Visit Northeast Washington

07/05/2024

It's a little bit of a hike to get to Carl's Lake (which used to be known as Brown's Lake, but another Brown's Lake in the same county made for some confusion...) but if you're looking for a peaceful and quiet spot, this could be it. Situated on the U.S. Forest Service - Colville National Forest about 5.5 miles from Ione, WA, the roads leading to the lake are closed to motorized traffic to protect natural resources. According to the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife, rainbow trout fry and catchable plants produce yearlings 9-11 inches and carryovers up to 14+ inches. Two-pole fishing is allowed, and shoreline access is spotty. Fishing methods include: Fly, spin, and bait. See a link in the comments for more information.


📷: Tri County Economic Development District

07/05/2024

They're biting at Fisherman's Cove Resort Curlew Lake, WA! 🎣😀

20 incher caught today! We have cabins & RV sites available to rent now, during the, "off", season. Please call 509-775-3641 to book if you want to get in on some of this kind of action:

07/05/2024

You'll find more cool stories like this at the Pend Oreille County Historical Society museum in Newport, WA, opening for the season on Friday, May 24th. 😀

In November, 1935, W. A. Gosney of Marshall Lake was arrested for driving over a fire hose at the Jones Paint Store fire. In 1942, he was contracted to carry mail from Newport to Metaline Falls. In May, 1946, he sold the Marshal Lake Resort to a Spokane Club who named it Rancho Marshall Club. In 1947, Archie Gosney took the resort back over. He retired from being a rural postal carrier in 1950 and sold his home to Jim Greenslitt. In a June, 1953 lawsuit, the Marshall Lake Rd was decreed as a public road. Lora (Hughes) Gosney of Marshall Lake passed away in June, 1954.
In early October, 1955, Clarence E. Grimes purchased the Marshall Lake Resort from Archie Gosney. Archie married Annabelle Iverson in 1956.
In September, 1964, Clarence Grimes was a candidate for County Commissioner along with Joe Berendt and Harold Dilling. In 1997, two Seattle Seahawks players came to Marshall Lake on a hunting expedition and they appeared in a Miner photo with Mr & Mrs Grimes. The Grimes celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in May, 1997. Peggy Grimes passed away in 2013. A few months later, Clarence received a French Legion d’honneur medal for his service in WWII. Clarence passed away in December, 2018. Their mailbox lives on.

01/05/2024

Another hiking option in Northeast Washington! 😎

30/04/2024

Wow...that is quite a feat of engineering!

