Okanogan County Chronicle |date=April 25, 2007 |access-date=April 14, 2013 }}</ref> The [[Washington Department of Natural Resources]] announced on April 11, 2013, that Omak had again been named a "tree city" because of their continuous efforts to "keep urban forests healthy and vibrant" for 15 years.<ref>{{cite news |first=Christine |last=Pratt |url=http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2013/apr/11/ncw-communities-named-tree-cities-for-leafy/ |title=NCW communities named 'Tree Cities' for leafy efforts |work=The Wenatchee World |date=April 11, 2013 |access-date=April 14, 2013}}</ref> The City of Omak brands itself as the "Heart of the Okanogan"—referring to its significant economic importance in the Okanogan. The Okanogan County Tourism Council uses the same branding to define the Greater Omak region.<ref name="home" /><ref name="bird" /> It is officially recognized as the ''City of Omak'';<ref name="home" /> Omak residents are known as ''[[Omak, Washington#Notable people|Omakians]]''.<ref>{{cite news |first=Doug |last=Clark |url=http://www.spokesman.com/stories/1996/mar/26/town-tradition-goads-residents-into-donations/ |title=Town Tradition Goads Residents Into Donations |work=The Spokesman-Review |date=March 26, 1996 |access-date=April 6, 2013}}</ref>

===Tourism===
[[File:Omak mountains.jpg|thumb|right|Agricultural land and mountains of Omak]]

The Omak Stampede, which operates the [[Suicide Race]], has been hosted at a local rodeo facility, the Stampede Arena{{mdash}}renovated in 2009<ref>{{cite news |first=K.C. |last=Mehaffey |url=http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2009/aug/10/omak-stampedes-new-arena-wins-approval/ |title=Omak Stampedes New Arena Wins |work=The Wenatchee World |date=August 10, 2009 |access-date=April 19, 2013}}</ref>{{mdash}}since 1933.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.omakstampede.org/?page=stampede_history |title=History of the Omak Stampede |publisher=Stampede Association |access-date=February 28, 2013 |archive-date=February 24, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224160147/http://omakstampede.org/?page=stampede_history |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Glenn |last=Farley |url=http://www.king5.com/news/Horse-dies-in-Omak-qualifying-165221616.html |title=Horse dies in qualifying round for Omak 'Suicide Race' |publisher=[[KING-TV]] |date=August 6, 2012 |access-date=February 28, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130310085210/http://www.king5.com/news/Horse-dies-in-Omak-qualifying-165221616.html |archive-date=March 10, 2013 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> The Omak Stampede occurs annually on the second weekend of August. During the event, the city has an estimated population of approximately 30,000 people.<ref>[[#Smith|Smith (2004)]], p. 409</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:oWLNQqQ0FwIJ:www.omakcity.com/forms/ORNACSeatBleacherSponsorForm.doc+&hl=en&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEEShhceckZiScn75di0aaibF7xhDMmrYvN_z_6xoHs9FEoyd59O90rPIu3_Pb4CYF2A2YrEjwl_9wG8CG0kwgpjxLWLUpglnMtlstOY4nlShvBiDx3UseIA27sxiob9UYAgxe1M7E&sig=AHIEtbTfwVfRczhUEdZK8Ht7FgodHNDUfw |title=Omak Stampede Arena and Grounds Redevelopment Stampede Arena Replacement – Application for Bleacher or Chair |type=Doc |publisher=City of Omak |year=2003 |access-date=February 28, 2013}}</ref> As part of the Suicide Race, horses and riders run down Suicide Hill{{mdash}}a 62-degree slope that runs for {{convert|225|ft}} to the Okanogan River.<ref>{{cite news|first=Nick |last=Timiraos |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB118678342614494614 |title=The Race Where Horses Die |work=[[The Globe and Mail]] |location=[[Toronto]] |date=August 11, 2007 |access-date=February 28, 2013}}</ref> Horses must pass a veterinarian examination to ensure they are physically healthy, and a swim test to ensure they can cross the river, to demonstrate their ability to run the race and navigate the river.<ref>{{cite news |first=Jean |last=Johnson |url=http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/ictarchives/2004/09/08/colvilles-keller-mountain-tradition-turns-to-suicide-race-93952 |title=Colville's Keller Mountain tradition turns to 'Suicide Race' |work=[[Indian Country Today Media Network]] |location=[[New York City|New York]] |date=September 7, 2004 |access-date=February 28, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603095538/http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/ictarchives/2004/09/08/colvilles-keller-mountain-tradition-turns-to-suicide-race-93952 |archive-date=June 3, 2013 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Several animal rights groups, including Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), [[In Defense of Animals]] and [[Humane Society of the United States]] (HSUS), have expressed concerns about the horses' welfare and have opposed the specific event.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ida.convio.net/site/MessageViewer?em_id=5701.0&printer_friendly=1 |title=Stop the Omak Suicide Race – Next Scheduled Cruelty: August 6 to 9, 2009 – Letters And Phone Calls Needed |publisher=[[In Defense of Animals]] |year=2009 |access-date=February 27, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://video.humanesociety.org/press/video.php?bctid=973141141001&channel=973092891001 |title=Press – Horses – Omak Suicide Race B-roll |publisher=[[Humane Society of the United States]] |access-date=February 27, 2013}}</ref>

Other significant events include the Omak Film Festival, inclusive of a variety of films at the [[Wenatchee Valley College]] and Omak Theater,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wvc.edu/news/news20112012/Omak%20Film%20Festival%202012.asp |title=Wenatchee Valley College at Omak presents 9th Annual Omak Film Festival |publisher=[[Wenatchee Valley College]] |date=January 11, 2012 |access-date=May 19, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.omakchronicle.com/archives/db_stories.asp?story=20080206B11-01 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130615101438/http://www.omakchronicle.com/archives/db_stories.asp?story=20080206B11-01 |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 15, 2013 |title=Omak Film Festival features six films, begins February 8 |work=Omak–Okanogan County Chronicle |date=February 8, 2008 |access-date=June 6, 2013 }}</ref> the Okanogan County Fair, an annual carnival at the County Fairgrounds<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.okanogancountyfair.org/ |title=Welcome To the Okanogan County Fair, Okanogan, Washington |publisher=Okanogan County Fair |access-date=June 6, 2013 |archive-date=June 21, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130621050430/http://okanogancountyfair.org/ |url-status=usurped }}</ref> and the Omak Western and Native Art Show, a Native American carnival.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.omakchronicle.com/rendz/ |title=It's time for the 75th Stampede! |work=Omak–Okanogan County Chronicle |access-date=May 19, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100418051005/http://www.omakchronicle.com/rendz/ |archive-date=April 18, 2010 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> In an attempt to increase tourism, the City of Omak operates a Main Street Historical Tour in the central business district.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.okanogancountry.com/region/heart-of-okanogan/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701231136/http://www.okanogancountry.com/region/heart-of-okanogan/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 1, 2014 |title=Regions – Heart of the Okanogan |publisher=Okanogan County Tourism Council |access-date=May 3, 2013 }}</ref> A local recreational complex comprises a Native American wooden sculpture area.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.okanogancountry.com/arts/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140427074549/http://www.okanogancountry.com/arts/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 27, 2014 |title=Arts & Heritage |publisher=Okanogan County Tourism Council |access-date=May 3, 2013 }}</ref> Two functional movie theaters, the single screen Omak Theater, built in 1928, and the Mirage Theater with three screens, built in 2004, service the city.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/showtimes/theater.htm?id=5X0&p=.htm |title=Mirage Theater – Omak, Okanogan, Washington |website=[[Box Office Mojo]] |access-date=June 8, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/showtimes/theater.htm?id=5X1&p=.htm |title=Omak Theater – Omak, Okanogan, Washington |website=Box Office Mojo |access-date=June 8, 2013}}</ref> A [[drive-in theater]], with a capacity of 250 automobiles, was proposed in 1948, but never built.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ky1WAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Z-UDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5642,5318029 |title=$50,000 Drive-In Theater to Rise |work=The Spokesman-Review |date=May 14, 1948 |access-date=June 8, 2013}}</ref>

