Deep Bay Park — Attraction in Oroville

About 15 years ago, a previous life of mine led me to a wine-tasting tour throughout the Okanagan, and then, it being the 4th of July and everything, across the border into Oroville, Washington. Putzing about the meager downtown, seeing the premature amateur fireworks on display in any backyard, we stopped at a local convenience store, to get some snacks, and find out where the real show was to be that evening.

The store was as good as an introduction to America as we needed. A huuuuuuuge display of Budweiser 24s greeted us, draped in the American flag. The nice young woman who eventually rang us up, said - the best fireworks are out at Deep Bay Park, back on the highway. Ok, then.

Back we go, the traffic thickening by the second. Going down the main road to the bay, I saw that there was roadside parking, and hey, cool! I left my new Mustang, and we proceeded to enjoy the environs of the park, and at the hint of dusk, a massive display of fire and light started to fill the sky, until it was fully dark out.

Wading out back towards my car, I noticed that it was tightly parked now, and with a stream of people going by. Somehow, I wiggled out of that spot, and slowly edged into second gear, the crowd parting, up the hill to the highway....

Memories here will last a lifetime! Great boat launch, restrooms during summer months, abundant parking, perfect BBQ pavilions, horse shoes, picnic tables on the beach. Sandy beach on one side of the bay and smooth rocks on the other side. Water is deep, no buoys or lifeguards. Quite, special and open all winter, my favorite time to visit. Apple cup boat races held annually, along with an annual 4th of July firework...

Lake Osoyoos has long shallow swimming locations but Deep Bay is known for the small bay it is named for. If you prefer deep water, it's the best park beach on the USA end of the lake. Do watch you small children of course but it's my favorite place...