Snowmobiling
This is snowmobiling country. The evidence is as close as groomed trailhead and the sound of whining sleds. Over 300 miles of groomed snowmobile trails offer riding in the northeast corner of Washington between the Canadian border and Spokane. For more info on snowmobiling in NE Washington at State Snow Parks go to http://www.parks.wa.gov/winter/
Fishing
You can angle for some 23 different fish species in the area surrounding Colville. Some species are walleyes, various trout, including Dolly Vardon, fresh-water salmon, bass and sturgeon. For seasons and regulations go to: http://www.wdfw.wa.gov/ Here's the report on a few local lakes:
Deep Lake - One of this area's premier lakes. Deep Lake is located in northern Stevens County. Take Deep Lake Road east from Northport approximately 15 miles. The lake is popular for Rainbow Trout and Cutthroat. There is a public boat launching facility.
Ione - Explore Z-Canyon and Box Canyon Dam with jet boat rides on the Pend Oreille River. Just north is the scenic Boundary Dam with kayaking available.
Jump Off Joe Lake - Scenic spring-fed lake popular for trout fishing, located 35 miles south of Colville. Camping (RV and tent), boat launching, hiking, biking, boat rental.
Lake Roosevelt - Formed by Grand Coulee Dam on the Columbia River, the reservoir stretches 151 miles to within 20 miles of the British Columbia border. The lake contains what is likely the widest variety of freshwater fish found in the state in a single lake. Species include Cutthroat, Kokanee, Rainbow, Eastern Brook, Dolly Varden, Lake Whitefish, Rocky Mountain Whitefish, Lingcod, Kamloops, Sturgeon, Large and Smallmouth Bass, Crappie, Perch, Sunfish, Walleyes, and the usual scrapfish smorgasbord. There are 660 miles of lakeshore and over 30 recreational areas in Lake Roosevelt Recreational Area, which is administered by the National Park Service.
Loon Lake - A 1,120-acrea lake surrounded by a variety of foliage, cedars, pines, and firs. Great for fishing, Rainbow Trout, Mackinaw, Kokanee, Large and Smallmouth Bass, Brown Bullheads and Bluegill.
Pierre Lake – This 106-acrea beauty has a good population of Crappie, sunfish, Largemouth Bass and Catfish. Located east of Highway 395 at Barstow. Cross the Kettle River and drive nine miles north to the lake. A Forest Service campground is on-site.
Rocky Lake – Located only six miles southeast of Colville, this small lake is a popular early season water, stocked with Rainbow Trout. A Department of Natural Resource campground is located on the lake.
Sullivan Lake - Enjoy wildlife, camping, hiking, fishing or biking. A 20-trail hiking system leads into the Colville National Forest. The Lakeshore National Recreation Trail follows the east shoreline.
Waitts Lake - Located just west of Valley. Waitts Lake covers 455 acres. Popular for Rainbows, Browns, Perch and Largemouth Bass. Two resorts are located on the lake.
Golfing
The course itself is an amalgam of several designs and elements. The picturesque layout, which measures 6,743 yards from the tips, has utilized many of the design concepts of golf course architect Carl Thuesen of Montana. Established as an 18-hole course on July 20th, 2002, the new back nine is reminiscent of a British Isles links-land golfing experience…plotted in an expansive valley and framed by picturesque mountains.
Existing ponds on the new nine dot the landscape. There are more than a few forced carries over existing wetlands and those lurking ponds. Wildlife abounds; and photo opportunities on the links or from the hiking trails should be capitalized upon…not to forget those frequent birdies, bogies and the rare eagles to be found on the course itself. For info and events go to: http://www.dominionmeadowsgolf.com/
Additionally, there is a 3.1 miles nature trail accessible from south of Colville High School for those who like to run, jog, walk, or just stroll and take in the panorama.
Hunting
Hunt for all the popular game such as: whitetail deer, bear, elk, pheasant, grouse, and wild turkey, not to mention plentiful waterfowl, ducks, and geese. If you are hunting with your camera, the opportunities are even more extensive. For seasons and regulations go to: http://www.wdfw.wa.gov/ Hunting is available on the Colville National Forest and the Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge.
Wildlife Refuge
Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge -
A Northeastern Washington Gem........
