Cusick and Usk 

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The Towns of Cusick and Usk are located in the Calispel Valley, twenty miles north of Newport along the south bank of the Pend Oreille River on State Highway 20. Forested mountains ranging in elevation from 2,050 feet to 7,300 feet surround them.

Cusick, Washington, home of the Pend Oreille County Fair, lies along the Pend Oreille River in the middle of the County. The wood pilings, which stored logs during the height of the logging industry, now host osprey nests. The Cusick/Usk area is the hub of industrial and agricultural economy in the County.

The Ponderay Newsprint Company and Ponderay Valley Fibre are the two major industries with hay production and cattle raising being the agricultural portion of the economy. The Kalispel Tribe of Indians operates a small business industrial park. Their reservation is located on the east bank of the river, where a herd of buffalo provides meat for the elders of the tribe plus some for a profit making enterprise. There are several lakes with campgrounds and boat launches providing access to the Pend Oreille River. Sports enthusiasts visit Cusick/Usk year round to camp, hunt, fish, view wildlife in a natural setting, and enjoy the beauty and peace of the area.

Ione

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On a crisp fall morning a train whistle can be heard in the distance. Visitors from all over the world await the conductor's voice announcing "All Aboard!". The North Pend Oreille Valley Lion's excursion train is about to begin its trip from the Ione Depot to Metaline Falls and return. This two-hour ride gives tourists a chance to experience traveling on a train of yesteryear through some of Pend Oreille County's most scenic country and often times sight wildlife as the train winds its way through the country-side. A stop on the trestle spanning the Pend Oreille River gives passengers a birds-eye view of Box Canyon Dam, Pend Oreille Utility District's generation plant.

The Town of Ione, located in north central Pend Oreille County, is situated on State Highway 31. It is 22 miles south of the Canadian Border and approximately 90 miles north of Spokane. Ione is located on the banks of the beautiful Pend Oreille River in the heart of the Selkirk Mountains. An abundance of wildlife, primitive forests and clear mountain lakes provide year-round opportunities for recreation.

Newport

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A band playing in the gazebo as you enter the city, children skateboarding in the skate park, citizens attending the local movie theater, stopping by the soda fountain and then safely walking home on well lit streets. Remembrances of days gone by? No, this is Newport Washington, a regional treasure north of Spokane just now being discovered by visitors to our nearby rivers, lakes and wilderness areas. Our citizens enjoy the purest drinking water, excellent medical care, low cost electricity and a newly revitalized downtown designed to recall a bygone era.

Designed as a walkable city, our residents enjoy benches and wide sidewalks built to allow better accessibility to downtown shopping. Our youth attend excellent schools from elementary to the new Community College. After school, they can hang out at the new skate park, in city park.  Although we cherish values from the past, we have the technology and skilled workforce to meet the challenges of the future.

Metaline & Metaline Falls

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The Towns of Metaline and Metaline Falls are nestled among pristine mountains, a Scenic River, and abundant wildlife. Metaline Falls was voted one of the "100 Best Small Art Towns in America" in 1996. The community prides itself in its development of culture and art. The residents love the small-town atmosphere while also enjoying the many artistic and cultural opportunities available. Historical buildings (including several by renowned architect, Kirtland Cutter) add to the charm of Metaline Falls.

The Cutter Theatre, circa 1912, features live performances, an art gallery, the Historic Schools Display, and houses the Metaline Falls Library. The annual "Affair on Mainstreet" is a wonderful celebration held each Labor Day weekend, featuring live entertainment, arts and crafts, great food, and a musical production. Other popular attractions include guided tours of unique rock formations in nearby Gardner Caves and jet boat tours on the Pend Oreille River. The North Pend Oreille Scenic Byway and the International Selkirk Loop pass through Metaline and Metaline Falls, delivering some of the most striking scenery Washington has to offer!

The "Metalines" are located on State Highway 31 twelve miles south of the Canadian Border, and approximately ninety miles north of Spokane. Access into Canada is through Port of Entry at Metaline Falls/Nelway crossing on Highway 31. 

 

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