... from the okanogan to the idaho panhandle
... from the spokane river to the canadian border and beyond
... this is north columbia country ... this is our paradise!
... from the okanogan to the idaho panhandle
... from the spokane river to the canadian border and beyond
... this is north columbia country ... this is our paradise!
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The North Columbia Monthly Getaway Guide Home Introducing Northeastern Washington: North Columbia Country! Rivers, Lakes and Streams: An Introduction Arts and Culture Special Events Museum Guide Weather Info Road Map SUMMER RECREATION BirdingDay Trips Golfing Guided Trips Hiking Horseback Riding Mountain Biking ORVing Paddling Wildflowers Wildlife LPO Wildlife Refuge XC Skiing Downhill Skiing Snowshoeing RV Guide Contact Us Advertisers Freelancers More Info |
Rivers, Lakes and Streams
Northeastern Washington is blessed with abundant water in the form of rivers, lakes and streams -- but not rain! If you fish or water ski; sail, swim or kayak; or just like kicking back on a quiet beach, we've got the water for you. Photos: TOP - Trimblay Falls on the Little Pend Oreille River, courtesy of Mike Bischoff. MIDDLE - Fall colors on the Pend Oreille River, courtesy of Mike Bischoff. BOTTOM - Fishing on a hot summer day, courtesy of Charmaine Baker. Your Getaway Guide To Northeastern Washington |
Dividing Northeastern Washington roughly in half is the mighty Columbia River, which runs southward from the Canadian border. The northern section near Northport is untamed, free-flowing water that gives one a sense of what the entire river was like in its natural state. Farther south, the river slows to become the pool of Lake Roosevelt, the reservoir behind Grand Coulee Dam. Lake Roosevelt gives outdoor enthusiasts over 500 miles of shoreline to explore and 130 miles of lake for fishing, water skiing, sailing, canoeing, camping and more. That's a huge body of water by any standard, providing water for whatever kind of recreation you might enjoy. The wide open beaches are great places for camping, picnicking, kite flying and volleyball. Rarely will you wait in line to launch your boat at any of the public access points up and down the river. And it's common to have the entire place to yourself once you leave the campgrounds and boat launches. Fishermen catch good-sized walleye, both during the Washington Governor's Cup Walleye Tournament in June, and year 'round. Sizeable trout lurk in the depths, as do sturgeon. And there is no lack of opportunity for waterskiing, paddling, renting houseboats for a cruise, and bird watching. The Columbia River is often visited by eagles and other raptors, especially in the winter months. The shoreline is managed by the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, which provides lots of additional information about the history, campgrounds and more at 509-738-6266 or on the Web at 
To the east lies Sullivan Lake, a splendid beauty surrounded by the high mountains of the Selkirks. Hall Mountain soars to over 6,000 feet just east of the lake, and is home to bighorn sheep, mule deer, bear and cougar. The lake itself is spectacular, offering excellent fishing and a spacious campground on the north end near the Ranger Station. Kokanee spawn in Noisy Creek on the south end of the lake, an annual rite that's worth a special trip. The Sullivan Lakeshore National Recreation Trail runs along the east side of the lake, and makes a comfortable stroll for hikers of all abilities. Gold panners like to try their luck at Sullivan Creek (ask at the Ranger Station for a permit). And photographers return again and again to capture portraits of the changing beauty of the area.