Named for the river that flows through its northern expanse, the Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge is located about 13 miles Southeast of Colville. Situated on the West slope of the Selkirk Mountain Range, it is the only mountainous, mixed-conifer forest refuge in the contiguous U.S. The 40,198 acres range in elevation from 1,800 feet on the Western lowlands to 5,600 feet on the Eastern boundary at Olson Peak. The land was established in 1939 as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife. Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge strives to be a secure home for fish and wildlife, an archive of historic landscapes, and a place for people to enjoy our wildlife heritage.
The Refuge protects a wide range of forest types from low elevation ponderosa pine to high elevation sub-alpine fir. These forests provide important habitats for hundreds of species of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, including migratory songbirds, the threatened Canada lynx, and other forest carnivores. Critical winter range is provided for whitetail deer. Bald eagles winter along the Little Pend Oreille River and nest near Bayley Lake. The lakes and marshes provide spring and fall stopover points for migratory waterfowl and shorebirds as well.
The Refuge enhances quality of life in the area by offering opportunities for wildlife observation, fishing, hunting, photography, environmental education and interpretation. The Little Pend Oreille Refuge also contributes to the local economy as many visitors come here to enjoy the outdoors.
Established in 1903 by President Theodore Roosevelt, the National Wildlife Refuge System now includes more than 535 refuges. It is the world's largest and most diverse network of lands and waters devoted specifically to wildlife. The mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System is to administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management, and where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats within the U.S. for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans. For more information: Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge, 1310 Bear Creek Rd., Colville, WA 99114, 509-684-8384. Go to: http://www.fws.gov/littlependoreille/
The Friends of the Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge is a variety of people from many walks of life who have been brought together by a common thread; they all place great value on wildlife. Environmental education and interpretative trail building are two of their missions. Anyone interested in joining this group is welcome to do so. Contact: Friends of the LPO at http://www.refugefriends.com
Backpacking
There are many outdoor opportunities for those who like to hike and backpack. Trails range from easy to hard, but all can take you on hikes where you'll enjoy an environment of unobstructed natural beauty. The Colville National Forest has maps available. Contact Colville National Forest at 509-684-7000 or http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/colville/
Boating & Water Skiing
Every lake is accessible by private or public boat launch facilities. Thirteen miles from Colville, you can take big boats and houseboats on Lake Roosevelt, 151 miles of lake water behind Grand Coulee Dam. You may contact them at 509-738-6366 or http://www.nps.gov/laro/ Smaller boats, canoes and rubber rafts find their own challenges in the Kettle River or maybe in more laid back setting on one of the many lakes. There are a number of fine picnic and camping areas at the resorts and public campgrounds on the banks of many area lakes. Stevens County has 306 lakes, 315 ponds, 125 marshes and swampy areas and 175 creeks. See lodging for info on the houseboats and camping along the lakes.
Camping
This area has many large and small campgrounds. One challenge is finding the many out-of-the-way camping spots. The U.S. Forest Service and the Department of Natural Resources have out done themselves in providing these camping opportunities. For State info go to: http://www.dnr.wa.gov/base/recreation.html
The National Park Service operates Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area for the million plus visitors who visit each year. There are 22 boat launches and 19 campgrounds along the 151 miles of lake. Free children's programs, campfire programs, canoe trips and boat inspections are offered every summer. You may contact them at 509-738-6366 or http://www.nps.gov/laro/
In addition, please visit the Lake Roosevelt Forum's web site at www.lrf.org. This site provides all age groups with vital information regarding the history and cultural resources of the area; recreational opportunities and visitor information; operational and environmental activities of resource managers; and educational resources for teachers and students.
Colville City Parks
Colville could be nicknamed the "city of parks" with the largest and most pristine at the 18 acre tree encased "Yep-Kanum" park. This park includes a municipal swimming pool, eating areas and picnic tables, play equipment and various shelters. Other parks include: Dean Vaagen Park, Angus McDonald Park, Rotary Park, Keller Heritage Center Park, City Hall Park and Heritage Court. The Jeff Weeman Memorial and Spenser Memorial has donated the Jeff Weeman basketball courts, skateboard park, and in-line skate park. For more details and to rent shelter houses, visit the Colville Parks & Recreation Department at http://www.theofficenet.com/~park_rec/parks&recreation.htm or call 509-684-3086.
