Northeast Washington Overview

Northeastern Washington falls in the rain shadow of the Cascade mountains, and draws many Washington residents looking from a respite from western moist weather. The most extensive freshwater recreation in Washington can be found at places like Banks Lake behind Grand Coulee Dam, Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake, and all along the wild Columbia river. Unique geography carved by cataclysmic ice age floods have transformed much of this area into a playground for rock climbers, and during the winter attracts visitors to ski and snowboard in one of several mountain resorts, or to experience the backcountry on crosscountry skis or snowshoes. Nearly year-round concerts at The Gorge Amphitheatre attract thousands to what has been voted the best outdoor amphitheatre.

Spokane, the second largest city in Washington, is a golfer's paradise, with over thirty courses within an hour drive. For the more ambitious, whitewater rafting and horseback riding in the surrounding area, or in one of the many city parks.

Links to Detailed Coverage

Biking in Northeast Washington

Northeastern Washington is much less populated than western Washington, and that means fewer cars, and more trails. Out of Spokane and north to Kettle Falls are some great on and off-road biking loops, with some very steep hill climbs for Tour hopefuls.

Boating and Fishing in Northeast Washington

Northwest Washington is dominated by the massive Lake Roosevelt, built by the creation of the Grand Coulee Dam. This 150-mile long body of water is a hot spot for powerboaters and sailboaters alike. Lake Chelan, one of the deepest lakes in the United States, is just the largest of a system of lakes that are fed by extensive Cascade snowmelt. Surrounded by pristine forests and alpine peaks, easy beach access allows for day trips into the nearby meadows and woodlands.

The northeast region of Washington is all about big lake fishing. Lake Chelan, one of the largest and deepest lakes in the United States, and the massive Lake Roosevelt behind the Grand Coulee dam and stretching past Kettle Falls, offer hundreds of miles of water and shoreline. Over thirty different species of fish can be found in Lake Roosevelt alone, along with well over a million trout and kokanee.

South of Moses Lake, Bluegill, Perch, and Walleye fill Potholes Reservoir, and many of these can be pulled during a float trip down the Columbia river. Many small creeks, perfect for catching pan-sized trout on a fly, drain out of the Cascade Range to the west.

Hiking in Northeast Washington

The Cascade Range extends well into the central region of Washington, and with it excellent hiking locations. Be sure to take your camera when departing from Leavenworth or Kettle Falls, as Bald Eagles are common around the shorelines of Lake Roosevelt.

Spokane has nearly 3,500 acres of parks and conservation areas worth exploring, many within the city limits. For a great chance to stretch your legs, Riverside State Park north of Spokane a trail progresses east to the Idaho border.

Skiing / Snowboarding in Northeast Washington

In addition to sharing the ski resorts along the Cascade Range, visitors to northeast Washington frequent 49 Degrees North and Mt Spokane Ski Area. Much of the higher points of this corner of Washington is blanketed by good quality snow during the winter, with hundreds of miles of trails for cross country skiing and snowshoeing.