The Omak Visitor Information Center{{mdash}}deemed the "best little information center in the west"{{mdash}}has historical images and a gift shop offering pamphlets regarding Okanogan County and surrounding regions.<ref name="spi" /> The Okanogan County Historical Museum comprises a historic fire hall, research center, genealogical area and a display of historical photographs or the area. The Omak Performing Arts Center{{mdash}}a 500-seat venue which hosts presentations, ceremonies, and performances{{mdash}}was built by Omak School District in 1989.<ref name="sifce" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://omakpac.org/about_32.html |title=Welcome |publisher=Omak Performing Arts Center |access-date=March 19, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130225045908/http://omakpac.org/about_32.html |archive-date=February 25, 2013 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> There is a {{convert|58,000|sqft|adj=on}} casino operated by the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation since 2008, incorporating over 400 gaming machines, a [[convention center]], and an arcade.<ref>{{cite news|first=K.C. |last=Mehaffey |url=http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2008/jan/31/colville-tribes-to-build-new-omak-casino-in-the/ |title=Colville Tribes to build new Omak casino in the spring |work=The Wenatchee World |date=January 31, 2008 |access-date=May 3, 2013}}</ref> Nearby Okanogan Bingo Casino, along U.S. Route 97, also primarily serves Omak, consisting of approximately 360 gaming machines.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.colvillecasinos.com/casinos/okanogan-bingo-casino/ |title=Okanogan Bingo Casino |publisher=[[Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation]] |access-date=June 6, 2013 |archive-date=July 1, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130701042514/http://www.colvillecasinos.com/casinos/okanogan-bingo-casino/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Recreation===

The area's mild climate and its close proximity to lakes, rivers, and mountains make Omak an outdoor recreational destination. The city maintains eight general recreational complexes, of which the {{convert|76.6|acre|adj=on}} [[Eastside Park (Omak, Washington)|Eastside Park]], with an enclosed skate park, municipal pool, seven baseball diamonds, four soccer fields and tennis courts, and two basketball courts, is the largest.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.omakcity.com/eastside_park.html |title=Omak City Eastside Park |publisher=City of Omak |access-date=February 23, 2013}}</ref> Civic League Park is the municipality's oldest park, while Dalton Klessig Park is the newest.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.omakcity.com/parks.html |title=Omak City Parks |publisher=City of Omak |access-date=March 10, 2013}}</ref> The Omak City Park Board has been formed to protect these public spaces.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.omakcity.com/park_board.html |title=Omak City Park Board |publisher=City of Omak |access-date=March 6, 2013}}</ref> Omak has several beaches at the north–south shores of Omak Lake on the Colville Indian Reservation, comprising over {{convert|100|acre}} of sandy land.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.colvilletribes.com/omak_lake_nicholson_beach.php |title=Omak Lake/Nicholson Beach |publisher=Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation |access-date=May 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140427000333/http://www.colvilletribes.com/omak_lake_nicholson_beach.php |archive-date=April 27, 2014 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.colvilletribes.com/camping_and_fishing.php |title=Camping and Fishing Areas |publisher=Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation |access-date=May 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130520155227/http://www.colvilletribes.com/camping_and_fishing.php |archive-date=May 20, 2013 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Fishing and boating are available at Omak Lake,<ref name="Liere">{{cite news |first=Alan |last=Liere |url=http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/jun/12/hunting-fishing/ |title=Hunting + fishing |work=The Spokesman-Review |date=June 12, 2009 |access-date=May 3, 2013}}</ref><ref name="Omak Lake Cutthroats">{{cite web |url=http://www.fishingcoaches.org/sample_plans/229_omak_lake_cutthroats.pdf |title=Omak Lake Cutthroats |publisher=Fishing Coaches |access-date=May 3, 2013}}</ref> and at the Fry Lake and Duck Lake—near the city's local airport—and Conconully Lake, [[Crawfish Lake (Washington)|Crawfish Lake]] and the Okanogan River, all of which are home to several species.<ref>{{cite news |first=Carol |last=Quibell |url=http://www.rvwest.com/article/omak/plenty_of_lakes_to_explore_around_omak_washington |title=Plenty of lakes to explore around Omak, Washington |work=RV West |date=July 1, 2012 |access-date=June 15, 2013}}</ref><ref name="Fishing & Hunting">{{cite web |url=http://www.okanogancountry.com/recreation-and-adventure/summer/fishing/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140426235346/http://www.okanogancountry.com/recreation-and-adventure/summer/fishing/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 26, 2014 |title=Fishing & Hunting |publisher=Okanogan County Tourism Council |access-date=May 3, 2013 }}</ref> The Valley Lanes bowling alley serves the city and has hosted intrastate competitions,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.omakchronicle.com/spt/s071120g.shtml |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130615101507/http://www.omakchronicle.com/spt/s071120g.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 15, 2013 |title=Zacherle, Lewis tie for women's bowler of the month |work=Omak–Okanogan County Chronicle |date=November 20, 2007 |access-date=April 19, 2013 }}</ref> while the Okanogan Valley Golf Club{{mdash}}a country club with {{convert|334|and|284|yd|adj=on}} golf courses{{mdash}}is located in Omak.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.okanoganvalleygolf.com/course.htm |title=Course |publisher=Okanogan Valley Golf Club Corporation |access-date=February 27, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728175328/http://www.okanoganvalleygolf.com/course.htm |archive-date=July 28, 2013 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> 

[[File:View from Maple Pass.jpg|thumb|right|The [[Okanogan–Wenatchee National Forest]] provides residents with hiking trails close to home.]]

