Hi I'm John Williams on another Accessible Adventure in the Pacific Northwest. Sometimes
you just want a little solitude away from the crowds well I've found just the place this
time we're in the Northwest Rockies for the Tale of Two Scenic Byways in the Colville
National Forest. First we'll visit a part of the International Selkirk Loop an All American
Road then we'll head over Sherman Pass Scenic Byway as we explore Northeast Washington.
We begin our adventure in Newport Washington at the Pend Orielle County Historical Museum.
This part of the International Selkirk Loop is a 68 mile trip from Newport to the Boundry
Dam just a short distance from the Canadian border.
As you travel the scenic byway The Pend Oreille River will be your constant companion.
Stop in for ice cream or a cool drink at the Tiger Store and Post Office now a visitor
center and museum. Once a thriving community this store and post office is the only thing
left of the town of Tiger founded in 1880.
Sullivan Lake is just a short way off the scenic byway. There's camping available at
East Sullivan Campground and West Sullivan Campground. Both have accessible campgrounds
available.
It's well over 90 degrees today so cinematographer Dave Hood and I decide it's time to cool off
a bit.
Ok back to work stop in at historic Millpond built originally for a hydrolelectiric plant
today a popular recreation site.
At the end of our journey on the All American Road we visit the Vista House overlooking
the Boundary Dam.
Next up Colville a small timber and agricultural community with a blossoming music and arts
and crafts scene set in a beautiful valley just over an hour's drive north of Spokane.
It's always fun to come to the warmer dryer side of Washington State and it's the perfect
day to head over the Sherman Pass Scenic Byway.
Sherman Pass is about 43 miles over miles over the Kettle River Range on Hwy 20.
Our first stop on the Sherman Pass Scenic Byway is the Kettle Falls Historical Center.
Behind the interpretive center is St. Paul's Mission. Take the trail out to the scenic
view point. It's kind of like pushing on a thick carpet because of the sand and needles
but it's well worth the effort!
The Grand Coulee Dam created Roosevelt Lake and in doing so flooded Kettle Falls. Forever
silencing the once mighty Native American fishing grounds. It's estimated Native Americans
would catch up to a1000 salmon a day during peak seasons at Kettle Falls.
Since the 1800's logging has been a part of life here. A great way to learn the early
history of the industry is to stop at the Log Flume Heritage Site along Canyon Creek.
The interpretive trail is paved and it's an easy push. And if you want to work up a little
more appetite before having a picnic I found this paved trail about a mile long to be just
the ticket!
Camping is a great way to experience the Colville National Forest there are several campgrounds
along the way with accessible campsites.
Fire is always a threat to our forests and as you can see by the smoky sky this year
is no exception.
Learn how fire has shaped the forest with a stop at the Sherman Overlook. Join me on
a short hike on this paved interpretive trail to the Overlook.
At the White Moutain Fire Overlook you'll see how this 1988 fire burned over 20,000
acres but gave new birth to the forest.
We end of our adventure in the quaint western themed town of Republic. Come visit the Colville
National Forest on Washignton's Wild Side where you'll find everything but the crowds!
It's kind of the forgotten side of the state you'll always remember. Please check the Colville
National Forest website for complete details. I'm John Williams headed off on another Accessible
Adventure in The Pacific Northwest.