Unplugged Weekend Getaway: Cozy B&Bs, Bookstores & Nature Walks in Northeast Washington

In our busy world, sometimes the best way to recharge is to slow down, unplug, and savor the small things, like a quiet walk in the woods, a steaming cup of coffee at a local café, or reading a good book by the fire. Luckily, Northeast Washington is practically made for that kind of getaway. 

Stevens, Pend Oreille, and Ferry Counties offer the perfect backdrop for a weekend that feels both restorative and grounding. You’ll find cozy bed and breakfasts run by friendly locals, museums full of stories, and gentle trails winding through forests. 

This itinerary is designed to help you slow down and enjoy our corner of Washington at an easy pace, giving you a weekend that’s refreshing and memorable.

Day 1: Arrival

Afternoon: Check in & settle

Kettle Falls is home to some of the cutest B&Bs. One option is the China Bend Winery Bed and Breakfast, which is a sweet retreat set on a vineyard overlooking the Columbia River. Closer to town is Gardenview Estate Bed & Breakfast featuring a historic building and peaceful grounds on 43 acres. 

After you’ve stowed your bags, take a moment to stroll through the grounds of your accommodations (where permitted of course) and take in the peace and quiet. 

Evening: Cozy Dinner & Unwind

China Bend offers a gourmet dinner to guests as long as you arrange it in advance. This vineyard specializes in organic, sulfate-free wine produced in the old world style, so enjoy a wine tasting while you’re at it.  After dinner, spend a quiet evening reading on your room’s balcony or in the common outdoor spaces, chatting with your hosts, or just enjoying the quiet. The town of Kettle Falls is just a few miles away from Gardenview, and you’ll find several restaurant options. When you return from dinner, your hosts offer a historical property tour nightly at 6 pm and there’s even a hot tub to relax in. 

Day 2: Hidden Treasures & Walks

Morning: Treasure Hunting

Start your day with breakfast at your B&B, then head into town for the day. In Kettle Falls, you’ll find the Old Apple Warehouse that features three floors of antiques and locally-made goods. You could get lost for hours in this spot, so take a break at Crandall’s Coffee on the first floor or take provisions on your trek through one of the oldest buildings in the area. 

Midday: History & Nature Walk

Head to the center of town and get tasty Mexican food at Rancho Grande or pizza at Westside Pizza.

After lunch, take a walk through the ponderosa pines at St. Paul’s Mission to find the historic Sharpening Stone overlooking the river, which was used for centuries by local indigenous tribes to sharpen fishing tools. You can also walk into the log cabin mission yourself and see the building from the inside. 

Late Afternoon/Evening: Movie Time

Kettle Falls is home to Auto-View Drive-In Theatre, one of the last few drive-in movie theaters in the state. If you want a non-car option, Alpine Theatre in Colville features a single screen and a mix of movies. 

For dinner, grab a burger at a favorite local spot, Sandy’s Drive-In and then head back to your B&B for a night cap of tea or wine on the veranda. 

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Day 3: Hidden Trails & Farewell

Morning: Easy Hike & Brunch

On the final morning, get breakfast at your B&B again or try the local breakfast spot, Little Gallea. Just over the Columbia River from town is the Sherman Creek Wildlife Area. Take a gentle hike on a favorite easy access trail, the Sherman Point Loop. This easy trail offers up to three miles of hiking for all ability levels and up-close wildlife viewing. 

To the south of Kettle Falls, the Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge has the McDowell Marsh Environmental Education Trail, which is 1.2 miles of wheelchair-accessible hiking. 

More Things to Do:

While we’ve only focused on a handful of activities to enjoy, there are plenty more options to consider depending on the weather or time of year! To name a few:

Kettle Falls Historical Center: Learn about the history of the indigenous people in the area at this historical center open May through September. 

Stevens County Historical Society Museum: If you head east of Kettle Falls toward Colville, you’ll find the Stevens County Historical Society Museum open from May to September. This museum features the Keller House and Keller Heritage Park and you’ll learn all about the region’s rich history of mining and more. Don’t forget to stop in the gift shop to find local books. 

Fruitland Valley Vineyard & Winery: About an hour south of Kettle Falls along the Columbia River, Fruitland offers a variety of local wine from their vineyards and book-ahead tours in the summer. The drive from Kettle Falls along Highway 25 is a beautiful route with views of the river and Lake Roosevelt.