A good route starts at Omak, going about a half-mile on Highway 155 before turning onto Omak Lake Road behind the Washington Veneer mill. About six miles later you arrive at Omak Lake, one of the largest in the state. In the spring many varied birds nest on islands in the lake. To protect nesting birds, the islands are off limits from March 1 to April 30. There also is closure for boating and fishing March 1 to June 30 on the north end of the lake as posted.
Many birds nest at the south end of the lake.
Access is restricted in this area, but birds can be viewed from the road that leads into the Kartar Valley. Between Omak Lake Road and the south end of the lake, on Kartar Valley Road, lies a huge, balancing boulder. There are great views from the road that runs east of the lake. There's also a road at the north end of the lake that can get you close to birds. Birds will flee at the slightest indication of your arrival.