There’s no denying that Washington is a beautiful state full of diverse scenery. And if you’re really lucky, you’ll get to spend some time in one of our quiet small towns that are surrounded by nature. Pend Oreille County’s Metaline Falls is one of these towns… in fact, this tiny community may be one of the most visually stunning spots in our state. Let’s take a look at a few things to do in Metaline Falls, Washington.

When you’re in Metaline Falls, you’ll see breathtaking beauty in every direction.
Ruthven78 via Wikipedia
The Pend Oreille River runs past one part of town, with the beautiful Colville National Forest surrounding the rest of the area.

Enjoy a trip to Colville National Forest in this video from Old Buzzard Video as they show off one of the most loved activities in the area driving along the forest's many scenic off-roading trails:

When we say tiny, we mean tiny.
Jasperdo / Flickr
The population of Metaline Falls is 238, and the town has a total area of 0.21 square miles.
Metaline Falls was settled in 1900, and most of its early residents were in the logging industry or employed by the Mammoth and Morning lead-zinc mines.
Jasperdo / Flickr
For much of the twentieth century, the Lehigh Portland Cement Company was the economic core of the town. It hasn’t been in operation since 1989, but the building remains and is now a historical landmark. You'll also find well-preserved old buildings like the one pictured here from the town's earlier days.

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Despite its small size, this town has some pretty impressive bragging rights.
cmh2315fl / Flickr
The train sequences of the 1993 movie "Benny & Joon" were filmed in the area, and scenes from the 1997 film "The Postman" were filmed here.
The Metaline Falls community embraces the arts, and several festivals are held there every year.
Metaline Falls Washington/Facebook
Affair on Main Street, an arts and crafts festival, takes place every Labor Day weekend.
Being surrounded by nature means there are some gorgeous hiking trails in the area.
Zion Schlund / Alltrails
This is part of the beautiful 8-mile Sullivan Lake trail.
If you visit between Memorial Day and Labor Day, exploring Gardner Cave is a must.
dwilend / TripAdvisor
The cave is about 10 miles north of Metaline Falls and less than a mile from the Canadian border. When you walk through it, you’ll come to a sign that says "I walked to Canada."

Watch some footage of the delightful town of Metaline Falls, WA, and its neighbor Ione, both historic mining towns in Washington:

Whether you come to Metaline Falls for the beautiful natural areas or the interesting history, there is plenty of enjoyable things to do in Metaline Falls, Washington. Metaline Falls is a beautiful day trip or weekend getaway destination, especially during one of its craft fairs or festivals. Here are some other wonderful Washington towns everyone should visit.

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Things to do in Metaline Falls, Washington

Chris Muras | March 20, 2023

What are some fun things to do in Metaline Falls, WA?

Mataline Falls may be a small town you may not have even heard of before now, but there is still plenty to do in this beautiful town surrounded by natural wonders. Here are a few fun things to do in Metaline Falls, WA:

  • Walk through a mountain: Gardner Cave in Crawford State Park is a great place to explore. Crawford isn't as well known as many state parks in the state, so it's one of those hidden gems you'll want to keep all to yourself. The biggest draw in the park is the cave. It's the third longest in Washington, and the only one open to the public, so it is pretty special.
  • ATV trail riding: The Colville National Forest south of Metaline Falls, WA is one of the best places in the area for off-roading fun. With miles and miles of trails through rugged forests a day spent spinning your wheels in mud puddles might appeal to your adventurous spirit.
  • Fishing the Pend Oreille River: The Pend Oreille River wraps around Metaline Falls so you have ample opportunities for discovering some pretty hot fishing holes. Expect to find nearly a dozen different types of trout alone. From rainbow to Arctic grayling. You also find bass, muskie, sturgeon, and even landlocked Chinook salmon ready to take your bait.
  • The Farmhouse Cafe: A stop at the Farmhouse Cafe after a day of off-roading or fishing is simply one of the most delightful experiences. Hearty breakfasts, homemade pastries, delicious pies, and good old-fashioned home-cooked meals in a gorgeous mountain setting - what could be better?

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Metaline Falls, WA, USA