Stretching 130 miles above Grand Coulee Dam on the Columbia River, the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area offers boating, camping, and fishing opportunities. Reach the lake north of Davenport on Highway 25, which leads to Fort Spokane, a historic outpost and popular camping spot.Kettle Falls on the lake’s north end also offers easy access. nps.gov/laro
The national forest spans 1.1 million acres, providing camping, fishing, hunting, and hiking opportunities amid the Okanogan, Kettle River, and Selkirk mountain ranges.
Located to the northeast of its namesake city at 5,883 feet, this sprawling park boasts skiing in winter and hiking and biking in summer.
The winding river enters the state at Newport and flows northward through Cusick, Ione, and Metaline Falls. Explore this playground for boating, paddling, and fishing via the Pend Oreille River Trail, or join the Kalispel Indians (kalispeltribe.com), who celebrate the river during a pow wow every August in Usk.
Spokane River Centennial Trail
This trail runs 37 miles from Nine Mile Falls east to the state line, offering runners and bicyclists unparalleled access. In spring, enjoy views of Spokane Falls roaring in the middle of the city from vantages along the trail.
--John Nelson
Photo by Aaron Theisen
