 The land that is now Omak had been inhabited by various Native American tribes before the arrival of non-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 new town to other municipalities, were built simultaneously in 1908 supported by the local agricultural industry. The name Omak comes from the Okanagan placename [umák], or the Salishan term Omache — which is said to mean "good medicine" or "plenty", referring to its favorable climate, with an annual high of around 88°F (31°C). Omak acts as the gateway to the Okanogan National Forest and consists of a central business district and residential neighborhoods.