The [[Okanogan–Wenatchee National Forest]], the largest forest on the [[West Coast of the United States|West Coast]], provides residents with trails for walking, hiking and cycling close to home and encompasses several skiing regions.<ref name="okforest">{{cite web |url=http://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/okawen/recreation/wintersports/?recid=57113&actid=89 |title=Skiing/Snowboarding Areas |publisher=United States Forest Service |access-date=May 3, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Land Areas of the National Forest System |publisher=United States Forest Service |date=January 1, 2013 |url=http://www.fs.fed.us/land/staff/lar/index.html |access-date=November 13, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130701034911/http://www.fs.fed.us/land/staff/lar/LAR2012/LAR_Book_FY2012_A4.pdf |archive-date=July 1, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> It received approximately 397,000 visitors in 2005,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/nvum/reports/year5/okanogan.doc |type=Doc |title=National Visitor Use Monitoring Results |publisher=United States Forest Service |access-date=May 18, 2013}}</ref> most of whom came from over {{convert|50|mi}} away.<ref>{{cite news|first=K.C. |last=Mehaffey |url=http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2011/jul/19/proposal-would-add-thousands-of-acres-to/ |title=Proposal would add thousands of acres to wilderness |work=The Wenatchee World |date=July 19, 2011 |access-date=May 18, 2013}}</ref> Numerous general recreational opportunities, such as hunting and rock scenery, are available nearby.<ref name="okforest" /> There are various hiking trails in nearby hilly areas, including Omak Mountain and its look-out tower,<ref>{{cite summitpost |id=795064 |name=Omak Mountain |access-date=April 13, 2013}}</ref> and Moses Mountain.<ref>{{cite summitpost |id=729684 |name=Moses Mountain |access-date=April 13, 2013}}</ref> The Granite Mountain Trail is located between the forests about {{convert|33|mi}} away from the city.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gDfxMDT8MwRydLA1cj72BTJw8jAwjQL8h2VAQAzHJMsQ!!/?ss=110605&ttype=recarea&recid=17986&actid=104&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&position=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&navid=110170000000000&pnavid=110000000000000&cid=FSE_003717&pname=Mt.+Baker-Snoqualmie+National+Forest+-+Granite+Mountain+Trail+%231016 |title=Granite Mountain Trail 1016 |publisher=United States Forest Service |access-date=May 19, 2013}}</ref> There is skiing available about {{convert|25|mi}} west of town at the [[Loup Loup Ski Bowl]].{{citation needed|date=November 2024}} Nearby state parks include [[Conconully State Park]] ({{convert|17|mi|abbr=on|disp=or}} northwest), [[Bridgeport State Park]] ({{convert|36|mi|abbr=on|disp=or}} south), [[Osoyoos Lake State Park]] ({{convert|41|mi|abbr=on|disp=or}} north), and [[Alta Lake State Park]] ({{convert|47|mi|abbr=on|disp=or}} southwest).<ref name="WSDOT-Map"/> Birdwatchers can see quail, anatidae, turkey buzzard, wild turkey and bald eagles in the Omak area.<ref name="bird">{{cite web |url=http://www.okanogancountry.com/recreation-and-adventure/summer/bird/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140426235749/http://www.okanogancountry.com/recreation-and-adventure/summer/bird/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 26, 2014 |title=Bird Watching – Heart of the Okanogan |publisher=Okanogan County Tourism Council |access-date=May 2, 2013 }}</ref>{{better source needed|date=November 2024}}

Camping is available at local [[RV park|recreational vehicle parks]] (RV parks).{{citation needed|date=November 2024}} There are over a half-dozen [[campground]]s in proximity to Omak.{{citation needed|date=November 2024}} The Omak–Okanogan region has been well known for its rock climbing structures since the early 1970s.<ref>{{cite journal |first=Phil |last=Gleason |url=http://www.mountaineers.org/nwmj/04/041_Omak.html |title=Omak Rock Climbing |journal=[[Northwest Mountaineering Journal]] |access-date=May 2, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121005091047/http://www.mountaineers.org/nwmj/04/041_Omak.html |archive-date=October 5, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Nearby communities in Okanogan County offer horseback riding and hunting.<ref name="usa" /> Fishing and boating is achievable within short distance,<ref name="Fishing & Hunting" /> at the nearby Omak Lake.<ref name="Liere" /><ref name="Omak Lake Cutthroats" /> The Omak Pioneers represent [[Omak High School]] as their baseball,<ref>{{cite news |first=Kacie |last=Thrift |url=http://lakechelanmirror.com/main.asp?SectionID=8&SubSectionID=8&ArticleID=7337 |title=Chelan baseball breaks losing streak |work=Lake Chelan Mirror |date=April 17, 2013 |access-date=April 20, 2013 |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305080354/http://lakechelanmirror.com/main.asp?SectionID=8&SubSectionID=8&ArticleID=7337 |url-status=dead }}</ref> basketball,<ref>{{cite news |first=Harry |last=Missildine |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=RBtOAAAAIBAJ&sjid=guwDAAAAIBAJ&pg=1182,2627648 |title=Omak Slaughters Kettle Falls |work=The Spokesman-Review |date=December 6, 1971 |access-date=April 20, 2013}}</ref> [[high school football|football]],<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2010/sep/02/omak-pioneers-the-worlds-predicted-caribou-trail/ |title=Preparation football review: Omak Pioneers |work=The Wenatchee World |date=September 2, 2010 |access-date=April 20, 2013}}</ref> soccer,<ref>{{cite news |first=Jennifer |last=Marshell |url=http://www.qcherald.com/main.asp?SectionID=28&SubSectionID=142&ArticleID=6837 |title=Bears dominating league |work=Quad City Herald |location=[[Brewster, Washington|Brewster]] |date=March 28, 2013 |access-date=April 20, 2013 |archive-date=July 1, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701180610/http://www.qcherald.com/main.asp?SectionID=28&SubSectionID=142&ArticleID=6837 |url-status=dead }}</ref> volleyball,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.omakchronicle.com/spt/s091027a.shtml |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130615101514/http://www.omakchronicle.com/spt/s091027a.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 15, 2013 |title=Omak spikes Tigers |work=Omak–Okanogan County Chronicle |date=October 27, 2009 |access-date=April 20, 2013 }}</ref> and wrestling teams.<ref>{{cite news |first=Al |last=Camp |url=http://www.omakchronicle.com/nws/n130129a.shtml |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130615101517/http://www.omakchronicle.com/nws/n130129a.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 15, 2013 |title=Omak tops Brewster on Pioneer senior night |work=Omak–Okanogan County Chronicle |date=January 29, 2013 |access-date=April 23, 2013 }}</ref> There are separate teams based on age and gender.<ref>{{cite news |first=John |last=McNeil II |url=http://www.grandcoulee.com/story/2013/03/27/sports/golfers-off-and-swinging/2072.htmls |title=Golfers off and swinging |work=The Star of Grand Coulee |date=March 27, 2013 |access-date=April 20, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140713172759/http://www.grandcoulee.com/story/2013/03/27/sports/golfers-off-and-swinging/2072.htmls |archive-date=July 13, 2014 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> There are [[all-terrain vehicle]] (ATV) courses located nearby, specifically in the Loup Loup Ski Bowl.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.okanogancountry.com/recreation-and-adventure/summer/atv/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140427101711/http://www.okanogancountry.com/recreation-and-adventure/summer/atv/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 27, 2014 |title=ATV |publisher=Okanogan County Tourism Council |access-date=June 3, 2013 }}</ref>

