Colville National Forest

Colville National Forest encompasses a total area of 954,409 acres of land in the northeast corner of Washington, bordering Canada. To access the park, you can use several routes including US 395, CA 20 and CA 21. Metropolis and civic areas close to the national forest include Newport, Colville, Republic, and Metaline Falls. 

The national forest was established on March 1, 1907, and is governed by the U.S. Forest Service. Several features make Colville National Forest an interesting place to visit. First, the forest includes three mountain ranges including, Kettle River, Selkirk, and Okanogan. Selkirk is considered to be the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. 

Other interesting features that draw visitors to the park include the Salmo-Priest Wilderness which is located in the wet, western slopes of Selkirk which contains old-growth forests of Western Hemlock, Red Cedar, and Douglas Fir. Additionally, the national forest is home to Sherman Pass, which is the highest pass in Washington. 

As for the unique wildlife species in the Colville National Forest, you can find the only herd of woodland caribou in Washington. They reside in the northeastern part of the forest near Metaline Falls. Besides these natural features of the park, you will also find several man-made amenities including 49 Degrees North Ski, which is a full-service ski resort. 

You can also find other amenities including dispersed camping, 28 campgrounds, three group camps, trails (485+ miles), picnic sites, scenic drives, six interpretive sites, ORV area, and a ski area. These amenities make it possible to enjoy several fun activities including camping, hunting, fishing, boating, canoeing, rafting, hiking, ORV riding, mountain biking, swimming, water-skiing, cross-country and downhill skiing, and snowmobiling.

Dog’s are also allowed into the forest, but some restrictions make it possible for everyone including the wildlife in the park to have a good time in the forest. For example, all dog’s are expected to be leashed. If your dog is not leashed, then your dog should be in a secure enclosure. It is also important to be aware of areas of the park that you are restricted from visiting with your dog. You can find such details from the forest service offices.