The Health District serves the public in three counties, with a total population of 66,000 people and spans over 6,000 square miles. Stevens County, being the largest of the three has a total population of 43,531 (as of 2010 US Census) of which, 4,673 reside in Colville, the county seat. The area's economy is based primarily on timber, agriculture and mining, with an increased growth in manufacturing, outdoor recreation and tourism.
The climate offers four seasons with normal summer temperatures reaching the 90's during the day and cooling off comfortably at night. Fall delights include an array of dynamic colors with aspens and larch turning bright yellow. During the winter, heavier snows in the mountains are a treat for snow enthusiasts. Spring brings an invitation to plant, as the growing season lasts between 110-130 days. The average rainfall is approximately 17 inches.
Summer brings warm days, cool nights, and sunshine that lasts for 17 hours. Lake Roosevelt formed by the Grand Coulee Dam, is just 15 minutes from Colville. This national recreation area is a popular destination in the summer for outdoor recreation enthusiasts. The 130-mile long stretch of water, going up to the Canadian border, is a wonderful spot for boating, camping, fishing and swimming.
Surrounded by nature and the 1.1 million acre Colville National Forest, fall is one of the best times for camping, hiking, mushroom picking, and hunting. There are trailheads throughout the county heading into the mountains with varying degrees of difficulty. Abercrombie Mountain, located in the Selkirk Mountain range, is the highest point in Stevens County, at an elevation of 7,310 feet. Rated as a moderate hike, in the fall, it's summit offers a breathtaking view of the changing colors of the larch.
In the winter months you will find snowshoeing, skiing, and snowmobiling are popular activities. 49 Degrees North Mountain Resort is just 9 miles east of Chewelah, offering acres of tree skiing and a Nordic ski center, making it a perfect day trip for the entire family. Frater Lake just 29 miles east of Colville is a 10-mile system of forested loop trails ideal for cross country skiing or snowshoeing. With trail-heads east of Colville, northeast of Colville and east of Chewelah, you can snowmobile for miles or park at Flodelle/Tacoma Sno Park and access over 138 miles of groomed trails.
Spring brings bright green new growth, but the trail system is still thawing. This is a great time to go fishing, hunting, or start planning out your garden. Fishing season opens the last Saturday in April, walleye and rainbow trout are the fish of choice in the area. Colville is known as the Wild Turkey Capital of Washington, as more turkeys are found in this region than any other part of the state. They can be hunted from April 15 - May 31. If you want to test your green thumb visit the weekly Farmer's Market (May-October) where you can get many starts for your garden and expert knowledge on all kinds of farming/gardening and food production. The market also provides nutritious, locally grown fruits, vegetables, plants, and other handcrafted unique products.
Experience downtown Colville: A friendly community, interesting history, and great shopping.
Home to many thriving entrepreneurs, shopping local in the Colville area is easy!
The area's economy is based primarily on agriculture, timber, mining, manufacturing, and regional offices of the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Forest Service. Major private employers include Boise Cascade, Vaagens Brothers Lumber, Hewescraft, Colmac Coil Manufacturing, and Delta Dental of Washington. Tourism has increased to the nearby National Forest land for hunting, fishing, and local farms, orchards, and corn mazes.
Vaagen Brothers Lumber
Founded in the early 1950's by Bert and Bud Vaagen. Today, the company continues as a closely held corporation owned by members of the Vaagen family.
Hewescraft
A Family business born by brothers Bob and Ralph Hewes nearly sixty-eight years ago. Still in the family, Hewescraft is now guided by the second generation family leadership of Bill and Dave Hewes.
Enjoy a Relaxed Pace of Life
With traffic virtually nonexistent in Northeast Washington you can free up the many hours a day you spend in bumper to bumper traffic. Find your dream home away from town and you can admire the scenery on your commute to and from work. Or if you prefer to be closer to the amenities of town and save money on gas, you may opt for a residence where you can walk or bike to the office.
Northeast Washington: It's Real Life
LIFE JUST GOT BETTER
The modest cost of living in the Colville area, means homes are more affordable and your money goes further. The median cost for a home in Colville is $156,600. With a unique mix of options, no matter what you desire, a home with acreage, a view, property to build your dream home, or a fixer upper you can find it here.
Live Where You Play
With rolling mountains and green forest in every direction, enjoy lakes, rivers, fishing, hunting, hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, backpacking and so much more right in your back yard!
Spokane: Near Nature, Near Perfect.
A quick hour and a half from Colville, is Spokane. Washington state's second largest city, offering easy access to numerous lakes, ski resorts, mountains, and bike paths. It's not all about wilderness though. Downtown you will find a vibrant metro area with a variety of restaurants, performance venues, breweries, wineries, shopping, and elegant hotels. Here you can experience the small-town atmosphere with the advantage of big-city amenities.
Credits:
A special thanks to Northeast Tri County Economic Development District for sharing their videos and pictures, Vaagen Brothers Lumber, Hewescraft, and Joanie Christian Photography.