===Media===
[[File:Omak Theater 01.jpg|thumb|right|Omak Theater]]
In 1910, C.P. Scates established the Omak Chronicle.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn88085094/ |title=About The Omak Chronicle – (Omak, Washington) 1910–1973 |work=[[Chronicling America]] |access-date=March 12, 2013}}</ref> Three years later, it was renamed ''[[The Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle]]'' and expanded its coverage to the whole county as its primary newspaper.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn88085095/ |title=About The Omak–Okanogan County chronicle – (Omak, Washington) 1973–current |work=Chronicling America |access-date=March 12, 2013}}</ref> In February 1998, an online version was established,<ref name="omakchronicle" /> which had approximately 170,000 viewers in April 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.alexa.com/siteinfo/omakchronicle.com# |title=omakchronicle.com – Omak–Okanogan County Chronicle |publisher=[[Alexa Internet]] |date=April 1, 2013 |access-date=April 27, 2013 |archive-date=July 3, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140703051809/http://www.alexa.com/siteinfo/omakchronicle.com |url-status=dead }}</ref> Since then, the newspaper has been expanded to serve nearby [[Ferry County, Washington|Ferry County]].<ref name="omakchronicle">{{cite news |url=http://www.omakchronicle.com/nws/aboutus.shtml |title=The Chronicle Online: About Us |work=Omak–Okanogan County Chronicle |access-date=April 27, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509223927/http://www.omakchronicle.com/nws/aboutus.shtml |archive-date=May 9, 2013 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="newspaper">{{cite news |url=http://www.omakchronicle.com/ |title=The Omak–Okanogan County Chronicle – Essential Reading in Okanogan and Ferry Counties since 1910 |work=Omak–Okanogan County Chronicle |access-date=February 27, 2013}}</ref> The ''Okanogan Valley Gazette–Tribune'', based in Oroville, and ''The Wenatchee World'', based in Wenatchee, serve Omak as alternative publications.<ref>{{cite news |first=Gary |last=DeVon |url=http://www.gazette-tribune.com/?s=Omak+Okanogan+Washington&submit.x=0&submit.y=0 |title=Omak, Okanogan, Washington |work=Okanogan Valley Gazette–Tribune |location=[[Oroville, Washington|Oroville]] |access-date=March 19, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.google.ca/search?q=the+wenatchee+world+omak&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a |title=Omak, Washington headlines |work=The Wenatchee World |access-date=March 19, 2013}}</ref> Okanogan Living, a monthly lifestyle magazine based in Tonasket, also serves the region.<ref>{{cite news |first=Brock |last=Hires |url=https://www.oklivingmagazine.com/ |title=Omak, Okanogan, Washington |work=Okanogan Living |location=[[Tonasket, Washington|Tonasket]] |access-date=April 1, 2022}}</ref>

John P. and Becki Andrist own three licensed radio stations in the city.<ref>{{cite news |first=K.C. |last=Mehaffey |url=http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2010/feb/27/omak-radio-newscaster-announces-election-bid/ |title=Omak radio newscaster announces election bid |work=The Wenatchee World |date=February 27, 2010 |access-date=April 27, 2013}}</ref> Branded as "Radio Okanogan", [[KOMW]] broadcasts an oldies format and serves the entire valley floor,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fcc.gov/mb/audio/fmq.html |title=FM Query – FM Radio Technical Information |publisher=[[Federal Communications Commission]] |access-date=February 27, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090825071957/http://www.fcc.gov/mb/audio/fmq.html |archive-date=August 25, 2009 }}</ref> while country music station [[KNCW]] (branded as "Okanogan Country Radio" features programming from [[Citadel Media]] and [[Dial Global]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/fmq?call=KNCW |title=KNCW Facility Record |publisher=Federal Communications Commission |access-date=February 27, 2013}}</ref> [[KZBE]] also broadcasts programming from Dial Global in the adult contemporary format,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://transition.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/amq?call=KZBE |title=KQWS Facility Record |publisher=Federal Communications Commission |access-date=February 27, 2013}}</ref> while [[KQWS]] operates from [[Washington State University]] as [[Northwest Public Radio]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://transition.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/amq?call=KQWS |title=KQWS Facility Record |publisher=Federal Communications Commission |access-date=February 27, 2013}}</ref>

Omak is well-served by television and radio, with all major U.S. networks and at least five other English-language stations available. Omak cable viewers can also receive [[CHAN-DT]] ([[Global Television Network]]) from [[Vancouver|Vancouver, British Columbia]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tvlistings.zap2it.com/tvlistings/ZBChooseProvider.do?method=getProviders&zipcode=98841&showzip=true&aid=zap2it |title=TV Listings – Local Broadcast (Zip Code 98841) |publisher=[[Zap2it]] |access-date=June 2, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140417123404/http://tvlistings.zap2it.com/tvlistings/ZBChooseProvider.do?method=getProviders&zipcode=98841&showzip=true&aid=zap2it |archive-date=April 17, 2014 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> The nearest major television [[media market|market area]] is based in the [[Seattle metropolitan area]].<ref>{{cite news |first=Michael |last=Hinman |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2009/08/24/daily56.html |title=Seattle moves up to No. 13 U.S. TV market |work=[[Puget Sound Business Journal]] |location=[[Seattle]] |date=August 28, 2009 |access-date=March 12, 2013}}</ref> The Omak–Okanogan market area includes several broadcast television stations that can be received in the city. K17EV-D, channel 17{{mdash}}a [[broadcast relay station|broadcast translator]] of [[KSPS-TV]]{{mdash}}is branded as [[Public Broadcasting Service]] (PBS),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://transition.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?call=K17EV-D |title=K17EV-D Facility Record |publisher=Federal Communications Commission |access-date=March 12, 2013}}</ref> while K07DG, channel 7, rebroadcasts [[KREM (TV)|KREM]], a [[CBS]] affiliate, in the municipality.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://transition.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?call=K07DG |title=K07DG Facility Record |publisher=Federal Communications Commission |access-date=March 12, 2013}}</ref> An [[American Broadcasting Company]] (ABC) affiliate, [[KXLY-TV]] is translated as K09DG in Omak.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://transition.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?call=K09DG |title=K09DG Facility Record |publisher=Federal Communications Commission |access-date=March 12, 2013}}</ref> K11DM, channel 11, is a translator of [[NBC|National Broadcasting Company]] (NBC)'s KHQ-TV,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://transition.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?call=K11DM |title=K11DM Facility Record |publisher=Federal Communications Commission |access-date=March 12, 2013}}</ref> [[Community television]] stations, K19AU-D and the [[Fox Broadcasting Company]] translator at [[KAYU-TV|K31AH-D]], are owned by Mountain Licenses and operate from Omak,<ref name="communications1">{{cite web |url=http://transition.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?call=K31AH-D |title=K31AH-D Facility Record |publisher=Federal Communications Commission |access-date=March 12, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://transition.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?call=K19AU-D |title=K19AU-D Facility Record |publisher=Federal Communications Commission |access-date=March 12, 2013}}</ref> in addition to a [[Three Angels Broadcasting Network]]-owned station, K26GV-D.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://transition.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?call=K26GV-D |title=K26GV-D Facility Record |publisher=Federal Communications Commission |access-date=March 12, 2013}}</ref> The Riverside market area is nearby and contains three licensed television stations which can be received, including K08CY,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://transition.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?state=&call=K08CY&arn=&city=&chan=&cha2=69&serv=&type=0&facid=&list=1&dist=&dlat2=&mlat2=&slat2=&dlon2=&mlon2=&slon2=&size=9 |title=K08CY Facility Record |publisher=Federal Communications Commission |access-date=March 12, 2013}}</ref> K10DM,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://transition.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?call=K10DM |title=K10DM Facility Record |publisher=Federal Communications Commission |access-date=March 12, 2013}}</ref> and K12CV.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://transition.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?call=K12CV |title=K12CV Facility Record |publisher=Federal Communications Commission |access-date=March 12, 2013}}</ref>

==Government and politics==
[[File:Omak, WA - City Hall & Fire Department.jpg|thumb|right|[[Omak City Hall]]]]

