Weekend Wander: A Fall Colors Road Trip through Northeast Washington

Start: Spokane, WA

Fall is calling! Hit the road for a weekend of golden tamaracks, riverside reflections, and cozy small-town charm. This loop through Northeast Washington is perfect for leaf-peepers, nature lovers, and anyone who enjoys the scenic route.

Day 1: Spokane to Metaline Falls

Breakfast in Chewelah

• Take Hwy 395 north through forest-framed farmlands to the friendly town of Chewelah. Start your day at Monica’s Buttermilk Kitchen, a local favorite for hearty, homemade breakfasts. Before you go, grab a coffee to-go from The Yale Press, where you’ll find good vibes and even better espresso.

Over the Mountains and Through the Woods

• Head east on Flowery Trail Road. This winding mountain drive offers stunning views, especially as you descend toward the Pend Oreille Valley and meet up with Hwy 20.

Stretch Your Legs in Cusick

• Turn north and make a stop at the Cusick Wetland Educational Trail. This short, flat walk offers beautiful views of the Pend Oreille River and interpretive signs about the local ecosystem- a peaceful place to soak in the scenery.

Sullivan Lake & Beyond

• Continue north to Sullivan Lake, where fall colors are particularly vivid around the shoreline and trailheads. If time allows, take the Lakeshore Trail or just enjoy the view.
• Farther north, and just a stone’s throw from the Canadian border is the Peewee Falls Scenic Overlook– a dramatic view across the Pend Oreille River to the falls cascading more than 200 feet. Beyond the falls you’ll see Hooknose Mountain, looming in the distance.

Overnight in Metaline Falls

• Wrap up the day in the historic town of Metaline Falls. This quiet community offers several lodging options. It’s the perfect place to wind down after a full day of leaf-peeping and exploring

Day 2: Metaline Falls to Colville

Start the Day Off Right

• Start your morning at The Farmhouse Café in Metaline Falls- local flavor and homemade goodness. Then head to Portage Park, a new riverside space perfect for a quiet stroll with your coffee and the colors of fall.

Waterfalls and Overlooks

• Head south on Hwy 31. Pull over at the Sweet Creek Falls Rest Area for a short walk to a double-drop waterfall. Further down the road, if snow hasn’t closed the route, take in the view from the Box Canyon Dam Overlook, where the train trestle crossing the river makes a picturesque backdrop.

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Magical Mountain Highway

• At Tiger, turn west onto Hwy 20. This stretch of road is pure magic in autumn, with golden light filtering through the trees. Stop for lunch at Beaver Lodge on Gillette Lake (if open)- a cozy spot right on the water.

Evening in Colville

• Continue west to Colville for the night. Stroll the historic Main Street, explore unique shops, and enjoy dinner at one of the town’s brewpubs or restaurants.

Day 3: Colville to Spokane via Sherman Pass & Republic

Breakfast in Kettle Falls

• Travel north on Hwy 395 to Kettle Falls for breakfast at Little Gallea Restaurant—a local favorite with friendly service and satisfying plates.

Sherman Pass Scenic Byway

Head west on Hwy 20, where the fall scenery hits its peak. Don’t miss these highlights:

• Log Flume Interpretive Site – a short walk into the region’s logging history.
• Camp Growden Heritage Site – a CCC-era site with picnic tables and historic info.
• Sherman Pass Scenic Overlook – breathtaking views of golden tamaracks and sweeping mountain landscapes.
• White Mountain Fire Overlook – farther west, this stop offers a look at a forest renewing itself after wildfire, with wide-open vistas of the Kettle Range.

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Lunch in Republic

• Roll into Republic—a charming town with a walkable downtown, great restaurants, and maybe even a stop at the local brewery.

Return to Spokane via Keller Ferry

• Head south on Hwy 21 through the Sanpoil Valley, a beautiful and often-overlooked stretch of countryside. Cross the Columbia River on the free Keller Ferry, then wind your way back to Spokane with a heart full of fall memories.