The Idaho & Washington Northern Tressel at the Vail Tunnel. Frank Palmer photo. 1910. Thanks to Pend Oreille Valley Railroads Corey Ives for helping identify this location accurately.
In July 1908, Mr. Day purchased ranch property from William Vail at Metaline. The Idaho & Washington Northern Railroad set up a camp at the Vail Ranch in January, 1910. Workers on the tunnel Tiger/Metaline at the Vail place stuck a vein of copper, lead and silver in May, 1910.
In July, 1911, the stagecoach line at Vails Siding was discontinued between Metaline and Ione. The mail was carried by train to Metaline Falls and then across the river by boat. Commissioner Sutherland and Engineer Vail were inspecting the area roads in August, 1911. A Mrs John Eiler of Vails Siding passed away in August, 1911 “Supervisor I. C. Ashpaugh and his road crew did a good job scraping the road” in October, 1911. Bruce Wright of Vail was diagnosed with typhoid fever that week.
Even though the Best Chance Road at Skookum Creek had been used for a number of years, Engineer Vail surveyed and it was recorded in October, 1911. Engineer Vail also surveyed the road into the foothills from Locke. Engineer Vail went to Ione to inspect the grade I&WN crossings at the request of the State Public Utilities Commission in January, 1912.
Commissioners Mathew and Engineer Vail visited several ferries on the Columbia River in January, 1912 to collect data for ferrries in Pend Oreille County. In May, 1912, Commissioner Sutherland and Engineer Vail inspected from Metaline to the U. S. Boundary by horseback. New Washington State College graduate, Howard A. Sewell, was employed as a County engineer to assist Vail. Engineer Vail had men surveying a newly established road to run along the east side of Cooks Mountain and connect with Calispel Road by Wolfred in July, 1912.
In August, 1912, R. M. Vail was injured while surveying the International Boundary and walked 10 miles for medical treatment. Roy Rowell was hired as an assistant to County Engineer Vail in January, 1913. Engineer and County Commisioners Vail inspected a proposed ferry site at Metaline. The new ferrry was expected to be similar to the one at Usk with a gas engine to pull a boat along an underwater cable.
In April, 1913, County Engineer Vail made a new map of Newport which showed the sun-divisions. Indian Agent M. D. Colgrove, commissioner Fiedler and Engineer Vail met with the Calispel Reservation folks to arrange a right-of-way for the Usk Ferry and to locate a site for a school.
In April, 1913, Engineer Vail completed survey of a permanent highway from Newport to Penrith. In May of that year, Engineer Vail inspected the site for a free ferry at Ruby. William Kirklin built a phone line from the Appel Camp at Box Canyon to the interstate line at Bails Siding in October, 1913.
In August, 1914, County Engineer Vail outlined permanent highway costs for highway 2 and 3. He was overlooking the Calicoma Road in the Calispell Foothills for grading in October, 1914.
In April, 1915, R. M. Vail of Newport announced that he would soon open an office. No longer a County Engineer, in June, 1919, his home at Box Canyon was destroyed by fire.
In August, 1919, the Milwaukee Railroad stated in a contract that a track revision would eliminate the trestle at Vail. In January, 1920, a Milwaukee Railroad engine derailed near Vails Siding. Finally in September, 1920, an extra gang was laying rails and the high trestle near Vail was discontinued. R. M. Vail of Box Canyon passed away in August, 1925. His estate was still unsettled in May, 1926 and finally complete in March, 1927.

30/04/2024

Enjoy a stroll through downtown Chewelah this Thursday, and enjoy some art while you're at it. 🙂

Next week!

30/04/2024

How about a pedal on the rails this June? The Lions Railriders has you covered!

30/04/2024

Make some plans for summer fun at the 4th Friday events happening in Colville this summer. There will be live music, an art walk, vendors and more! This event is brought to you by Colville Together.

Summer is almost here! We can't WAIT☀️
Hurry and get your applications in for vendor spots for 4th Fridays!
Vendor applications available at https://colvilletogether.org/4th-friday/

30/04/2024

If you're a Big Foot aficionado, then you need to be at the Metaline Falls Bigfoot Festival coming up in June! 👣👀

Jesus Payan Jr. is an actor who plays "Gonzo" on the Television Series Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, along with numerous other hit movies with John Cena, Mark Wahlberg, Denzel Washington and so many more.
Jesus Jr. began his lifelong quest to find and understand the reality of the elusive Sasquatch. He was chosen as one of the field researchers for the “Falcon Project.” He was featured on FINDING BIGFOOT on their “Four Corners episode on the Upper Fruitland Navajo Reservation where Jesus Jr. threw the first Bigfoot Conference ever on that reservation.

He’s worked with numerous Ph.D.’s in Anthropology and was part of the Cryptid Hominid Genome Project.

He’s been face to-face with a Sasquatch within 10 feet of him as well as other sightings. He’s been researching Sasquatch in and out of the field for over 30 years and sharing his research on his YouTube channel

30/04/2024

You know summer is just around the corner when the Stevens County Historical Society's Museum opens for the season!

30/04/2024

It looks like some good times are being had at Tiffanys Resort on Curlew Lake. 😁

🐟🎣 It’s one of “those” Saturday mornings at the Lake!! Doesn’t get much better than this❣️🎣🐟

30/04/2024

The Lake Spokane Campground is located along the southern-most border of Stevens County in Northeast Washington, near Tum Tum. This DNR site is being operated by Riverside State Park. Lake Spokane Campground has 11 primitive campsites, a boat launch, one boat wash station, and a bathroom with showers. There is also a swim area, and several picnic tables under shelters. The sites are large, with plenty of space between spaces. There is a short trail that leads from the camping area up on the bluff, down to the boat launch and swim area. See a link to more information in the comments, and to learn how to reserve your site.