The City of Omak's [[mayor–council government]] comprises a mayor{{mdash}}who also represents north-central Washington's separate economic development district<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ncwedd.com/membership.htm |title=Current Membership Positions – 2012 |publisher=North Central Washington Development District |year=2012 |access-date=April 23, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120709022901/http://www.ncwedd.com/membership.htm |archive-date=July 9, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref>{{mdash}}and a seven-member council.<ref name="council">{{cite web |url=http://www.omakcity.com/city_council.html |title=Omak City Council |publisher=City of Omak |access-date=March 7, 2013}}</ref> These positions, stipulated by the Omak City Code,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.omakcity.com/municipal_code.html |title=Omak City Municipal Code |publisher=City of Omak |access-date=April 3, 2013}}</ref> are subject to [[plurality-at-large voting|at-large]] elections every two years, rather than by geographic subdivisions.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.omakchronicle.com/archives/db_stories.asp?story=20071017A06-02 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130615101458/http://www.omakchronicle.com/archives/db_stories.asp?story=20071017A06-02 |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 15, 2013 |title=Omak City Council At Large position Two-year term |work=Omak–Okanogan County Chronicle |date=October 17, 2007 |access-date=April 19, 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2007/oct/23/omak-city-council-candidates/ |title=Omak City Council candidates |work=The Wenatchee World |date=October 27, 2007 |access-date=March 7, 2013}}</ref> Like most portions of the United States, government and laws are run by a series of ballot initiatives whereby citizens can pass or reject laws, referendums whereby citizens can approve or reject legislation already passed, and propositions where specific government agencies can propose new laws or tax increases directly to the people. Federally, Omak is part of [[Washington's 4th congressional district]],<ref>{{cite map |url=http://www.redistricting.wa.gov/maps.asp |title=2012 Final Plan adopted by the Commission and amended by the Legislature on February 7, 2012 |publisher=[[Washington Redistricting Commission]] |access-date=March 14, 2013 |archive-date=February 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200219213105/http://www.redistricting.wa.gov/maps.asp |url-status=dead }}</ref> represented by Republican [[Dan Newhouse]], who was sworn in on January 3, 2015. The current mayor, Cindy Gagne, was first elected in 2000 as a councilwomen, and was appointed in May 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.omakcity.com/mayor_cindy_gagne.html |title=Mayor Cindy Gagne |publisher=City of Omak |access-date=March 20, 2013}}</ref>

The State of Washington operates a [[public administration|public government administration]] office in Omak for access to [[Washington Department of Social and Health Services|social and health assistance]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dshs.wa.gov/dvr/contactus/omak.aspx |title=Washington State DVR – Omak Office |publisher=[[Washington Department of Social and Health Services]] |access-date=April 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130401031338/http://www.dshs.wa.gov/dvr/ContactUs/omak.aspx |archive-date=April 1, 2013 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Omak is considered to be a code city,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mrsc.org/cityprofiles/citylist.aspx |title=Washington City and Town Profiles |publisher=Municipal Research and Services Center |access-date=June 6, 2013 |archive-date=November 21, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141121200637/http://www.mrsc.org/cityprofiles/citylist.aspx |url-status=dead }}</ref> based on proposals to provide the local government with more authority from its previous second-class city status.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.omakchronicle.com/archives/db_stories.asp?story=20070110A03-6 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130615101451/http://www.omakchronicle.com/archives/db_stories.asp?story=20070110A03-6 |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 15, 2013 |title=Omak City Council hears about hiring administrator |work=Omak–Okanogan County Chronicle |date=January 10, 2007 |access-date=May 10, 2013 }}</ref> With a functional court for traffic, parking and civil infractions, the city maintains the sewer, water, local road, sidewalk, street lighting, animal control, building inspection, park, and recreation services. It also funds a volunteer fire department which services Omak and nearby rural communities.

Omak is also governed by an eight-member planning commission{{mdash}}part of the Omak City Council{{mdash}}which also operates the Greater Omak Comprehensive Plan, adopted in April 2004 and consisting of improvements considered for the city and surrounding communities.<ref name="airport" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.omakcity.com/planning_commission.html |title=Omak City Planning Commission |publisher=City of Omak |access-date=March 14, 2013}}</ref> The five-member Omak Library Board and Tree Board are also divisions of the Omak City Council, with public meetings taking place at the Omak Public Library.<ref name="publiclibrary" /> With four-year terms for participants, the local [[Civil Service Commission]] services Omak.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.omakcity.com/BoardsCommissions.html |title=Omak City Board and Commissions |publisher=City of Omak |access-date=March 14, 2013}}</ref>  Shortly after being incorporated in 1911, Omak unsuccessfully contested Okanogan to become the administrative center of Okanogan County, after [[Conconully, Washington|Conconully]] lost its status.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |title=Okanogan County, WA |publisher=[[National Association of Counties]] |access-date=March 18, 2013}}</ref> During the temperance movement before national prohibition, Omak residents favored the banishment of alcohol in Washington, which was opposed by those of Okanogan.<ref name="stampedetown" /> The [[United States Army]] (USA) operates two military recruiting centers in Omak,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.yellowpages.com/omak-washington/us-army-recruiting-office?g=Omak%2C+Washington&q=US+Army+Recruiting+Office |title=United States Army Recruiting Office in Omak, WA |publisher=[[Yellowpages.com|Yellow Pages]] |access-date=May 21, 2013}}</ref> although a historical military band, the Omak Military Band, also operated around 1910.<ref>{{cite web |author=[[Frank S. Matsura|Matsura, Frank]] |url=http://kaga.wsulibs.wsu.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/matsura&CISOPTR=798&CISOBOX=1&REC=1 |title=Omak Military Band, Omak, Washington, 1910 |publisher=Washington State University |access-date=February 26, 2013 |archive-date=February 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201192816/http://kaga.wsulibs.wsu.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=%2Fmatsura&CISOPTR=798&CISOBOX=1&REC=1 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The five-officer Omak Police Department detachment, which covered the municipality and nearby rural communities, reported over 180 [[criminal code]] offenses in 2010. The city's crime rate of 154 offenses per 100,000 people is 28 percent higher than the 2010 state average and one percent higher than the 2010 federal average.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cityrating.com/crime-statistics/washington/omak.html#.UUpyN1ctegs |title=Omak Crime Rate Report (Washington) |publisher=CityRating.com |year=2013 |access-date=March 20, 2013}}</ref> According to [[Uniform Crime Report]] statistics compiled by the [[Federal Bureau of Investigation]] (FBI) in 2011, there were 19 violent crimes and 166 property crimes. The violent crimes consisted of one forcible rape, three robberies and 15 aggravated assaults, while 32 burglaries, 104 larceny-thefts, eight motor vehicle thefts and one arson defined the property crimes. The FBI classifies Omak as having 4,921 people located within the Omak Police Department area.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/ucr/crime-in-the-u.s/2011/crime-in-the-u.s.-2011/tables/table8statecuts/table_8_offenses_known_to_law_enforcement_washington_by_city_2011.xls |type=XLS |title=Table 8 – Washington – Offenses Known to Law Enforcement by State by City, 2011 |publisher=[[Federal Bureau of Investigation]]  |year=2011 |access-date=March 7, 2013}}</ref> The city's highest crime rate was recorded in 2004, with 413 incidents per 100,000 people. Until 2013, when a murder and motor-vehicle theft occurred in the city,<ref>{{cite news |first=K.C. |last=Mehaffey |url=http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2013/feb/11/88-year-old-omak-man-killed-vehicle-stolen/ |title=88-year-old Omak man killed, vehicle stolen |work=The Wenatchee World |date=February 11, 2013 |access-date=March 19, 2013}}</ref> there had not been a homicide for over ten consecutive years.<ref>{{cite web |title=Washington – Offenses Known to Law Enforcement by State by City – Historical Records |publisher=Federal Bureau of Investigation }}</ref> The crime in Omak has decreased throughout the past decade.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usa.com/omak-wa-crime-and-crime-rate.htm |title=Omak, WA Crime and Crime Rate – Omak, WA Crime by Year |publisher=USA.com |access-date=March 19, 2013}}</ref> Before marijuana was legalized in Washington, marijuana users were arrested, per [[State law (United States)|state law]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=j608AAAAIBAJ&sjid=1RQGAAAAIBAJ&pg=2837,2331901&dq=omak+marijuana&hl=en |title=More marijuana found growing in area |work=The Sun |location=Seattle |date=August 22, 2007 |access-date=May 20, 2013}}</ref> Growers, [[drug lord]]s and international smugglers residing in the Omak area are still arrested.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-27320919.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140702062137/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-27320919.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 2, 2014 |title=Marijuana smuggler gets 57 months in prison; Canadian used helicopter, high-tech gear; to pilot potent pot across border |work=The Spokesman-Review |date=November 2, 2001 |access-date=May 20, 2013}}{{subscription required|publisher=[[HighBeam Research]]}}</ref>

