Dog walking in Kettle Falls

This town neighboring Kettle Falls is where you’ll find the dog-friendly Sherman Creek State Wildlife Recreation Area, almost 9,000 acres that lie on the west side of Lake Roosevelt. This is a mostly forested tract of land, with forest roads covering several miles and with meadows scattered among the dense trees. You and your fur-pup may see raptors in the sky and trees, or bears, deer and small mammals on the ground. Beautiful and fragrant wildflowers like wild lupin and daisies line the sides of the roads as well. The Creek and its tributaries make for fine splashing for your canine companion, but be sure to keep him on his leash for his safety and to protect the wildlife. Pawrrific!

This small town near Kettle Falls is home to Copper Butte Mountain, part of the Kettle Mountain Range. Although this is considered a small mountain, there’s no real mountaineering involved for you and your fur-pup to get to the top. It’s just a pleasant walk on a nice trail called the “Old Stage Route” trail, and it only takes about 3 hours. When you reach the top of Copper Butte, you’ll be treated to views of Canada and the western, more familiar mountains like the Cascades. There are 2 benches and a cairn at the top for those among us who need a rest or are meditative. The road to the top is lovely, with wildflowers and trees along its stony, but easy path. This is a fine place to spend a morning or afternoon with your pawsome fur-buddy taking a walk. Furbulous!

This neighborhood in nearby Colville is home to the pup-welcoming Colville National Forest, with over a million acres of forest, over 100 miles of trails, and many campgrounds. Colville shares the Forest with several surrounding communities. In addition to the trails, there are miles of forest roads that allow humans and their pups to get anywhere in the park quickly and easily. In the winter the trails are perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing with your furry bestie, too. There are many places where you and Fido can lay your heads, depending on what kind of camping you’re up for: camping, wilderness, RV, tent, or cabins. The Snow Peak Trailhead here is about a mile long, and depending on the season, is a great trail for hiking, skiing or snowshoeing! With lots to do and see in the Corville National Forest, this is a must for you and your fur-pup! Pawsome!

Colbert is a town to the southeast of Kettle Falls, and this neighborhood of Colbert is where the Mt Spokane State Park resides. It’s one of the largest state parks, with 100 miles of trails in the Selkirk Mountains. Hikers and their pups can walk among lupine and other wildflowers, through forests and meadows. In the summer here, the ripe huckleberries are yours for the taking, and fireweed is everywhere. The denizens of this park include moose and deer, elk and small mammals, along with raptors and other birds. A smorgasbord for Fido’s senses! In the winter, bring your pup with you as you ski cross-country or snowshoe through the sparkling snow, seeking hares through the trees, but do remember to keep your fur-baby leashed. When you’ve had enough exercise for the day, bed down in one of Mt Spokane’s 8 campgrounds, which feature water and flush restrooms. Woof!