Kettle Falls Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Orchards on the Columbia River
Orchards on the Columbia River
Back in 1980, Ryan Lake and its adjacent campgrounds and wilderness area was supposed to lie outside the predicted blast zone for the impending eruption of Mount St. Helens. The lake lies a bit more than twelve miles from the mountain, and geologists had designated only 10-mile radius as a "red zone" around the volcano. But volcanoes don't consult with geologists before cracking open their domes. So, on May 18th of that year, when St. Helens finally erupted, the effects of the blast were felt well beyond their predicted radius. And Ryan Lake was not spared. Sadly, three campers backpacking through the local complex of trails did not make it out in time. Today, the area around Ryan Lake remains much as it was immediately after the blast. Toppled trees are everywhere. There is thick ash underfoot, and wherever you walk on the short six-tenths of a mile trail around the lake, you will see evidence of that day. The grounds have been turned into a self-guided interpretative center. There are signs along the way to inform visitors of the extent of the devastation (one sign sits by a a tree stump, which, turned over on its side, is twelve feet high). But the signs also outline the forest's ongoing recovery, and the efforts to aid that recovery by the Forest Service, volunteers, and even the timber industry itself. Nowhere, though, will you see mentioned the three individuals who lost their lives here some thirty-five years ago. But when you visit, you'll be walking in their footsteps. It is a magnificent place, full of wild beauty and the evidence of nature's ferocious power. And for those three people, who must have loved the wilderness as much as any of us who walk there, I can think of no more fitting memorial.
Columbia Point Resort

Columbia Point Resort

2 out of 5
978 US-395 Kettle Falls WA
Stay at this motel in Kettle Falls. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews.
8.2/10 Very Good! (141 reviews)
Convenient, peaceful location. Clean, cozy room and very friendly staff. I will definitely stay again next time I’m in the area.

Reviewed on 13 Jan 2026

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Columbia Point Resort
Rural Kettle Falls Bunkhouse w/ Airstrip & Trails!

Rural Kettle Falls Bunkhouse w/ Airstrip & Trails!

3 out of 5
3378 Northport Flat Creek Road Kettle Falls WA
Stay at this cottage in Kettle Falls. Enjoy free parking, in-room fireplaces and air conditioning. Popular attractions China Bend Winery and Peapon Lake are ...
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Rural Kettle Falls Bunkhouse w/ Airstrip & Trails!
Kettle Falls Home w/ River Valley Mtn Views!

Kettle Falls Home w/ River Valley Mtn Views!

3 out of 5
3645 Vineyard Way Kettle Falls WA
Stay at this cottage in Kettle Falls. Enjoy free parking, balconies and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions China Bend Winery and Peapon Lake are located ...
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Kettle Falls Home w/ River Valley Mtn Views!
See all 71 properties in Kettle Falls
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Rural Kettle Falls Bunkhouse w/ Airstrip & Trails!

Rural Kettle Falls Bunkhouse w/ Airstrip & Trails!

3 out of 5
3378 Northport Flat Creek Road Kettle Falls WA
Stay at this cottage in Kettle Falls. Enjoy free parking, in-room fireplaces and air conditioning. Popular attractions China Bend Winery and Peapon Lake are ...
Rural Kettle Falls Bunkhouse w/ Airstrip & Trails!
Kettle Falls Home w/ River Valley Mtn Views!

Kettle Falls Home w/ River Valley Mtn Views!

3 out of 5
3645 Vineyard Way Kettle Falls WA
Stay at this cottage in Kettle Falls. Enjoy free parking, balconies and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions China Bend Winery and Peapon Lake are located ...
Kettle Falls Home w/ River Valley Mtn Views!
Lake-view 4-season Retreat in Republic!

Lake-view 4-season Retreat in Republic!

3 out of 5
Republic WA
Stay at this cottage in Republic. Enjoy free parking, patios and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Curlew Lake State Park and Curlew Lake are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
Great Getaway and nature views

Reviewed on 9 Nov 2024

Lake-view 4-season Retreat in Republic!
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Pierre Lake

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Pierre Lake during your travels in Kettle Falls. Wander the forests or discover the area's waterfalls.

Pierre Lake

Pierre Lake Trailhead

You can take time to visit Pierre Lake Trailhead during your travels to Kettle Falls. Wander the forests or discover the area's waterfalls.

Pierre Lake Trailhead

China Bend Winery

You can enjoy a tasting or tour at China Bend Winery during your travels to Kettle Falls. Wander the forests or discover the area's waterfalls.

China Bend Winery

Cities near Kettle Falls

#BVSBlue - Beginning Blue Hour. Panorama of the Colville Valley with snow reflecting the strong blue just after sunset.

Colville

The stunning view from the Great Trail in Christina Lake, BC!

Christina Lake