CHOPAKA MOUNTAIN NATURAL AREA PRESERVE
Features Protected: Three state-threatened plants, eight state-sensitive plants, alpine turf plant communities, subalpine forest plant communities, and a subalpine pond with associated riparian system.
Ecoregion: Okanogan (Okanogan County)
Site Description
This high-mountain preserve encompasses 2,764 acres at elevations ranging from 4,400 to 7,882 feet in the Eastern Cascades. The site protects 11 state-listed plant species, including gentians, cinquefoils, moonwort, willow, and others. Mountain goats range the rocky ridgetops on the preserve's highest peaks (Chopaka also supported the last native herd of bighorn sheep in Washington, which was hunted out in the 1920s). The preserve also includes fine examples of low-growing alpine turf communities, subalpine forests and shrub-steppe, creeks, ponds and meadows abundant with mountain wildflowers.
Science, Research and Monitoring
Public and private universities, other research institutions and individual researchers may contact DNR to propose a research project at the site. If you are interested in pursuing research at Chopaka Mountain NAP, please contact David Wilderman, natural areas ecologist, at david.wilderman@dnr.wa.gov.
Examples of research and monitoring projects that have been carried out at Chopaka Mountain NAP
Environmental Education and Public Access
Currently no formal educational programs are available at Chopaka Mountain NAP. The site is not ADA accessible and facilities are not available. For more information, contact the DNR Northeast Region natural areas manager.