Alta Lake Golf Resort

Alta Lake Golf Resort sits in the high desert of north-central Washington, near the town of Pateros in the Methow Valley region. Designed by Don Barth, the course occupies terrain characteristic of the Columbia River basin, where arid hillsides and sagebrush landscape meet irrigated fairways. The setting offers views of surrounding ridges and the dramatic topography that defines this part of the state. The routing works with the natural contours of the land, incorporating elevation changes and the visual contrast between maintained turf and native desert vegetation. Water features, including the namesake Alta Lake, come into play on several holes. The design reflects the regional style of mountain-adjacent golf in eastern Washington, where courses must balance playability with the challenges posed by wind, firm conditions, and uneven lies. The resort serves both destination visitors exploring the Methow Valley and local golfers from the Okanogan County area. The facility operates in a region known for outdoor recreation, including hiking, fishing, and winter sports in nearby mountains. The course provides a golf option in a part of Washington where courses are less densely concentrated than in the Puget Sound corridor, offering a different landscape and climate experience for players traveling through the North Cascades Highway corridor or the Columbia River valley.