Tonasket in Okanogan County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)

McLoughlin Canyon

Photographed by Mark Teshera, June 6, 2024

1. McLoughlin Canyon Marker

Inscription. Upset by an increasing flow of miners heading for British Columbia gold fields, Indians lay in ambush through the length of this canyon on July 29 1858, as 160 men lead by David McLoughlin approached from the south. The warriors had camouflaged their stone breastworks with branches but wilted leaves alerted McLoughlin's advance party so the Indians opened up prematurely. Firing continued for several hours near the mouth of the canyon a half-mile behind this sign. Three whites were killed. The caravan retreated to the Okanogan River and next day crossed over on rafts.

Erected by Okanogan County Historical Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Wars, US Indian. A significant historical date for this entry is July 29, 1858.

Location. 48° 38.874′ N, 119° 26.378′ W. Marker is in Tonasket, Washington, in Okanogan County. It is on McLaughlin Canyon Road, on the right when traveling south. From Highway 97 take McLaughlin Canyon Rd. and continue straight until visible on the right. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 391 McLaughlin Canyon

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Rd, Tonasket WA 98855, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Washington’s Okanogan Highlands.

It is also in the American Mountain West

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Cascade Range,

the Pacific Rim,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 2 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Old Okanogan Mission (approx. 10 miles away); Riverside (approx. 10½ miles away).

Regarding McLoughlin Canyon. The only battle between whites and Indians in Okanogan County.

McLoughlin Canyon image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Teshera, June 6, 2024

2. McLoughlin Canyon

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 4, 2025, by Mark Teshera of Oroville, Washington. This page has been viewed 336 times since then and 78 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 4, 2025, by Mark Teshera of Oroville, Washington. 2. submitted on February 5, 2025, by Mark Teshera of Oroville, Washington. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.