==Education==
[[File:Omak Public Library.jpg|thumb|right|The Omak Public Library is a branch of [[NCW Libraries]] (formerly North Central Regional Library).]]

The 2010 census estimated that 1,057 people in Omak have attended college, while 504 residents received an academic degree; more than five percent higher than the state average. Approximately 91.5 percent graduated from high school or a more advanced institution; two percent higher than the state average.<ref name="Omakcensus">{{cite web |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_11_5YR_DP02 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200212210819/http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_11_5YR_DP02 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 12, 2020 |title=Community Facts – Selected Social Characteristics in the United States – 2007–2011 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates – Omak city, Washington |publisher=United States Census Bureau |date=April 1, 2010 |access-date=April 25, 2013}}</ref><ref name="Washingtoncensus">{{cite web |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_11_5YR_DP02 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200212210819/http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_11_5YR_DP02 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 12, 2020 |title=Community Facts – Selected Social Characteristics in the United States – 2007–2011 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates – Washington, state |publisher=United States Census Bureau |date=April 1, 2010 |access-date=April 25, 2013}}</ref> Omak's schools are administered by the county's largest educational district, Omak School District, which operate two mainstream high schools, one mainstream middle school, two mainstream elementary schools and three [[virtual school]]s.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nces.ed.gov/ccd/districtsearch/district_detail.asp?Search=2&ID2=5306220 |title=Search for Public School Districts – District Detail for Omak School District |publisher=[[National Center for Education Statistics]] |access-date=April 23, 2013}}</ref> Omak High School, built in 1919,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=oqZVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=iuADAAAAIBAJ&pg=4113,3967030 |title=Bond Omak School District |work=The Spokesman-Review |date=May 19, 1919 |access-date=January 29, 2013}}</ref> had a 2010–11 enrollment of 435 students,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch/school_detail.asp?Search=1&DistrictID=5306220&ID=530622000940 |title=Search for Public Schools – School Detail for Omak High School |publisher=National Center for Education Statistics |access-date=February 20, 2013}}</ref> while the Omak Alternative High School had an enrollment of 48 students. Omak Middle School had an enrolment of 339 children.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch/school_detail.asp?Search=1&DistrictID=5306220&ID=530622001912 |title=Search for Public Schools – School Detail for Omak Middle School |publisher=National Center for Education Statistics |access-date=February 20, 2013}}</ref> The city's primary schools are East Omak Elementary and North Omak Elementary which had a combined 2010–11 enrollment of 748 children.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch/school_list.asp?Search=1&DistrictID=5306220 |title=Search for Public Schools – School Detail for East Omak Elementary School |publisher=National Center for Education Statistics  |access-date=February 20, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch/school_detail.asp?Search=1&DistrictID=5306220&ID=530622000939 |title=Search for Public Schools – School Detail for North Omak Elementary School |publisher=National Center for Education Statistics |access-date=February 20, 2013}}</ref>

[[File:Wenatchee Valley College at Omak, WA.jpg|thumb|left|[[Wenatchee Valley College]] maintains an Omak campus.]]
[[File:Omak School District.jpg|thumb|The main office for Omak School District.]]
In February 2010, Omak became the third settlement in Washington to have a virtual school.<ref>{{cite news |first=Rachel |last=Schleif |url=http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2010/feb/01/local-schools-booting-up-their-own-online/ |title=Local schools booting up their own online offerings |work=The Wenatchee World |date=February 1, 2010 |access-date=January 30, 2013}}</ref> During the 2010–11 year, Washington Virtual Academy Omak Elementary, Washington Virtual Academy Omak Middle School, and Washington Virtual Academy Omak High School had a combined enrollment of 969 pupils.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch/school_detail.asp?Search=1&DistrictID=5306220&ID=530622003282 |title=Search for Public Schools – School Detail for Washington Virtual Academy Omak Elementary |publisher=National Center for Education Statistics |access-date=February 20, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch/school_detail.asp?Search=1&DistrictID=5306220&ID=530622003307 |title=Search for Public Schools – School Detail for Washington Virtual Academy Omak Middle School |publisher=National Center for Education Statistics |access-date=February 20, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch/school_detail.asp?Search=1&DistrictID=5306220&ID=530622003304 |title=Search for Public Schools – School Detail for Washington Virtual Academy Omak High School |publisher=National Center for Education Statistics  |access-date=February 20, 2013}}</ref> The private Omak Adventist Christian School, which operates outside of Omak School District, had 16 pupils in 2011. It is affiliated with the nearby [[Seventh-day Adventist Church|General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nces.ed.gov/surveys/pss/privateschoolsearch/school_detail.asp?Search=1&City=Omak&NumOfStudentsRange=more&IncGrade=-1&LoGrade=-1&HiGrade=-1&ID=02066977 |title=Search for Private Schools – School Detail for Omak Adventist Christian School |publisher=National Center for Education Statistics |access-date=February 20, 2013}}</ref> The Veritas Classical Christian School has also operated in the Omak region.{{citation needed|date=November 2024}} 

The Omak Public Library, managed by [[NCW Libraries]] (formerly North Central Regional Library),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ncrl.org/omak.htm |title=Omak Community Library |publisher=[[North Central Regional Library]] |access-date=February 20, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130310100315/http://ncrl.org/omak.htm |archive-date=March 10, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> was established in 1956 under provisions of state law passed by the City of Omak.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=p-VXAAAAIBAJ&sjid=zPYDAAAAIBAJ&pg=2239,759372 |title=Omak Planning Public Library |work=The Spokesman-Review |date=July 4, 1956 |access-date=February 20, 2013}}</ref> The library is open daily, except on Sundays in the summer season.<ref name="publiclibrary">{{cite web |url=http://www.omakcity.com/library.html |title=Omak City Library |publisher=City of Omak |access-date=February 20, 2013}}</ref> The [[community college]], Wenatchee Valley College,<ref>{{cite news |first=Danna |last=Blankinship |url=http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2008238232_webcommunitycolleges07.html |title=Community college enrollment up across Washington |work=The Seattle Times |date=October 7, 2008 |access-date=February 20, 2013}}</ref> maintains a campus in Omak,<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web |url=http://www.wvc.edu/directory/departments/wvcomak/default.asp |title=Wenatchee Valley College at Omak |publisher=Wenatchee Valley College |access-date=February 21, 2013}}</ref> which had an enrollment increase of 19 percent between the 2009–10 and 2010–11 educational seasons.<ref>{{cite web |first=Sheila |last=Corson |url=http://www.omakchronicle.com/nws/n100304b.shtml |title=College foundation celebrates 10 years of growth, changes |work=Omak–Okanogan County Chronicle |date=March 4, 2010 |access-date=April 24, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100423220738/http://www.omakchronicle.com/nws/n100304b.shtml |archive-date=April 23, 2010 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Located approximately {{convert|95|mi}} from the main campus in Wenatchee, it was established in the 1970s,<ref name="autogenerated1" /> and offers adult education classes and two-year associate degrees.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wvc.edu/directory/departments/catalog/Degrees%20and%20Programs.pdf |title=Degrees and Programs |publisher=Wenatchee Valley College |access-date=April 24, 2013}}</ref> Based in [[Toppenish, Washington|Toppenish]] about {{convert|215|mi}} away, [[Heritage University]] operates an Omak campus consolidated with Wenatchee Valley College's, providing degrees in several academic subjects.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.heritage.edu/FutureStudents/AboutHeritage/MissionHistory.aspx |title=Mission & History |publisher=[[Heritage University]] |access-date=February 21, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130225073144/http://www.heritage.edu/FutureStudents/AboutHeritage/MissionHistory.aspx |archive-date=February 25, 2013 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

