Things to do in Colville, Washington: A "local's only" trip itinerary

Colville, Washington... tourist destination of the stars. You may think I am kidding... after you read this list, you won't think that.

The list below was built by extensive interviewing of locals... and by testing ourselves on the ground.

If you live here, or if you're planning on visiting or driving through the city, you've just found a list of things you have GOT to try in Colville.

Read on, and if you think we've missed something, please use the form below or contact us on Facebook, and we will add your ideas!

Jog by Diamond Lake- A natural lake with 6 miles of shoreline- this is a nice local spot to go fishing. Ask our employees for more information.

Grill chicken and go swimming at Bradbury Beach- The best place to go swimming. There is a large roped off dock in the middle and the water is warmer and slower moving than anywhere else on the lake. Picnic and grills.

Fish the Colville Flats- With no boat launch for trailers, you have to hand launch all craft here, but it is worth it for the exceptional fishing and swimming you will find.

See Crystal Falls at sunset in the summer time- 14 miles east of Colville, there is a turnout on the old highway there where you can take your children or significant other to see the natural beauty of this place. Well worth the trip.

Hunt in Aladdin Valley- This is a great area to hunt or hike.

Play guitar around a fire in Douglas Falls- A great campsite, you can spend two weeks straight here if you wanted to and once you see it, you may do just that. There are picnic tables, fire rings, drinking water and some of the best hiking, boating and fishing you'll find around Colville.

Walk in and camp Cloverleaf- The place to go if you want to catch a glimpse of the elusive bald eagle. You can camp here year-round and each site has picnic tables and fire pits. Boat-in or walk-in only.

Photo credit: instagram.com/aheadfullofdaises

Float the Kettle from I-Beach- This is the launch point for floating Kettle River.

Paddle boat and fly fish Emerald Lake- This small body of water, also called Toad Lake, is great for swimming or paddle boating there are no motorized boats allowed. The lake is stocked with rainbow and kokanee, all-in-all a great getaway. Ask an employee about Hoodoo trail.

Camp and hike the Columbia River during a full moon- The largest river in the Pacific Northwest, this river offers great recreational opportunities from kayaking and fly-fishing, to hiking or camping.

Cross country ski around Blacktail Butte- A mountain near Colville, this is a great place to go hiking or cross country skiing.

Camp and fish on Curlew Lake and take a picture of midnight clouds on the water- 8 miles from the fossil dig, this is a 123-acre camping park. A great destination to go on a day out, or even a nice overnight. Fishing is great as well.

Find out why it's called Deadman Mountain- Great hiking mid-summer through mid-fall, it starts out steep but levels off after the first bit. Wonderful views and highly recommended.

Mouse on a full moon on Deep Lake- This lake is on the same trail that leads to Deadman Lake. This lake is best fished between May and July and offers great trails for fishing families.

Take a picture of four different birds on Colville Mountain- North of Colville, this mountain is visible to the entire town and offers great recreational activities.

Eat dinner in Kettle Falls- Offering access to Roosevelt Lake, this small town is 40 miles south of the Canadian border.

Image shot by https://www.instagram.com/laurenk.moran/

Visit Little Pend Oreille [National Wildlife Refuge]- Also called LPO, this is the best place to see migratory birds in the surrounding area. 13 miles south of Colville, this refuge has over 40,000 acres and hosts a wide range of wildlife great for the whole family.

Watch the parade of boats on Loon Lake- A 100-acre lake, it is 2 miles long and a mile wide with a depth of about 100 feet. This is a great lake for yachting, boating, fishing, swimming be sure to catch the boat parade on the 4th of July.

Visit all 5 pieces of the McDowell Marsh- McMEET (McDowell Marsh Environmental Education Trail) is a must see. It is a 1.2 mile trail with five distinct ecological habitats. Great for birders or couples with children.

Hike the Mill Butte Trail- This trail starts at the LPO Headquarters and runs through the refuge.

Find out what the "Bridal Chamber" is in Old Dominion Mine-5 miles east of Colville, this mine is located on private land and was one of the first mines worked in the state.

Explore Pinkston Creek- This is a great creek you can access by ATV.

Visit St. Paul's Mission on Roosevelt Lake- This lake was created in 1941 when the Columbia was damned at Coulee. It is 130 miles and great for all water recreation.

Take the Shedroof Divide Trail in Salmo Priest- The most remote wilderness around Colville you can spot grizzlies here. It has the most impressive old-growth forests and will not let you down.

Camp the Ten-Mile Campground off Highway 21 and fish the Sanpoil- This river is called gray "gray as far as the eye can see," to be specific. Good brook trout here.

Swim in Kamloops- This is a good one. Be sure to ask an employee about specifics... we can't talk much more about it on the inter-webs.

Take a boat out on Snake Cove- This cove is out past the Kamloops.

Catch a bow in the Upper Columbia- The Children's Forest education activities this is a great place for your children to learn about the forest, wildlife and conservation. It's also a reference describing the portion of the Columbia from Priest Dam and up.

Fish the White Mud Lake at midnight- This lake is best fished at midnight. The perfect summer night getaway.