Colville National Forest: A Landscape of Beauty, Heritage, and Adventure

Located in the northeastern corner of Washington State, the Colville National Forest is a vast and rugged landscape brimming with adventure, history, and breathtaking scenery. Covering nearly 1.5 million acres, this national forest offers a blend of mountain ranges, lakes and rivers, and dense woodlands that provide a home for diverse wildlife and a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

A Land of Mountains, Rivers, and Forests

The Colville National Forest stretches across Ferry, Stevens, and Pend Oreille counties, offering an incredible variety of landscapes. From the forested peaks of the Kettle River Range to the serene waters of the Pend Oreille River, the forest is a place of natural beauty and solitude. Visitors can hike through remote forests, fish in lowland lakes, or simply take in the sweeping views from one of the many scenic overlooks.

A Rich Cultural and Natural History

Long before it was designated as a national forest, this land was home to the Indigenous peoples of the Upper Columbia region, including the Kalispel, Colville, and Spokane tribes. For thousands of years, they relied on the land’s rich resources for hunting, fishing, and gathering. Even today, the deep cultural connections to the forest remain strong, and visitors are encouraged to explore this history with respect and curiosity.

The area also played a role in the fur trade and early European exploration, with trappers and traders making their way through its rugged terrain. Later, the logging and mining industries left their mark, shaping the communities that still thrive around the forest’s edges.

The Role of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)

During the Great Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) played a crucial role in developing the Colville National Forest. Young men enrolled in the CCC built campgrounds, roads, and trails that are still used today. They also helped with fire prevention and reforestation efforts, planting thousands of trees across the forest. Many of the structures they built, including ranger stations and picnic shelters, remain as historical reminders of this era of conservation and public works.

Historic Fire Lookouts

Fire lookouts have been a critical part of forest management in the Colville National Forest for over a century. At its peak, the forest had more than 20 lookouts staffed by dedicated fire watchers who scanned the landscape for smoke and signs of wildfire. Today, several of these lookouts still stand, some of which can be visited, offering incredible panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness.

Endless Outdoor Recreation

Whether you’re an avid backcountry explorer or just looking for a peaceful weekend escape, the Colville National Forest has something for everyone:

• Hiking and Backpacking – With hundreds of miles of trails, ranging from easy nature walks to challenging long-distance routes, hikers can find the perfect path to suit their adventure level. Popular destinations include the Kettle Crest Trail and Sherman Peak.
• Camping – From developed campgrounds to remote, dispersed camping spots, the forest offers countless opportunities to sleep under the stars.
• Fishing and Boating – Lakes, rivers, and streams within the forest are teeming with fish, including trout, bass, and kokanee salmon.
• Wildlife Watching – Moose, elk, black bears, and bald eagles are just a few of the species that call this forest home.
• Winter Recreation – When the snow falls, the forest transforms into a winter wonderland, offering opportunities for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.

A Place to Experience the Wild

The Colville National Forest invites visitors to step away from the hustle of daily life and into a world of natural beauty and adventure. Whether you’re exploring its trails, experiencing its campgrounds, or just enjoying some solitude, this forest offers a chance to reconnect with nature and experience the wild, wonderfully untouched landscapes of Northeast Washington.