Overview
Metaline Falls is a small, quiet town in the far northeastern corner of Washington State, tucked into the Selkirk Mountains along the Pend Oreille River just a few miles south of the Canadian border. Its population numbers only in the low hundreds, making it one of the more remote incorporated communities in the state.
The town's character is shaped by the river gorge that runs alongside it, the surrounding national forest lands, and a legacy of mining and timber that defined this part of Washington for most of the 20th century. The historic downtown retains a handful of original early-1900s brick buildings.
Visitors come primarily for outdoor recreation — hiking, wildlife watching, fishing, and kayaking — as well as for the genuine sense of solitude that is increasingly hard to find in the Pacific Northwest. The pace here is unhurried, and the landscape does most of the talking.
Before You Go
General Preparation
Metaline Falls is genuinely remote. Mobile phone coverage is limited and can be unreliable; download offline maps (such as Gaia GPS or Google Maps offline) before you arrive. Fuel up in larger towns like Newport or Colville before heading north, as services in Metaline Falls are minimal.
Washington State Route 31 is the main access road. In winter, mountain passes and secondary roads in the area can become snow-covered or icy; check Washington State DOT road conditions before travel (wsdot.wa.gov).
Visas and the Canadian Border
The Canada–US border crossing at Nelway (a short drive from Metaline Falls) provides access into British Columbia. If you plan to cross, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the official US Customs and Border Protection (cbp.gov) and the Canada Border Services Agency (cbsa-asfc.gc.ca) for current entry requirements, as rules can change. The Nelway crossing has limited hours — verify current hours locally or on the official CBSA site before planning a crossing.
Getting There
By Car
The most practical way to reach Metaline Falls is by private vehicle. From Spokane, the drive is roughly 90–100 miles northeast via US-2 and SR-20 or SR-31, taking approximately 2 to 2.5 hours depending on your exact route. From Newport, Washington, head north on SR-20 and then SR-31 — a scenic drive of about 35–40 miles.
By Air
The nearest commercial airport with regular service is Spokane International Airport (GEG). Rental cars are available at the airport and are strongly recommended for this trip, as there is no meaningful public transportation connecting Spokane to Metaline Falls.
Public Transportation
There is no scheduled intercity bus or rail service to Metaline Falls. Plan on self-driving.
Getting Around
A personal vehicle is essentially required to explore the area. The town itself is small enough to walk in a matter of minutes, but the surrounding natural attractions — Box Canyon, Gardner Cave, hiking trailheads — require driving on state highways and forest roads.
Some forest roads may require a high-clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicle, particularly after rain or in early spring. Check conditions with the Colville National Forest ranger district before heading onto unpaved roads. There are no ride-share services or taxis operating in this area.
Where to Stay
Accommodation options in Metaline Falls and the immediate surrounding area are limited. There is typically at least one small local motel or inn serving the area; verify current availability through general travel booking platforms or by contacting Pend Oreille County tourism resources, as properties in small rural towns can change ownership or close with little notice.
Camping is a popular and practical option. Colville National Forest has dispersed camping areas and developed campgrounds in the region; contact the Newport Ranger District for current options, fees, and reservation requirements. Washington State Parks camping is available at Crawford State Park on a seasonal basis — check parks.wa.gov for reservations.
For more accommodation choice, Colville (roughly 60 miles south) or Newport serve as better-supplied base towns if you prefer a wider range of lodging.
Things to See & Do
Box Canyon of the Pend Oreille
One of the most striking natural features near town, the Box Canyon Dam and the narrow basalt gorge of the Pend Oreille River offer dramatic scenery. There is a viewpoint area accessible from SR-31; verify current access conditions with the Pend Oreille PUD before visiting.
Gardner Cave — Crawford State Park
A short drive from Metaline Falls, Crawford State Park is home to Gardner Cave, the longest limestone cave in Washington State. Cave tours are seasonal and ranger-led; verify current tour schedules and availability through Washington State Parks (parks.wa.gov) before your visit, as hours vary significantly by season.
Hiking in Colville National Forest
The surrounding Colville National Forest offers a range of hiking trails passing through old-growth forest, meadows, and ridgelines with views into Idaho and British Columbia. The Abercrombie Mountain and Hooknose trails are among the more well-known routes in the area. Trailhead conditions and permit requirements (if any) should be confirmed with the Newport Ranger District of the Colville National Forest.
Wildlife Watching
The Selkirk Mountains ecosystem supports moose, white-tailed deer, black bear, and a variety of raptors. The area is also one of the few remaining habitats in the contiguous US for woodland caribou, though sightings are extremely rare. Birdwatchers will find the riparian corridors along the Pend Oreille River productive.
Cutter Theatre
Metaline Falls's historic Cutter Theatre — named for architect Kirtland Cutter — is a beautifully preserved early-20th-century building that hosts community performances and events on an intermittent schedule. Check locally for upcoming programming.
Food & Drink
Dining options in Metaline Falls are very limited given the town's size. There are typically one or two small local establishments — a café or tavern — but hours and availability can be irregular, especially off-season. Verify what is currently open upon arrival or by checking in advance.
Visitors are strongly advised to bring food and supplies with them, particularly for multi-day stays or if arriving outside summer months. Newport and Colville, both within driving distance to the south, have grocery stores and a broader selection of restaurants. If you're planning a picnic or backcountry day, stock up before heading north.
Practical Information
Services and Connectivity
Metaline Falls has very basic services. There is a small post office; a community school serves the area. Banking and ATM access is limited — bring cash or ensure your card works before arriving. Mobile data connectivity is spotty throughout the region.
Emergency Services
For emergencies, dial 911. The nearest hospital with significant services is in Colville or Newport; the distance means response times for medical emergencies can be longer than in urban areas. If you are undertaking backcountry hiking, let someone know your itinerary and expected return time.
National Forest Recreation Pass
A Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful pass may be required at some trailheads in Colville National Forest. Verify current requirements at fs.usda.gov/colville or with the ranger district.
Safety
The primary safety considerations in this area are wilderness-related rather than crime-related. The town itself is quiet and low-crime. Outdoor hazards include getting lost on backcountry trails, encountering black bears (carry bear spray and know how to use it), and changing weather that can bring snow even in late spring or early fall at elevation.
River conditions on the Pend Oreille can be powerful and hazardous, especially near dam infrastructure. Observe all posted warnings and barriers near Box Canyon Dam. If kayaking or paddling, assess conditions carefully and wear appropriate personal flotation devices.
Wildfire smoke can affect air quality during summer months, particularly in August and September. Monitor air quality forecasts if you have respiratory concerns.