==Infrastructure==
[[File:Omak, WA - bridge across the Okanagan River.jpg|thumb|right|[[Washington State Route 215]] along Omak Avenue as a spur route]]

The 2010 census estimated that 89.3 percent of residents in Omak commuted to work by automobile; more than the state average of 72.4 percent. Four percent of residents [[carpool]]ed; fewer than Washington's average. 3.8 percent walked; close to the state average. The median time to travel to work was 11.5 minutes, less than the state average of 25.5 minutes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_11_5YR_DP03 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200212211753/http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_11_5YR_DP03 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 12, 2020 |title=Selected Economic Characteristics – 2007–2011 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates |publisher=United States Census Bureau |date=April 1, 2010 |access-date=May 4, 2013 }}</ref> In the late 1960s, U.S. Route 97 was rerouted to the east and Downtown Omak was bypassed. Large signs located just off U.S. Route 97 promote the city's central business district.<ref name="spi" />

Washington State Route 215 runs north–south through Omak, connecting the city to Okanogan {{convert|4|miles|km|spell=in}} to the south. U.S. Route 97 and [[Washington State Route 20|State Route 20]] also run north–south through Omak, connecting the municipality to Okanogan {{convert|5|miles|km}} south along this route and [[Brewster, Washington|Brewster]] {{convert|32|miles|km}} south, [[Nespelem, Washington|Nespelem]] {{convert|35|miles|km}} southeast is connected to the community by the east–west [[Washington State Route 155|State Route 155]], before it becomes a spur route and continues west along Omak Avenue to terminate into State Route 215.<ref name="WSDOT-Map"/> The residential areas are separated from the industrial sector and the highway by backroads near the major highways. Omak's central business district is connected by several spur routes along municipal roads, such as Riverside Drive, Main Street and Okoma Drive.{{citation needed|date=November 2024}}

[[File:Omak NASA view.jpg|thumb|left|Aerial view of Omak and [[Okanogan County, Washington|Okanogan County]]]]

Omak has rail, air, and bus services for regional and state transportation. Rail lines from Cascade and Columbia River Railroad enter Omak from Oroville in the north and Wenatchee in the south. The line interchanges with [[BNSF Railway]] in the Wenatchee area.<ref name="Kirk">[[#Kirk|Kirk (2003)]], p. 69</ref> The City of Omak operates the [[general aviation|general]] [[Omak Airport]]. The paved runway is the third largest in central Washington.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.omakcity.com/airport.html |title=Omak City Airport |publisher=City of Omak |access-date=February 5, 2013}}</ref> The airport provides three daily charter flights, except on Saturdays and Sundays.<ref name="airport" /> [[Wings for Christ Airport]] and [[Mid-Valley Hospital|Mid-Valley Hospital EMS Heliport]] are private aviation ports.<ref>{{FAA-airport|ID=0WN9|use=PR|own=PR|site=26330.02*A}}. [[Federal Aviation Administration]]. Retrieved February 21, 2013.</ref><ref>{{FAA-airport|ID=9WA5|use=PR|own=PR|site=26330.01*H}}. Federal Aviation Administration. Retrieved February 21, 2013.</ref> The closest commercial airports are located in Penticton and [[East Wenatchee, Washington|East Wenatchee]].{{citation needed|date=November 2024}} Okanogan County Transportation & Nutrition provides bus services in the city,<ref>{{cite web |first=Leanne |last=Whitener |url=http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/publications/manuals/fulltext/m0000/TransitSummary/okanogan.pdf |title=Okanogan County Transportation & Nutrition – Current Operations |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |year=2011 |access-date=January 26, 2013 }}{{dead link|date=March 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.octn.org/about-us/ |title=About us |publisher=[[Okanogan County Transportation & Nutrition]] |access-date=February 21, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130416221431/http://www.octn.org/about-us/ |archive-date=April 16, 2013 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> and the federal [[Amtrak]] and [[Greyhound Lines]] maintain bus stops there.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=am%2Fam2Station%2FStation_Page&code=OMW |title=Stations – Omak, WA – Bus Stop (OMW) |publisher=[[Amtrak]] |access-date=April 9, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.greyhound.com/en/locations/terminal.aspx?city=780615 |title=Omak, Washington |publisher=[[Greyhound Lines]] |access-date=April 14, 2013}}</ref>

The 30-bed [[Mid-Valley Hospital]] provides medical services, including a 24-hour emergency medical service, ambulance service, nursing care, a birthing center, and a trauma center.<ref name="offer">{{cite web |url=http://www.mvhealth.org/hospital-services |title=Hospital Services |publisher=[[Mid-Valley Hospital|Mid-Valley Medical Group]] |access-date=February 20, 2013 |archive-date=July 1, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130701010645/http://www.mvhealth.org/hospital-services |url-status=dead }}</ref> The facility employs 10 physicians and dentists, 20 registered nurses and two licensed practical nurses.<ref name="hospital">{{cite news |url=http://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/wa/mid-valley-hospital-6910455 |title=Mid-Valley Hospital in Omak, Washington |work=[[U.S. News & World Report]] |location=New York |date=April 1, 2012 |access-date=February 20, 2013}}</ref> Established in July 2000, Okanogan Behavioral Healthcare serves the city as an alternative medical facility.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.okbhc.org/ |title=Welcome to Okanogan Behavioral HealthCare (OBHC) |publisher=Okanogan Behavioral Healthcare |access-date=February 20, 2013}}</ref> Numerous nursing homes, including Rosegarden Care Center, New LifeStyles and The Source for Seniors, operate in Omak.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.yellowpages.com/omak-wa/nursing-homes?g=Omak%2C+WA&q=Nursing+homes |title=Omak nursing homes |publisher=Yellow Pages |access-date=February 21, 2013}}</ref> The city's clinic was constructed in 1996 using $4,800,000 of local funds.<ref>{{cite news |title=Clinic to build $4.8&nbsp;million facility |work=Wenatchee Business Journal |date=June 1, 1996}}</ref> The City of Omak measures residents' drinking water use and provides storm drains, solid waste, and garbage services since 1984. Residents under 60 are charged a 10 percent utility tax on purchases.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.omakcity.com/city_utilities.html |title=Omak City Utilities |publisher=City of Omak |access-date=February 27, 2013}}</ref> Electricity is supplied by Okanogan County Public Utility District,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.okanoganpud.org/electric |title=Electric – Okanogan PUD #1 of Okanogan County |publisher=Okanogan County Public Utility District |access-date=April 10, 2013}}</ref> and natural gas by [[UGI Corporation|Amerigas]]. Other utility companies serving Omak include [[AT&T]] (telephone);<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.yellowpages.com/omak-wa/mip/at-t-473810151 |title=AT&T in Omak, Washington |publisher=Yellow Pages |access-date=February 27, 2013}}</ref> and [[Comcast]] (telephone, Internet, and cable television).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.yellowpages.com/omak-wa/comcast |title=Comcast in Omak, Washington |publisher=Yellow Pages |access-date=February 27, 2013 |archive-date=July 18, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140718052324/http://www.yellowpages.com/omak-wa/comcast |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Notable people==
[[File:Interior Salish basket (UBC-2010b).jpg|thumb|right|200px|An [[Interior Salish]] basket with patterns similar to what [[Joe Feddersen]] creates in his work.]]

