Winter Adventures in Northeast Washington: Beyond the Lifts

A Wonderfully Wild Gateway to Adventure

Winter is about slowing down, breathing in the cold pine air, and finding beauty in the quiet, and with millions of acres of land, this corner of the state offers a kind of winter magic that doesn’t need crowds or chairlifts. You can easily enjoy the incredible stillness of a snow-filled forest while trekking on snowshoes, coast along trails with cross-country skis, bring the whole family for a day of sledding, or spend a peaceful morning ice fishing in Northeast Washington. 

And when you’re ready to warm up, the towns that dot Stevens, Pend Oreille, and Ferry Counties are ready with hot coffee, local beer, and good company.

So pack your mittens, pile on the layers, and bring your sense of wonder, because this is how you experience the snow season the local way: cozy, quiet, and unforgettable.

(For some of these locations, you’ll need a special Sno-Park permit or a Discover Pass, so check before you go.)

Snowshoeing Through the Forest

Where to go: 

• Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge in Stevens County offers wide trails, wildlife, and gentle terrain that’s perfect for beginners.
• Geophysical Sno-Park north of Newport has seven miles of Nordic trails and is great for beginners with its mostly flat trails. 
• Sherman Pass Snowshoe Loop in Ferry County is a six mile loop at the highest elevation sno-park in the state that offers sweeping views from Canada to the Okanogan Highlands and more. It’s ungroomed and is great for more experienced trekkers.

Tips: Keep an eye out for wildlife tracks in the snow! Don’t walk on the groomed ski tracks in the Sno-Parks and check for avalanche conditions before you go to higher elevation areas. 

Warm up after: For a cup of something warm, head to Crandall Coffee in Kettle Falls or stop at Cafe Italiano for some hot minestrone soup in Colville. Closer to Geophysical Sno-Park in Newport, try a variety of homemade soups at My Sidewalk Cafe.  

Warm up after: Get hot cocoa at the Rusty Putter Bar & Grille right at the Chewelah golf club or Quartzite Brewing Company for craft beer. In Colville, check out Farmhouse Sweets Cafe & Bakery for hot coffee and fresh treats. 

Sledding for the Whole Family

Where to go: 

• Curlew Lake State Park in Republic has rolling hills for sledding overlooking the lake. 
• Chewelah Golf & Country Club also has great sledding runs for families. 

Tips: Bring your own sled or get one at your nearest local hardware store.

Warm up after: Grab a beer at the cozy Republic Brewing Company or a hot coffee at Sparky’s Coffee House in Republic. 

Ice Fishing on a Peaceful Winter Morning

Where to go: 

Tips: Be sure to bring all your equipment including an ice auger, bucket, stool, hand warmers, and a thermos of coffee or hot cocoa. Also always check that ice conditions are safe.  

Warm up after: Get a warm drink and sweets at BIG AL’S Mercantile & Coffee in Colville or a beer and a post-fishing pizza at Fired Up Brewing.