Washington State Parks & Recreation Commission
📷: Tri County Economic Development District

28/04/2024

More Ferry County Rail Trail goodness from 365 Things To Do In Scenic Washington State . ❤

#118 - Discover the Ferry County Rail Trail. This fabulous rail-trail is accessible year round, with 28-miles of resurfaced and restored pathway for non-motorized recreation. Enjoy the views of the Kettle River and the Kettle Mountain Range in this pristine corner of Northeast Washington. (Photo by Michael Ellingson)
Visit Northeast Washington

22/04/2024

The 28-mile long multi-use Ferry County Rail Trail runs from the old San Poil Mill site just outside of Republic, WA, and continues north to the Canadian Border. This rail corridor has been in Ferry County for over 100 years, and now treats trail enthusiasts to a varied and exciting experience. The trail is perfect for cyclists, hikers and joggers. In the winter portions of the trail are groomed for cross-country skiing. Scenery along the trail includes a diverse mixture of upland pine forests, deep river valleys and rugged mountainous topography. Open space is framed by the Kettle Range mountains to the east and the Okanogan Highlands to the west. You'll have a chance to travel over a trestle bridge that spans Curlew Lake for some fabulous views, and along the Kettle River and through an old train tunnel. See a link in the comments for maps and more information.


📷: Ferry County Rail Trail

16/04/2024

Edgewater Campground is perched along the banks of the Pend Oreille River on the U.S. Forest Service - Colville National Forest, on the east side of the river from Ione, WA. The quiet, family-friendly campground attracts visitors who come for boating, hiking and fishing. Most of the campsites feature lots of shade and some can accommodate rigs up to 50'. There are no hookups, but there are vault toilets and drinking water is available. The picturesque area, surrounded by cedar, hemlock and Douglas fir, includes views of the Selkirk Mountains. The campground opens May 24th, and reservations are recommended. See a link in the comments for more information.


📷: Tri County Economic Development District

15/04/2024

Let's take a walk to Sweet Creek Falls...just off of Hwy 31 between Ione and Metaline, WA. 🙂

15/04/2024

Kettle Falls gets a shout-out in this article from World Atlas. 😃

Washington's vast Pacific Northwest allure lies in its scenic diversity, from Puget Sound to Mount Rainier, with small towns and hidden gems like Port Gamble.

15/04/2024

Did you know that Republic was once known as Eureka, WA?! Cool history of Ferry County.

""The Black Tail"", Eureka Washington 1893. The name of the town was later changed to Republic. The Black Tail was a gold mine in Ferry County Produced 300 tons prior to 1902; Produced in 1909-1910 and 1912-1920.

13/04/2024

The International Selkirk Loop is one of the most scenic and unique drives (or rides!) in the country. And not only this country, but Canada, too! The loop takes you through some of the most beautiful areas of Northeast Washington, Northwest Idaho and Eastern British Columbia. You just have to experience it. 😁

#102 - Like a stamp on a postcard, Northeast Washington sits at the state’s top right edge delivering wish-you-were-here destinations. Chief among them: the International Selkirk Loop, a 280-mile scenic road winding through the breathtaking Selkirk Mountains of Washington, Idaho, and British Columbia.
🤩 Read our feature story about the International Selkirk Loop here: https://www.scenicwa.com/story/5-great-reasons-to-tour-the-international-selkirk-loop
Visit Northeast Washington

09/04/2024

Gifford Campground stretches along the lakeshore, giving almost all of the 42 campsites a sweeping view of Lake Roosevelt and shoreline access. Towering pines provide ample shade. Gifford has a boat launch and dock, a dump station, and a fish cleaning station. A group site provides space and privacy for larger parties. Gifford Campground is conveniently located along WA 25 next to the Gifford Ferry. The campground is open now for some spring camping! Make your reservations at recreation.gov. See a link in the comments for more information.