* [[Joe Feddersen]], sculptor, painter and photographer of [[Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation|Colville]] cultures<ref>{{cite web |first=Rebecca |last=Dobkins |year=2003 |url=http://art.state.gov/artistdetail.aspx?id=132380 |title=Joe Feddersen: Prints and Baskets |publisher=[[United States Department of State]] |access-date=March 3, 2013 |archive-date=October 22, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111022070801/http://art.state.gov/ArtistDetail.aspx?id=132380 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>Rushing III; W. Jackson. ''Joe Feddersen: Sacred Geometry''. "After the Storm" pp. 33–47. [[Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art]], 2001.</ref>
* [[Marv Hagedorn]], state legislator in Idaho<ref name="ISL">{{cite web |url=http://legislature.idaho.gov/house/membershipSingle.cfm?ID=25 |title=House Membership: Marv Hagedorn |publisher=[[Idaho Legislature]] |access-date=March 3, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121119140100/http://legislature.idaho.gov/house/membershipSingle.cfm?ID=25 |archive-date=November 19, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
* [[Don McCormack]], professional baseball player<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mccordo01.shtml |title=Donald Ross McCormack |work=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |access-date=March 20, 2013}}</ref>
* [[William S. Skylstad|William Stephen Skylstad]], Roman Catholic Bishop<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bskylstad.html |title=Bishop William Stephen Skylstad |publisher=[[Catholic-Hierarchy]] |access-date=March 7, 2013}}</ref>

==International relations==
According to the [[Lieutenant Governor of Washington]], Omak is a [[sister city|sister municipality]] with [[Summerland, British Columbia]],<ref>{{cite web|author=[[Brad Owen|Owen, Brad]] |url=http://www.ltgov.wa.gov/International/Washington%20Organizations/Sisters/ |title=Washington's 'Sister' Relationships – Sister Cities, States, Counties & Ports |publisher=[[Lieutenant Governor of Washington]] |access-date=February 25, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060929011931/http://www.ltgov.wa.gov/International/Washington%20Organizations/Sisters/ |archive-date=September 29, 2006 }}</ref> a [[district municipality|district]] with a population of 11,280 people according to the [[Canada 2011 Census|2011 Canadian census]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2011/as-sa/fogs-spg/Facts-csd-eng.cfm?LANG=Eng&GK=CSD&GC=5907035 |title=Census subdivision of Summerland, DM – British Columbia |publisher=[[Statistics Canada]] |date=May 10, 2011 |access-date=March 25, 2013}}</ref> Located on [[Okanagan Lake]] in the adjacent [[Okanagan-Similkameen Regional District]], Summerland was incorporated on December 21, 1906,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cscd.gov.bc.ca/lgd/infra/library/Name%20Incorp%202011.xls |title=British Columbia Regional Districts, Municipalities, Corporate Name, Date of Incorporation and Postal Address |publisher=British Columbia Ministry of Communities, Sport and Cultural Development |type=[[Microsoft Excel|XLS]] |access-date=February 25, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140713004716/http://www.cscd.gov.bc.ca/lgd/infra/library/Name%20Incorp%202011.xls |archive-date=July 13, 2014 }}</ref> and is located {{convert|96|mi|km}} north of Omak.{{citation needed|date=November 2024}}

==See also==

* [[National Register of Historic Places listings in Washington#Okanogan County|National Register of Historic Places listings in Okanogan County, Washington]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

===Bibliography===
* {{cite book |first=Joseph |last=Cushman |title=Some Pliocene and Miocene Foraminifera of the Coastal Plain of the United States |volume=8 |issue=676 |publisher=[[United States Government Printing Office]] (original); [[Nabu Press]] (re-release) |location=[[Washington, D.C.]] |orig-year=First published 1918 |date=March 5, 2012 |isbn=9781276974233 |ref=Cushman}}
* {{cite book |author=Kirk, Ruth |author2=Alexander, Carmela |title=Exploring Washington's Past |date=June 1, 2003 |publisher=[[University of Washington Press]] |location=[[Seattle]] |isbn=9780295974439 |ref=Kirk}}
* {{cite book |first=Giselle |last=Smith |title=Best Places Northwest: The Locals' Guide to the Best Restaurants, Lodgings, Sights, Shopping, and More! |publisher=[[Sasquatch Books]] |location=Seattle |date=October 4, 2004 |isbn=9781570614170 |ref=Smith}}
* {{cite book |title=[[Merriam-Webster's Geographical Dictionary]] |issue=3 |location=[[Springfield, Massachusetts|Springfield]] |publisher=[[Merriam-Webster]] |year=1997 |isbn=0877795460 |ref=merriam}}
* {{cite book |title=Washington, 2000: 2000 census of population and housing |publisher=United States Census Bureau |location=Washington, D.C. |year=2002 |chapter=Table 15: Land Area and Population Density – 2000 |page=166 |ref=2000censusbook}}

==External links==
{{Sister project links|Omak|commons=yes|b=no|q=no|v=no|n=no|voy=Omak|d=Q1509671|species=no}}
* {{official website|http://www.omakcity.com}}
* [http://www.omakchamber.com/ Omak Chamber of Commerce]

{{Geographic Location 2
| Center    = Omak
| North     = [[Riverside, Washington|Riverside]]
| Northwest = [[Conconully, Washington|Conconully]]
| Northeast = [[North Omak, Washington|North Omak]]
| South     = [[Lakeview, Washington|Lakeview]]
| East      = [[Addy, Washington|Addy]]
| ENE       = ''[[Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake]]''
| West      = [[Burlington, Washington|Burlington]]
| WSW       = [[Okanogan, Washington|Okanogan]]
| ESE       = ''[[Omak Lake]]''
| WNW       = [[Winthrop, Washington|Winthrop]]
| Southwest = [[Brewster, Washington|Brewster]]
| Southeast = [[Nespelem Community, Washington|Nespelem Community]]
}}

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[[Category:Omak, Washington| ]]
[[Category:1911 establishments in Washington (state)]]
[[Category:Cities in Washington (state)]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1907]]
[[Category:Populated places in Greater Omak]]
[[Category:Cities in Okanogan County, Washington]]
[[Category:Washington (state) populated places on the Okanogan River]]
[[Category:Washington (state) placenames of Native American origin]]