Exploring NorthEast Washington

Nothing makes me happier than a day behind the wheel seeing all that there is to see.  I haven't seen any blogs covering this area so it was completely  a blank slate.   It is so satisfying to see what is around the next bend, the next hill and off the beaten path with the promise of a nearby waterfall.

Our journey began in Colville, Washington.  Near the Canadian border, it is bordered by the Selkirk mountains and the Colville National Forest.  We began at Fort Colville Museum, a great place to get a feel for the history of the area. 

The first white man in the area that is now Colville was David Thompson, who came in 1811 to explore the Columbia River for the Northwest Fur Company.  A few months later a water route was opened from Astoria up the Columbia through Canadian waters, and overland to the Great Lakes or Hudson Bay. Trapping, lumber and mining were early day draws to this area pioneers. 

The Keller House  was built for Harry Young and his bride.  It was built on the sight of the museum in 1910. After Young's death in 1914, Keller (owner of the Keller Hardware store) married Young's widow in 1915 and it remained in the Family and many of the original furnishings including clothing remain in the rooms until it was donated to the city of Colville.

The side garden contains unique statuary that would have any girl happy in a fairy garden of her dreams.

 

The town of Colville was founded in 1882 when Fort Colville was abandoned.  The first school, a hand-hewn log building, built shortly after the founding of the town is presently located at the Keller Historical Center within the city limits.

 

 

Graves Mountain Lookout was constructed during the early 1930's in the Colville National Forest between Colville and Republic, Washington and was in service for almost 50 years. During the early years of its use, lightning-caused wildfires were common in Northeast Washington and forest personnel were on duty to locate and report fires. 

 

 

 

I saw twins!! Such little cuties!  

 

Additional miners cabins and trappers cabins are on site to view along with many other displays of farm and Local Native American artifacts.

 

So we were off again on a trek through the local mountains on a scenic road Highway 20 between Colville and Tiger, near Ione Washington.  This highway had many stop and visit sites along the way.

  

Just off the highway is Crystal Falls.

 

 

 For non hikers this Falls offers the opportunity to see a waterfall for under 100 steps.  For hikers you can explore a little farther for more views.  It is always a good day to view a waterfall!

 

 

 

East of Crystal Falls is a string of lakes that are joined by a passage ways.  They are primitive lakes without much development.  There are BLM and National Forest Campgrounds to choose from along these little lakes.  (I will follow up with a post regarding camping opportunities in this area)  

 

 Little Pend Oreille Lakes

 

  

Do you know where outhouses go to die?

 

 

Well I found the Outhouse Cemetery

(Thanks for putting up with my warped sense of humor) 

 

 

 

Here is a view of the rugged countryside.

 

 

 

This post will continue into a second part.....

Stay tuned for the prize animal shot of the day!!!  

 

Can you guess what animal I annoyed today?