Lake Roosevelt NPS
📷: Tri County Economic Development District

05/04/2024

If you're looking for a fun weekend activity to get outside and exploring a little bit while waiting for warmer weather, the Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge Auto Tour might be just the ticket. The 10-mile long loop opens April 15th and begins at the Refuge Headquarters kiosk. Here, you’ll find various maps that orient visitors to the features and topography of the Refuge.

The Auto Tour route takes visitors east on Bear Creek Road, then north through River Camp and across Starvation Flat before ending at the Narcisse Creek Road junction.
Along the route, you’ll encounter twelve stopping points with large, colorful interpretive panels. These panels describe the history, ecology, and management of this beautiful and interesting Refuge.

There is no fee to visit the beautiful refuge, and you'll also find trails, lakes and camping there. For more information, please see a link in the comments for each picture.


Friends of the Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge
📷:Tri County Economic Development District

03/04/2024

Small Mudgett Lake, a few miles south of Fruitland in Stevens County, may only be about 25 acres, but it is teeming with both rainbow trout and birdlife! Fishing season for this lake opens the 4th Saturday in April and runs through October 31st. Shoreline access is good, and there is even a small launch for your kayak. Paddle out and drift, and listen to the sounds of nature all around you. For a map location please see a link in the comments. 😀


📷: Tri County Economic Development District

03/04/2024

The Friends of Stonerose Fossils - Stonerose Interpretive Center & Fossil Site is one of the coolest and most unique experiences in Northeast Washington- and probably the whole state! 😁

01/04/2024

If you're looking for a rustic and remote campground on the U.S. Forest Service - Colville National Forest, try Davis Lake! :)

28/03/2024

It's waterfall season in Northeast Washington! Spring is the time to catch waterfalls around the region at their peak. Most of the waterfalls featured here are located where viewing is easy, a few are a short hike away, and one you will need your kayak or paddle board. See each photo separately for a map link and more information.


📷: Tri County Economic Development District

25/03/2024

State of Washington Tourism has come up with a list of fun things for families to do in the State of Washington, including digging for fossils at the Friends of Stonerose Fossils - Stonerose Interpretive Center & Fossil Site in Republic, Washington. Yep...it's that cool. 😎

Family fun is at its peak in Washington State. Between museums, beaches, camping, and more, there are endless opportunities for an unforgettable trip with your kids.

Check out some family friendly activities to add to your itinerary: https://bit.ly/43ktePA

25/03/2024

Good news from the Lake Roosevelt NPS- their two brochures are now available in audio-described versions, as well as the traditional paper version. Thanks, Lake Roosevelt NPS, for making it even easier for people to learn about the fascinating and cool Ice Age Floods Trail, and beautiful Lake Roosevelt. 😁

Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area and Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail NPS are excited to announce that both official park brochures are available in audio described versions.

Audio description of park brochures provides verbal description of key visual elements including photos, illustrations, and maps, allowing visitors with visual impairments to have a more inclusive experience. This process works to provide everyone equal access to the same content.

Lake Roosevelt's brochure description can be found at https://www.nps.gov/laro/planyourvisit/park-brochure.htm

Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail's brochure description can be found at https://www.nps.gov/iafl/planyourvisit/park-brochure.htm

These brochures and hundreds of other National Park Service audio described brochures are also available on the Unidiscription Project mobile app found in iOS and Android app stores.

The UniDescription Project is a collaboration between the University of Hawaii (UH) School of Communication and Information, UH Center on Disability Studies, and the National Park Service led by Dr. Brett Oppegaard. Their goal is simple and straightforward: Audio Describe the World!

NPS

Image: Two brochures rest on top of each other on worn concrete. Both are rectangular with a black band with white text stretching horizontally over a photo. The top brochure reads "Ice Age Floods" in white letters on the black band with three photos underneath: the first is of a large boulder in a bare field, the second of rolling green hills, and the third of a canyon wall made of reddish rock. The brochure beneath the first is mostly obscured, but the white text on the black band reads "Lake Roosevelt" with some grey and blue from the photo peeking out. They rest on the ground on grey mottled concrete surrounded by spots of lichen, moss, and grass.

25/03/2024

It looks like Hawaiian Daze up at 49 Degrees North was pretty darn fun! 🌴