Attractions and Places To See in Pend Oreille County - Top 5

Pend Oreille County is rich in natural beauty. You can explore the vast Salmo-Priest Wilderness, which spans over 41,000 acres and offers diverse wildlife. The Pend Oreille River meanders through the county, providing scenic views and opportunities for water activities. Additionally, there are 55 lakes, including Sullivan Lake with its rocky beaches and autumn larches, and Bead Lake, known for its clear waters and spectacular views.

Yes, several attractions are great for families. The lakes, such as Sullivan Lake, Brown Lake, and Bead Lake, offer opportunities for swimming, fishing, and exploring shorelines. The town of Metaline Falls, with its historic buildings and annual Bigfoot Festival, can also be an interesting stop for families. The Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge is excellent for wildlife viewing.

Pend Oreille County offers several historical and cultural insights. In Metaline Falls, you can see structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Cutter Theatre, the Lewis P. Larson House, and the Washington Hotel. The Pend Oreille County Historical Society & Museum in Newport features a campus with historical buildings like a 1908 train depot and log cabins, showcasing the region's past, including the Kalispel Tribe's history.

The county is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Popular activities include hiking in the Salmo-Priest Wilderness or the Colville National Forest, fishing in the Pend Oreille River or one of the many lakes like Brown Lake, and various water sports like boating and kayaking on the Pend Oreille River. Wildlife viewing is also popular at the Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge.

Yes, Pend Oreille County offers a range of hiking trails. For easy walks, you can explore routes like the Sullivan Lakeshore Trail or the Sweet Creek Falls Interpretive Trail. More challenging options include sections of the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail or the Salmo-Priest Loop in the Salmo-Priest Wilderness. You can find more details on various routes in the Hiking in Pend Oreille County guide.

The Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge is an excellent spot for wildlife viewing, home to moose, white-tailed deer, elk, black bear, and various bird species. The Salmo-Priest Wilderness also hosts diverse wildlife, including mule deer, elk, black bears, cougars, and moose. The Pend Oreille River is a significant habitat for bald eagles, geese, ospreys, and herons.

Metaline Falls is a charming town surrounded by the Selkirk Mountains. You can visit several structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places, such as the Cutter Theatre, the Lewis P. Larson House, and the Washington Hotel. The town also hosts an annual Bigfoot Festival, and it serves as a resupply point for long-distance hikers on the Pacific Northwest Trail.

Yes, camping opportunities are available. Brown Lake is well-known for its camping, featuring a historical cabin within its campground. Pend Oreille County Park also offers primitive camping options. The Colville National Forest, which covers a significant portion of the county, provides numerous camping sites.

The best time to visit depends on your interests. Fall is particularly beautiful around Sullivan Lake, when alpine larches turn the hillsides golden. Summer is ideal for water activities on the lakes and rivers. The Colville National Forest and Pend Oreille County Park offer opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing throughout the warmer months, and winter activities like snowshoeing are available in areas like Pend Oreille County Park.

Yes, Gardner Cave, located within Crawford State Park Heritage Site near the Canadian border, is a unique natural formation. It is Washington State's third-longest natural limestone cave, featuring impressive stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, and rimstone pools.

Pend Oreille County Park offers over 7 miles of trails suitable for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing during the winter months. The vast Colville National Forest also provides extensive terrain for winter recreation.

Pend Oreille County Park is a 440-acre park featuring over 7 miles of trails for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. It boasts old-growth trees, picnic areas, and primitive camping. You can also find an equestrian trail and a disc golf course, all amidst abundant wildlife. More information can be found on the Pend Oreille County website.