If you enjoy driving through beautiful scenery or spending time outdoors, the Ferry County portion of Okanogan Country is one place you won't want to miss.
     Ferry County, nestled in the rugged Kettle Range of north central Washington just south of the Canadian border, is known for its natural beauty and wide array of attractions.
     There are many outdoor activities and historical places offering a little something for everyone.
     Ferry County is home to numerous birds, including Lewis' woodpeckers, eagles and great gray owls. Several rare migrant eastern songbirds - such as the bobolink, veery and American redstart - also can be seen, along with the red-eyed vireo.
     Nesting loons provide another bird attraction on Swan and Ferry lakes.
     Many animals of the furry and four-legged variety also call Ferry County home, including bear, cougar, deer and smaller animals. Deer often can be seen in the county's only incorporated city, Republic.
     Ferry County, known for its rugged terrain, offers many hiking, backpacking, mountain biking and horse trails.
     The most popular advanced trail is the Kettle Crest Trail No. 13 north, which runs from the top of Sherman Pass on Highway 20 to the Boulder Deer Creek Summit. The 30-mile route features grassy meadows, wildflowers and breathtaking views into the Curlew, Kettle and Columbia drainages.
     An easy trail is Sherman Trail No. 12, a 1.14-mile trail that climbs to the Kettle Crest through a forested area and two meadows.
     Camping areas abound, and the area's lakes, streams and rivers lure anglers searching for rainbow, cutthroat and brook trout, largemouth bass, tiger muskies and kokanee.
     Winter provides a dream landscape for snowmobilers and cross country skiers, with 65 miles of groomed trails in the Empire Lake-Kelly Mountain area, 27 miles of trails around Hall Creek and 71 miles in the Swan Lake area, and many miles of ungroomed forest roads.
     Information: www.ferrycounty.com.