China Wall

This peculiar set of stone walls is all that remains of the old Loop Loop mining town. The town was founded in 1888 and lasted only a few years before the mining boom collapsed in the area and the town was deserted. The granite walls are situated on what used to be an old mill site. The walls are impressive - the largest stretches 80 feet across and 27 feet high, and another is 77 feet long and 20 feet high. It's a bit of a journey to the structures, but it is well worth it to catch a glimpse of this mysterious bit of history. 

In 2015, the entire Rock Creek Area where the walls are situated was scorched in the Limebelt Fire. The China Wall was surrounded by fire, but the stone structure was not destroyed and still stands tall today. 

"The simplest way to reach it is to turn off the Loup Loup Highway (SR 20) onto the Loup Loup Canyon road leading to the Rock Creek campground. This junction is about 8.5 miles from the south city limits of the town of Okanogan. On the way, you will pass the Rock Creek campground and picnic area on your right, both operated by the Department of Natural Resources. After about 7 miles, on your left, will be Antoine Ritchie’s sagging log cabin. You will cross Loup Loup Creek at this point. About 0.3 miles this side of the Arlington Mill is a white post with survey data on it. The granite rock quarry which provided rock for construction of the mill is directly uphill from this post. The massive granite walls are not easy to see from the road. They are about seventy-five to one hundred yards up Ruby Hill (to your right). Please respect the private property in this scenic valley so that others may also enjoy this location. Note: The road from the Rock Creek campground to the China Wall is not maintained. A truck or four-wheel drive is recommended."

Directions and information sourced from http://www.ghosttownsusa.com/loop.htm

 

CONTACT INFO

Address: Loup Loup Canyon Road, Okanogan, WA 98840